Grocery store and food shopping

Ready-to-eat meals are available in Carrefour supermarkets in Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, as well as in other stores across Brazil. Prices vary, but daily discounts often make these meals significantly cheaper. It's a convenient and budget-friendly option for quick meals.

Dill and traditional cucumber varieties like 'bull's heart' or 'syl' are not commonly found or are considered rare in Brazil. While some supermarkets and markets may occasionally stock dill, fresh cucumbers tend to be of different, larger varieties. Bringing seeds or pre-prepared ingredients from abroad might be necessary for those craving specific dishes.

To cook delicious beans in Brazil, soak them overnight with half a lemon. In the morning, cook them in a pressure cooker or simmer for a long time. Key to flavor is a rich mix of spices, including onions, carrots, and possibly 'shushu'. Salt should be added towards the end of cooking, as adding it early can make the beans tough. For a richer dish, meat or sausages can be added. 'Ervilha' refers to peas, not beans.

Traditional Eastern European cottage cheese (tvorog) is generally unavailable in standard Brazilian supermarkets, with ricotta being the closest widespread alternative. However, in the southern region of Brazil (specifically Santa Catarina state, including Florianópolis and Blumenau) due to German heritage, a direct cottage cheese equivalent called 'queijinho' is sold in local stores. Outside this region, expats must buy from local artisanal Russian/Ukrainian craft producers or make it at home. Standard cheese prices are high, with plain mozzarella costing around 40-50 BRL/kg.

In Brazil: Oatmeal is available but primarily used in desserts. Semolina (manka) can be found in baby food sections. Kefir (1%, liquid) is available and suitable for pancakes/fritters. Nata is a common substitute for sour cream.

For food and grocery delivery in Brazil, the primary mobile application used is iFood. It provides access to a wide range of local restaurants, shops, and specialized bakeries.

For a supermarket experience in Rio de Janeiro similar to the Russian 'Lenta' in terms of a wide assortment and reasonable prices, 'Mundial' is often recommended. It is a well-known supermarket chain in the region.

To access promotional prices or discounts on certain items in Brazilian supermarkets, customers must provide a CPF (Cadastro de Pessoas Físicas) at the checkout. Without a CPF, items are sold at their full, non-promotional price.

Availability of traditional fish products in Brazil: Cured herring (selyodka) is generally unavailable or extremely expensive. Salmon is widely available as fresh fillets at reasonable prices, making it a better option for home-curing.

When considering gifts for guides or staff in Brazil, avoid popular Russian chocolates like 'Alenka.' While the packaging might be appealing, locals generally prefer cash or more universally appreciated gifts. 'Alenka' is not considered a high-quality or particularly desirable chocolate in Brazil. Offering cash is often a more practical and appreciated form of gratuity. Gifts should be chosen considering local preferences and perceived value, and in Brazil, cash is often preferred over specific souvenir items like inexpensive chocolate.

Specific groceries like pearl barley, buckwheat, natural kefir, and semolina can be found at 'Armazém Vital' stores, which focus on natural products in Brazil.

Black tea (chá preto) is highly uncommon in Brazilian hotels, which mostly offer herbal teas. To purchase black tea, look for the 'Leão' brand in major supermarkets like Carrefour. High-quality loose-leaf black tea can be found in the 'Bistek' supermarket chain, Asian stores in the Liberdade district of Sao Paulo, or ordered online. Travelers preferring black tea are advised to bring their own supply and a travel kettle.

When buying popular coffee brands in Brazilian supermarkets for personal use or as a souvenir, options include Café Pilão, Café do Ponto, Brazil Santos Coffee (noted for being a milder, washed style), and Café Melitta (notable for its very strong and dark roast profile).

Recommended budget supermarket chains in Brazil include Assaí Atacadista, Shibata, and Carrefour. Shopping at wholesale (atacadão) stores is significantly cheaper than retail markets. For transport with heavy luggage from airports or bus terminals, Uber/99 is generally more cost-effective than dedicated airport taxi services.

Fresh oysters are sold at the fish market on the far right end of Copacabana beach, near the museum entrance. Price point: approximately 7 BRL per oyster, shucking is usually included upon request.