Grocery store and food shopping

Brazilian self-service restaurants (por quilo) calculate costs by weight. Prices can vary based on food items (meat is often charged separately) or time of day. While rare, tourists ('gringos') may occasionally face price discrepancies; verifying the receipt or asking about pricing policy is recommended.

Users should be aware that food and grocery delivery services in Brazil, such as iFood, may have significant limitations. These include restrictions on the number of items per order (e.g., 12 items), limited availability of certain cuisines, and inconsistent operating hours for many establishments. It is not always possible to order a wide variety of goods at any time, unlike in larger international cities.

For specific or less common groceries in Brazil, check non-budget supermarkets like Carrefour or Pão de Açúcar, rather than budget stores like Assai.

Key food and grocery delivery services in Brazil include Ifood, 99, and Rappi. The '99' app is noted for frequent coupons and discounts. International payment from Russia can be challenging, often requiring local assistance for payment processing.

Grocery prices in Brazil vary significantly by retailer. Upscale chains like Pão de Açúcar have high markups. For better prices, residents recommend wholesale-style supermarkets like Assaí, Shibata, or Carrefour. 'Rodízio' restaurants often provide an economical option for meals, charging a flat rate for all-you-can-eat meat.

Tomatoes in Brazil, particularly those sold in supermarkets, are often described as pale and lacking flavor, similar to winter tomatoes in Russia. The 'Salada' variety is a notable exception. While root vegetables are generally of good quality, the overall selection of fresh produce, including tomatoes, may be disappointing compared to other regions.

Despite being reported to grow in Brazil, longan fruit is rarely found for sale in regular supermarkets. It has been occasionally spotted in specific stores like Coopersica.

Supermarket chains in Brasília include Pão de Açúcar, Dona, Fartura, and Big Box. Users often report discrepancies in online mapping data due to local store closures or maintenance. It is recommended to verify current status via local search or asking residents.

In São Paulo, Brazil, fruits like mango, avocado, and acerola are abundant and can be found growing freely. Mushmula (loquat) is also present and sometimes sold in stores as an exotic fruit. Mushrooms, however, are considered expensive, with prices ranging from 6 to 10 BRL per 200 grams for various types. This contrasts with observations from other Brazilian regions (e.g., Florianópolis), where mangoes may not ripen and mushroom prices are perceived as normal.

To find specific meat types like turkey (peru), lamb, or duck in Brazil, use large supermarket chains: Assaí, Atacadão, or Zona Sul. For delivery, use the 'iFood' app (be aware that verification often requires a local CPF document; sometimes a few initial small orders are needed to prevent account bans). Local street markets (feiras) also offer a wide variety of fresh meats.

In Brazil, 'Hercules' (oatmeal) is available. Green buckwheat is common. Regular (roasted) buckwheat is rare and can cost around 50 BRL/kg. Pearl barley is not commonly found.

Authentic Russian-style 'smetana' (sour cream) is difficult to find in Brazilian supermarkets. Locals often find 'Nata', which is not a direct culinary substitute. 'Creme azedo' is sometimes found in specific regional chains like Covabra, but widely available 'creme azedo' products are often flavored for snacks like nachos.

The quality and availability of bread in Brazil are subjects of discussion among expatriates. While some find the bread to be of lower quality and short shelf-life, others highlight the availability of artisanal options, particularly sourdough bread, in certain areas like Florianopolis. Access to various flours, including rye and whole wheat, through local stores and online marketplaces (like Mercado Livre) allows for home baking of high-quality bread. Rye flour is available in some regions for approximately 20 BRL per kg.

A large Pão de Açúcar supermarket, comparable to Carrefour or Auchan, is located at Av. Conselheiro Nébias, 802 - Boqueirão, Santos. The name 'Pão de Açúcar' (meaning 'Sugar Loaf' or 'Sugar Bread') refers to the iconic Sugar Loaf Mountain in Rio de Janeiro, a famous landmark.

Health food stores ('Lojas de Produtos naturais') that offer bulk grains and spices are good places to find various specific or less common grocery items in Brazil.