When I Almost Ordered Trouble
My first week living in Rio, I sat down at a bustling boteco and ordered a plate of bolinhos without asking what was inside. In the Dominican Republic, I was used to a short list of usual suspects—plantains, chicken, rice—and I rarely had to worry about hidden ingredients. Here, my first bite revealed shrimp, and my mild shellfish allergy turned my casual afternoon snack into a tense moment. That day taught me two lessons: Brazilian food is full of delightful surprises, and if you have allergies, you need the Portuguese Vocabulary to speak up early and clearly.
Why It’s Worth Being Direct
Brazilians are famously warm, but when it comes to allergies, you can’t rely on hints. Ingredients like peanuts, shellfish, or dairy show up in unexpected places—think moqueca enriched with cashew paste or pão de queijo with concentrated cheese. Even something labeled “salada” might come topped with boiled eggs or a creamy dressing. Direct, clear Portuguese Vocabulary is the difference between a safe meal and a risky one, especially since kitchens here can be enthusiastic about “a little extra flavor” without telling you.
On-the-ground tip: In smaller towns, “alergia” may not be as commonly discussed. Be ready to explain exactly what you can’t eat and what happens if you do.
Decoding Menus Before You Order
Brazilian menus can be long, descriptive, and loaded with regional dishes you might not recognize. Words like castanha (nut), amendoim (peanut), camarão (shrimp), or leite condensado (condensed milk) should catch your eye immediately. Sometimes, allergens are mentioned in the description; other times, you’ll have to ask. Knowing the difference between molho branco (white sauce, usually dairy) and molho de tomate (tomato sauce) can help you choose wisely before you even call the waiter over.
Portuguese Vocabulary — Allergy Essentials
| Portuguese | English | Usage Tip |
|---|---|---|
| alergia alimentar | food allergy | State this clearly before ordering. |
| sou alérgico(a) a… | I’m allergic to… | Add the ingredient right after. |
| frutos do mar | seafood | Covers all shellfish and fish. |
| amendoim | peanut | Check desserts, sauces, and snacks. |
| castanha | nut | Often used in both savory and sweet dishes. |
| lactose | lactose/dairy | Important for milk, cheese, cream-based dishes. |
| glúten | gluten | Check breads, pastries, and fried batters. |
| sem… | without… | Use when asking to remove an ingredient. |
| pode trocar…? | can you replace…? | Helpful for substitutions. |
| contaminação cruzada | cross-contamination | Use in serious allergy discussions. |
Conversations
Português: Tenho alergia alimentar, sou alérgico(a) a camarão.
English: I have a food allergy; I’m allergic to shrimp.
Português: Esse prato contém amendoim ou castanha?
English: Does this dish contain peanuts or nuts?
Português: Pode fazer sem leite condensado, por favor?
English: Can you make it without condensed milk, please?
Português: O molho branco tem creme de leite?
English: Does the white sauce have cream?
Português: É possível trocar o camarão por frango?
English: Is it possible to replace the shrimp with chicken?
Português: Tenho alergia grave, preciso evitar qualquer contaminação cruzada.
English: I have a severe allergy; I need to avoid any cross-contamination.
Português: Pode crer, vou anotar aqui. (Informal, friendly waiter response)
English: For sure, I’ll note it down here.
Cultural Gems
Kitchen reality: In busy restaurants, the message doesn’t always reach the chef unless you repeat it twice—once to the server and again if you can speak to whoever is preparing the food.
Street food caution: At fairs or beach stands, frying oil is often reused for multiple foods. If you’re allergic to seafood, that pastel might still carry a trace.
Regional awareness: In Bahia, dendê oil and seafood are common even in side dishes. In Minas, dairy pops up in breads, sauces, and even some meats.
Balancing Clarity with Warmth
In Dominican Spanish, I learned that how you say something matters almost as much as what you say. In Brazil, it’s the same—being polite but firm works better than sounding fearful or frustrated. Phrases like “Desculpe, mas preciso confirmar…” (Sorry, but I need to confirm…) soften the request while keeping it clear. Brazilians respect directness when it’s paired with respect.
Conclusion: Your Voice is Your Best Ingredient
Handling food allergies in Brazil isn’t about limiting your experience—it’s about creating space to enjoy it safely. Portuguese Vocabulary gives you the confidence to navigate menus, speak with staff, and ask for changes without hesitation. You’ll not only protect yourself, but you’ll also open the door to conversations, substitutions, and even special off-menu creations.
If you’ve had to manage food allergies while dining in Brazil, share your go-to phrases or memorable interactions in the comments. Every tip we trade helps make the table safer—and more delicious—for the next expat or traveler.