How to Explain Food Allergies and Dietary Needs in Portuguese
Use direct, specific phrases to explain what you cannot eat and ask a restaurant about ingredients and preparation.
Real Life Portuguese · 8 min read · Updated October 14, 2026
The short answer
For a food allergy, say Tenho alergia a… (I am allergic to…). Name the exact ingredient and keep the sentence direct. For a dietary preference or restriction, say Não como… (I do not eat…) or Sou vegetariano/vegetariana (I am vegetarian). Match the final form of vegetariano/vegetariana to yourself in standard Portuguese.
State the allergy or restriction clearly
If a food allergy could cause a serious reaction, do not rely on a vague phrase or a guess. Tell restaurant staff clearly, ask about ingredients and preparation, and use a translated allergy card when needed. Staff can explain what they know about the dish, but this conversation is not a substitute for your own safety plan.
Tenho alergia a amendoim.
I am allergic to peanuts.
Não como carne.
I don’t eat meat.
Sou vegetariana. Este prato leva peixe?
I’m vegetarian. Does this dish contain fish? (speaker: woman)
Ask about ingredients and shared preparation
Use O que vai neste prato? to ask what goes in a dish, or Este prato contém…? to ask whether it contains a specific ingredient. If cross-contact matters for your allergy, ask whether the food is prepared with the ingredient or on the same equipment. Explain the concern directly; do not assume a dish is safe because an ingredient is not visible.
Some restaurant terms are not exact equivalents of dietary labels in English. Confirm the particular ingredients that matter to you, such as milk, eggs, wheat, or nuts. If you cannot get a clear answer, choose another option that fits your safety needs.
Este prato contém leite ou queijo?
Does this dish contain milk or cheese?
A comida é preparada na mesma chapa?
Is the food prepared on the same griddle?
O molho leva farinha de trigo?
Does the sauce contain wheat flour?
Ask for an alternative and confirm the order
If an item does not fit your needs, ask whether there is another option: Tem outra opção sem…? (Is there another option without…?). You can also ask whether a side dish can be replaced. Repeat the restriction when you place the final order so it stays attached to the food request.
For a group order, say which dish is for you and restate the ingredient to avoid confusion. If the answer is uncertain, do not treat politeness as confirmation. Ask a more specific question or select something else.
Tem uma opção sem leite?
Is there an option without milk?
Pode trocar o acompanhamento por salada?
Can you replace the side with salad?
Só para confirmar: este prato não leva amendoim, certo?
Just to confirm: this dish does not contain peanuts, right?
Practice a short, specific restaurant exchange
Before traveling, fill in the phrases with the ingredient you need to avoid and practice saying it slowly. Write the same words on a phone note or allergy card. Ask one question at a time: name your restriction, ask about the dish, and confirm the answer before ordering.
For more dining vocabulary, connect this lesson to the Real Life Portuguese guides to ordering coffee and shopping for food in Brazil. I Speak Portuguese teachers can role-play a restaurant exchange so you can practice the vocabulary aloud before your trip.
Tenho alergia a camarão. Este prato leva frutos do mar?
I am allergic to shrimp. Does this dish contain seafood?
Não posso comer glúten. Há uma opção adequada?
I can’t eat gluten. Is there a suitable option?
Obrigado por confirmar os ingredientes.
Thank you for confirming the ingredients. (speaker: man)
Put it into practice
Name the ingredient, ask specific questions about preparation, and confirm the dish before ordering. For serious allergies, carry a reliable translated allergy card and follow your personal safety plan.
Quick practice
Which Portuguese example matches “I can’t eat gluten. Is there a suitable option”?
Choose an answer to check yourself.
Keep practicing with the Real Life Portuguese app
Build on this guide with everyday expressions and native Brazilian audio. Choose iPhone, Android, or the web app.