How to Order Vegetarian Food in Brazil: Portuguese Questions That Help
Explain what you do not eat, ask about ingredients, and confirm how a dish is prepared before ordering.
Real Life Portuguese · 6 min read · Updated October 14, 2026
The short answer
Sou vegetariano (masculine speaker) or sou vegetariana (feminine speaker) means “I’m vegetarian.” If you avoid a particular ingredient, state it directly so the person can answer your question.
Explain what you do and do not eat
Vegetarian preferences vary. Say se possível (if possible) when you are asking for a change, and describe what you avoid rather than assuming every menu uses the same definition.
Sou vegetariana. Este prato leva carne?
I’m vegetarian. Does this dish contain meat?
Eu não como frango nem peixe.
I don’t eat chicken or fish.
Tem alguma opção sem carne?
Is there a meat-free option?
Ask about ingredients and preparation
Leva means “does it contain” in a menu question. Ask whether a dish includes caldo de carne (meat broth), bacon, or another ingredient you avoid.
When the answer matters to you, ask for the ingredients and preparation to be confirmed. A menu description may not include every detail, and staff may need to check with the kitchen.
Esse feijão leva caldo de carne?
Do these beans contain meat broth?
A sopa é feita com caldo de legumes?
Is the soup made with vegetable broth?
Você pode confirmar com a cozinha, por favor?
Could you confirm with the kitchen, please?
Request a simple substitution
You can ask whether a side dish or substitution is available: Dá para trocar a carne por legumes? means “Can the meat be replaced with vegetables?” The kitchen may or may not be able to accommodate it.
If you need to be especially clear, repeat the key ingredient you avoid before the order is sent. Confirming prevents a polite conversation from being mistaken for a final order change.
Dá para tirar o bacon?
Can the bacon be left out?
Posso pedir arroz, feijão e salada?
Can I order rice, beans, and salad?
Só para confirmar: não vai carne, certo?
Just to confirm: there’s no meat, right?
Put it into practice
Use sou vegetariano/vegetariana, ask what a dish leva, and confirm with the restaurant when ingredients or preparation matter to you.
Quick practice
Which Portuguese example matches “Just to confirm: there’s no meat, right”?
Choose an answer to check yourself.
Keep practicing with the Real Life Portuguese app
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