At a Brazilian Buffet by Weight: Understand ‘Por Quilo’ in Portuguese
Understand self-service and por quilo before you fill your plate at a Brazilian lunch buffet.
Real Life Portuguese · 5 min read · Updated October 15, 2026
The short answer
A self-service restaurant may charge por quilo (by the kilogram) or a fixed price. Ask the price before serving yourself. Some places charge a different rate at lunch or dinner, so verify the meal period too.
Check whether the buffet charges by weight
O almoço é por quilo ou preço fixo?
Is lunch priced by weight or at a fixed price?
Quanto custa o quilo hoje?
How much is a kilo today?
Find out when to weigh your plate
Balança means scale. In many pay-by-weight buffets, staff weigh the plate before you sit down; the restaurant’s process can vary. Ask where to place the plate and whether drinks or dessert are charged separately.
Onde eu peso o prato?
Where do I weigh my plate?
A sobremesa e a bebida são cobradas à parte?
Are dessert and drinks charged separately?
Ask how to pay and whether you can return for more
If you are unsure whether the price includes another serving, ask about repetir antes de going back to the buffet. Confirm whether payment happens at the cashier or table. This is especially helpful when a group has different plates or one person is paying.
Posso me servir de novo ou cada prato é pesado uma vez?
Can I serve myself again, or is each plate weighed only once?
Eu pago no caixa ou na mesa?
Do I pay at the cashier or at the table?
Put it into practice
Ask the price per kilo and the weighing process before you start serving yourself.
Quick practice
Which Portuguese example matches “Is lunch priced by weight or at a fixed price”?
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.