Evolving Etiquette in Brazil

Restaurant Dining Etiquette in Brazil

Up until the last 10 to 15 years, Brazilians commonly ate in the Continental style, with the knife held in the right hand and the fork remaining in the left. As with many other countries, after the advent of the internet, social media and “fast foods” becoming more common, dining trends in Brazil became more casual. They have become a nation of the more relaxed American style, right-handed dining. 

• Brazilians wash their hands before eating and refrain from touching food with their hands while eating. In fact, foods such as bread and boned-chicken, should be eaten with a napkin. (Yes... a paper napkin is used instead, when a knife and fork are inappropriate for the task, such as eating takeaway or takeout breads or small pieces of chicken, etc...)   

• Even at “smoking tables” Brazilians don't smoke while eating, nor do they use toothpicks publicly, even if they are offered to you at the table. 

• Avoid making noises while dining. As delicious as your meal may be, lip smacking and chewing noises are considered impolite and ill mannered. 

• Before each time a person drinks during the meal, the mouth is wiped.  

• After meal conversation often takes place over “cafezinho,” a cup of strong black coffee. 

Cheerful, colorful, easy-going... our table mimics our people! About a decade ago, a movement of increasing interest in table decoration and table etiquette began.

The Brazilian Table

Cheerful, colorful, easy-going... our table mimics our people! About a decade ago, a movement of increasing interest in table decoration and table etiquette began. The slow (but visible) socio-economic growth in Brazil allowed a majority of women to enjoy the taste of setting a beautiful and correct table for Brazilian dining. Social media sites, notably Facebook and Instagram, were responsible for the expansion of this trend. Today, we have creative ceramic industries with increasinglay better quality. We also have large sales centers and fairs, that help move millions in tableware each year.


The meeting of friends and family at the Brazilian table, due to the acceleration of the fast pace of life, is being revalued in Brazil, bringing into its center, the values ​​of family, conviviality and home. Our table is generous and welcoming. Family service is our style and essence. Like Americans, we hold the fork in our right hand. We like to gather around an abundant and spontaneous table, however, we don't eat bread before meals, nor do we drink wine every day. Wine is reserved for special occasions.


Because of the very youth of our own Brazilian table etiquette, we have almost no scholarly works and few etiquette authorities. We lack good national etiquette schools and have few reliable etiquette teachers to fill the need in Brazil. I feel, as many others do, that we need to create a Brazilian code, and not simply copy American or European etiquette. We must, of course, make use of traditional teachings, but build on them our own style of etiquette.


Brazil’s future is bright! The country has just made important political and social changes, which are already bringing us benefits. The best is yet to come! I am extremely honored and grateful to @etiquipedia, a site so well structured and reliable, for the kind invitation that was made to me to talk about the Brazilian table. Thank you!

Our newest contributor, Valana Ferreira, credits her family (most notably her grandfather and mother) for instilling in her good manners and the importance of education and ethical values. In her teens, planning to pursue a diplomatic career, she moved to Brasília, the capital of Brazil, and began her studies, immersing herself in books on protocol and etiquette. Recalls Valana, “My professional career took other directions, I studied business administration at Fundação Getúlio Vargas and earned an MBA at the Universidade de São Paulo. I was an executive of large national and multinational companies and lived in several cities. I was also a university professor and professional proofreader of Portuguese language for several published books. At the same time, I did volunteer work for 30 years. Now, retired, I discovered on Instagram the recent relevance given to the world of setting the table — A mix of good news, along with many misunderstandings— I decided to help as much as possible. Today, I am involved for my own personal satisfaction: satisfaction in studying, in living with people (even if virtually), and in bringing reliable information and helping in whatever way I can.”

Etiquette Enthusiast, Maura J Graber, is the Site Editor for the Etiquipedia© Etiquette Encyclopedia