Introduction
Learning how to ask about daily specials is a practical step for beginners of Brazilian Portuguese. This article teaches 30 useful phrases, vocabulary, and short dialogues you can use in restaurants, cafés, food trucks, and markets. Each phrase is explained in English, with simple Portuguese examples so you can start speaking right away.
Why learn phrases for asking about daily specials?
When you travel or live in Brazil, asking about the daily special helps you discover fresh, local dishes and often saves money. These phrases are common in restaurants, bakeries, and street food stalls. Knowing them improves listening comprehension and makes ordering faster and more confident.
Key vocabulary to know first
Cardápio — menu
Prato do dia — daily special
Especial — special
Sugestão — suggestion
Oferta — offer
Entrada — appetizer
Prato principal — main course
Acompanhamento — side dish
Porção — portion
Preço — price
30 Portuguese phrases for asking about daily specials
Below are 30 beginner-friendly phrases. The first appearance of each main phrase is highlighted in strong. Later repetitions use em for variety.
Tem prato do dia? — Do you have a daily special?
Use this to start a general inquiry in any restaurant.
Qual é o prato do dia? — What is the daily special?
Direct and very common. Good for casual or formal service.
Tem alguma sugestão do chef? — Do you have a chef’s suggestion?
When you want the cook’s recommendation rather than a fixed special.
O que está na promoção hoje? — What is on promotion today?
Useful if you expect discounts or combo deals.
Tem algum especial hoje? — Is there any special today?
A general form to ask about any special offering.
O que você recomenda hoje? — What do you recommend today?
A polite way to ask for a personal recommendation.
Tem menu executivo hoje? — Do you have an executive/lunch menu today?
Common at restaurants that serve a fixed lunch menu at noon.
Qual é a sugestão do dia? — What is the suggestion of the day?
Another way to ask about the day’s recommended dish.
Tem opção vegetariana no prato do dia? — Is there a vegetarian option in the daily special?
Ask this when you need meat-free choices.
O prato do dia vem com acompanhamento? — Does the daily special come with a side?
Useful to know what is included before ordering.
Qual é o preço do prato do dia? — What is the price of the daily special?
Always good to check the price for budget planning.
Tem sobremesa especial hoje? — Is there a special dessert today?
Ask this after hearing about main dish specials.
Posso ver o cardápio do dia? — Can I see the daily menu?
Requests to view a printed or digital daily menu.
O prato do dia é grande ou pequeno? — Is the daily special large or small?
Helps decide whether to share or order extras.
Tem promoção de bebidas com o prato do dia? — Is there a drink promotion with the daily special?
Ask if drinks are bundled with meals.
Esse prato é picante? — Is this dish spicy?
Important for people sensitive to spicy food.
Tem alguma alergia alimentar que eu deva saber? — Are there any food allergens I should know about?
Phrase for safety if you have allergies; staff may answer about ingredients.
O prato do dia é feito com ingredientes locais? — Is the daily special made with local ingredients?
Ask this to learn about freshness and local cuisine.
Tem opção sem glúten no especial? — Is there a gluten-free option in the special?
Another dietary question to use when needed.
Posso trocar o acompanhamento? — Can I change the side?
Use this when you want a different side dish than the standard one.
Tem porção para dividir? — Is there a portion to share?
Good for ordering family-style or when traveling with friends.
Esse prato tem carne? — Does this dish have meat?
Short and direct for dietary preferences.
Tem prato infantil hoje? — Is there a kids’ special today?
Helpful in family-friendly places.
O prato do dia vem com bebida? — Does the daily special come with a drink?
Clarify inclusions for lunch combos.
Está disponível para viagem? — Is it available for takeout?
Useful if you want the special to go.
Tem desconto para estudantes com o prato do dia? — Is there a student discount with the daily special?
Ask this in cafes near universities or budget spots.
Que ingredientes têm nesse prato? — Which ingredients are in this dish?
Helps verify contents and avoid surprises.
Até que horas serve o prato do dia? — Until what time is the daily special served?
Check end times for lunch or happy hour specials.
Posso pedir meia porção do prato do dia? — Can I order a half portion of the daily special?
Good for lighter appetites or when tasting multiple dishes.
Short dialogues: real-life examples
Use these beginner-friendly dialogues to practice common exchanges.
Cliente: Tem prato do dia?
Atendente: Hoje temos feijoada como prato do dia.
Cliente: Qual é o prato do dia?
Atendente: A sugestão é filé de peixe com legumes, vem com arroz e salada.
Cliente: O prato do dia é picante?
Atendente: Não, não é picante, mas podemos colocar um molho à parte.
Cliente: Tem opção vegetariana no prato do dia?
Atendente: Hoje temos moqueca de palmito como opção sem carne.
Cliente: Posso ver o cardápio do dia?
Atendente: Claro, aqui está. O prato do dia sai por R$25,00.
Beginner tips for pronunciation and politeness
Use por favor and obrigado/obrigada to be polite. For pronunciation, listen to native speakers and repeat. Key tips:
Say prato do dia like PRAH-toh doo DEE-ah. Keep stress on the first syllable of prato and on dia.
For cardápio, stress the DA: car-DAH-pio. The accent guides the stress.
When speaking to staff, use você in casual places and senhor/senhora in formal settings if you want extra politeness.
Common beginner mistakes to avoid
Confusing prato do dia with prato principal. Prato do dia is specifically the daily special; prato principal means main course.
Omitting polite words. Always add por favor or obrigado/obrigada to sound natural.
Not checking inclusions. Ask if the special includes sides or drinks before ordering.
Using European pronunciation or vocabulary. Stick to Brazilian forms like cardápio and prato do dia.
How to practice these phrases in real life
Try these simple activities: read menus online of Brazilian restaurants, order in Portuguese at local Brazilian cafés if available, or practice with language partners using the short dialogues above. Record yourself asking Qual é o prato do dia? and compare to native audio.
Conclusion
Mastering these 30 phrases will make asking about daily specials in Brazilian Portuguese easy and natural. Practice the key vocabulary, use the short dialogues, and apply the polite phrases. Soon you will order confidently and discover delicious Brazilian dishes with clarity and ease.
