Understanding Meat Cuts in Portuguese
Meat cuts vary widely from country to country, not just in terms of names but also in how the meat is actually butchered. In Portuguese-speaking countries such as Brazil and Portugal, the terminology and traditional cuts might differ from what you’re used to. Here are some of the most common cuts and their Portuguese equivalents:
Beef (Carne de vaca/Bovino)
- Picanha: Rump cap or top sirloin cap—famous in Brazilian churrascos (barbecues).
- Alcatra: Top sirloin.
- Contrafilé: Sirloin strip steak, similar to New York strip.
- Filé mignon: Tenderloin.
- Coxão duro: Round (often used for slow cooking).
- Coxão mole: Top round (softer, used for steaks or roasting).
- Maminha: Tri-tip (bottom sirloin, very juicy).
- Acém: Chuck (great for stews and ground beef).
- Fraldinha: Flank steak.
Pork (Carne de porco)
- Lombo: Loin.
- Pernil: Leg or ham.
- Costela: Ribs.
- Paleta: Shoulder.
- Barriga: Belly (used for bacon and pancetta).
Chicken (Frango)
- Peito: Breast.
- Coxa: Thigh.
- Sobrecoxa: Drumstick.
- Asa: Wing.
- Corpo inteiro: Whole chicken.
Essential Phrases for Ordering Meat in Portuguese
Beyond vocabulary, being able to structure a polite and effective request is key. Here are some useful phrases:
- Eu gostaria de… – I would like…
- Você tem… – Do you have…?
- Quero um quilo de… – I want a kilo of…
- Por favor, corte em bifes/fatias/cubos. – Please, cut into steaks/slices/cubes.
- Sem osso/com osso. – Boneless/with bone.
- Bem limpo, por favor. – Very clean, please (no fat or gristle).
- Mais grosso/mais fino. – Thicker/thinner.
Tips for Ordering at the Açougue (Butcher’s Shop)
- Be specific about the cut and the amount: “Quero meio quilo de picanha, por favor.” (I want half a kilo of picanha, please.)
- If you are unsure, ask for recommendations: “Qual corte você recomenda para churrasco?” (Which cut do you recommend for barbecue?)
- If you want a special preparation, describe it: “Pode moer essa carne?” (Can you grind this meat?)
Tips for Ordering at a Restaurant
When dining out, you might want to request your steak cooked a certain way or ask about the meat in a specific dish. Here are some phrases to help you:
- Como é preparado? – How is it prepared?
- Ao ponto/mal passado/bem passado. – Medium/rare/well done.
- Esse prato leva qual corte de carne? – Which cut of meat does this dish use?
- Tem opção sem gordura? – Is there a lean option?
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Don’t assume cuts are identical to those in your home country. Ask for clarification if you’re unsure.
- Be mindful of regional differences: Brazilian cuts may differ from Portuguese ones.
- Practice pronunciation: For example, “picanha” is pronounced pee-KAHN-ya.
Practice Makes Perfect
Using these phrases and vocabulary in real-life situations is the best way to build confidence. Practice by role-playing with a language partner or using AI language learning tools like Talkpal. The more you use these terms, the more natural they’ll feel.
Conclusion
Ordering specific cuts of meat in Portuguese is an excellent way to immerse yourself in the culture and improve your language skills. With the right vocabulary, phrases, and a bit of practice, you’ll be able to navigate both butcher shops and restaurants with ease. Don’t hesitate to explore new cuts and ask questions—the culinary world in Portuguese-speaking countries is rich and rewarding for curious language learners. For more tips and resources, continue following the Talkpal AI language learning blog and make your Portuguese language journey both delicious and effective!
