If there’s one combination that defines Brazilian food, it’s rice and beans. Found in homes, restaurants, and street-side eateries from north to south, the pairing is more than just a staple — it’s a symbol of culture, nutrition, and food security.
As one of the world’s leading consumers and producers of rice and beans, Brazil plays a key role in global food systems. In 2024, Brazil harvested approximately 12.1 million tons of rice and 2.37 million tons of beans, according to official estimates. These staple crops are central to the Brazilian diet, and they’re also reaching tables around the globe. Brazil exported over 1 million tons of milled rice, valued at US$ 387.8 million, with major destination countries including Senegal, Gambia, Peru, Sierra Leone, and the Dominican Republic. Bean exports totaled 344 thousand tons, valued at US$ 336 million, with the main markets being India , Venezuela , Mexico (26.1 thousand tons), South Africa, and Pakistan.
A dish rooted in culture and simplicity
Although rice and beans are globally significant, they remain a deeply local affair in Brazil. From home kitchens to lunch counters, the so-called “prato feito” (PF) — a typical Brazilian set meal — is a cultural institution.
The classic PF usually includes a generous serving of white rice paired with either black or carioca beans (a light-brown, speckled variety), sided by a protein such as grilled beef or chicken and a salad. Add fries or a fried egg, and you have the full experience — especially at the local boteco, Brazil’s iconic neighborhood bar.
Cooking beans the Brazilian way often starts with a pressure cooker, garlic, and onion — a method that’s both quick and full of flavor. As the food writer Leticia Moreinos Schwartz notes in this inspiring article (Rice And Beans Is The Culinary Backbone Of Brazil ), “The sound of beans cooking in the pressure cooker is as Brazilian as the music of Tom Jobim or Caetano Veloso.”
Balanced, accessible, and nutrient-rich
The pairing of rice and beans is not just cultural — it’s also highly nutritious. It provides a complete protein, essential for millions of people who may not have daily access to animal-based sources.
This harmony of flavor, affordability, and nutrition is one reason why the Brazilian Dietary Guidelines, recognized globally for their holistic approach, place rice and beans at the center of a healthy meal.
Whether you’re enjoying it at a boteco in Rio or preparing it at home with your own twist, rice and beans offer a taste of Brazil’s agricultural strength and cultural warmth. In every bite, there’s a reminder of the country’s diversity — of flavors, people, and the land that makes it all possible.