If you’re looking for the best local food experience in Rio de Janeiro, the Glória Market Rio is a must on Sundays. Known as Gloria Sunday Market Rio, it brings locals and travelers together for fresh flavors and authentic Brazilian vibes.
So we spent a morning (okay, a whole day) wandering from one food stall to another, tasting everything from fresh fruit juices to Venezuelan arepas and even Nigerian shrimp curry. Here’s what we found, and how far around R$ 200 can take you through one of Rio’s most delicious feiras.
The Setting: A Sunday Ritual in Glória Market Rio
Every Sunday, Glória’s main street and Paris Square turns into a feast for all senses. Locals do their grocery shopping (veggies, fish, spices), while others come just to eat, drink, and listen to samba echoing between the stalls.
By late morning, another section takes over: the gastronomic fair, at Paris Square. That’s where things get seriously tempting.
Fresh Start: Juices from R$4
Before diving into the fried goodness (trust me, there’s plenty), start light with a natural juice. Prices begin at R$ 4 for a small 200 ml cup, flavors like pineapple with strawberry or mango with passionfruit. Some are sweet, some a bit tart, all ice-cold and refreshing.
Tip: Walk a bit before choosing; prices and sweetness vary by stall.
Tapioca Heaven: From R$ 15 to R$ 17
Next stop: tapioca, one of those quintessential Brazilian comfort foods. Here they’re massive, easily enough to share. A savory tapioca stuffed with cheese and vegetables costs around R$ 15, while a sweet version with Nutella and strawberries goes for R$ 17.
Locals will tell you, this is brunch, lunch, and dinner all at once.
Beyond Brazil: Arepas, Empanadas & More
Glória Market Rio has become a small world fair on its own.
- Venezuelan arepa with shredded beef and cheese: R$ 26
- Empanadas (Venezuelan or Chilean): from R$ 11 to R$ 18
- Peruvian ceviche: around R$ 38
- Colombian dishes start at R$ 12
Don’t miss the Venezuelan avocado sauce, a salty twist that surprises every carioca palate.
Insider pick: Try the arepa con carne mechada with the green sauce. Pure joy.
Veggie & Vegan Corners
If you walk toward the far end of the fair, you’ll find the vegan stalls, colorful, fragrant, and full of creativity.
- Vegan pies made with chickpea or cassava dough: R$ 26, including salad
- Moqueca de banana-da-terra with coconut milk and pupunha: around R$ 30
It’s the kind of food that makes you feel good about every bite.
Flavors from Afar: Nigeria to the Amazon
One of the most talked-about stands serves Nigerian cuisine, a generous plate with shrimp, rice, and spicy banana for R$ 48. It’s hearty, bold, and absolutely worth sharing.
And right next to it, you can taste the Amazonian “X-Caboquinho” sandwich, a sweet-and-savory combo of fried banana and queijo coalho on crusty bread, best enjoyed with a drizzle of tucupi sauce.
For the Thirsty
You can’t explore all this food without something to sip.
- Craft beer (chopp artesanal) starts at R$ 10, or R$ 15 for goiaba sour, one of the fair’s favorites.
- Fresh coconut water or sugarcane juice: from R$ 6
By this point, sitting down under a shady tree with a cold drink feels like a reward in itself.
And for Dessert…
From Portuguese sweets to banana-based creations and classic açaí bowls (around R$ 18), the feira finishes on a high note. There are also British-style cakes with caramelized apple or orange-chocolate for R$ 15 and up.
Sugar rush guaranteed, and fully justified after so much walking.
Final Bill: Around R$ 200 Feeds 3 People
After sampling nearly everything, my total reached R$ 194 (≈US$35). But here’s the thing: that could easily serve three people.
If you go with friends, order a mix and share. That’s the true spirit of Glória Market Rio, generous portions, open smiles, and a full belly by 6 p.m.
Getting There
The Glória metro station is right across the street. Arrive early to beat the heat and crowds, and stay until the music starts drifting from the bars nearby. It’s a perfect Rio Sunday, equal parts food, people-watching, and soul.
📍Praça Paris – Sunday, 9 p.m. to 6 p.m.
https://www.instagram.com/feiragastronomicadagloria
Carioca Note
Forget fancy brunches. The Glória Market is where Rio gathers to eat like family, loudly, joyfully, and without rushing. Whether you’re sipping a R$ 4 juice or a R$ 15 craft beer, it’s not just about the food, it’s about being part of this local rhythm.
Discover another must-see destination for visitors in Rio: the new Mercado São José, in Laranjeiras.
Planning your visit to Glória Market Rio? Make your stay even better by finding the best hotels nearby.
