São Paulo/Guarulhos–Governor André Franco Montoro International Airport

GRU doesn't have the reputation of being a gourmet destination, but if you know where to look, you can eat surprisingly well before your flight. The international terminal (Terminal 3) is your best bet, housing a solid mix of Brazilian chains and a few standout spots worth seeking out. Bob's, Brazil's beloved homegrown burger joint, satisfies a quick craving, while Viena offers proper hot sandwiches and pastries that feel genuinely local rather than airport-generic. Grab a fresh açaí bowl or a fruit plate from the juice bars — the tropical fruit here actually tastes like fruit.

For a sit-down experience, look for Fogo de Chão's airside outpost or the more casual churrasco counters where you can get a proper prato feito — rice, beans, farofa, and grilled meat — the everyday Brazilian lunch that no amount of fancy packaging can improve upon. Coxinhas, those irresistible fried chicken-and-cream-cheese croquettes, appear at multiple grab-and-go counters throughout the terminals and make for ideal pre-boarding fuel. The domestic terminals (1 and 2) are leaner on options but still deliver passable salgadinhos and strong, sweet cafezinho from the espresso counters.

Coffee culture deserves its own mention at GRU. Brazilian coffee is genuinely exceptional, and even the airport kiosks pull espresso that would embarrass many European cafés. Suplicy Cafés, a São Paulo specialty roaster with serious credibility in the city's café scene, has a presence airside and is worth a stop for a proper espresso or a bag of single-origin beans to take home. Pair it with a pão de queijo — those warm, chewy cheese rolls that are essentially mandatory in any Brazilian airport — and you've got yourself a send-off worth savoring.