Portuguese Phrase
O que vai ter pra comer?
Meaning
Literally ‘What will there be to eat?’, this phrase is used to ask about the food that will be offered at a gathering, restaurant, or any upcoming meal. It implies the speaker is curious about the menu or options that will be available.
When to use
Use it in informal, spoken contexts – with friends, family, classmates, or coworkers when you want to know what food will be served later that day or at an event. It’s too casual for formal business emails or official invitations.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Oquevaiterpracomer?
O que (question word)
Introduces a question asking for information; literally 'what'.
vai (future of ir)
Third‑person singular of the verb ‘ir’ used as an auxiliary to form the near future (vai + infinitive = will).
ter (infinitive)
The main verb meaning ‘to have / to exist’; combined with ‘vai’ it asks about something that will be available.
pra (contraction of para)
Colloquial spoken form of ‘para’, meaning ‘for / to’; used before infinitives in informal speech.
comer (infinitive)
Verb ‘to eat’; here it functions as the object of ‘ter’ – what will be available to eat.
🗨In Conversation
O que vai ter pra comer na festa de sábado?
What will there be to eat at Saturday’s party?
Vai ter churrasco, salada, e um bolo de chocolate.
There will be barbecue, salad, and a chocolate cake.
✕Common Mistakes
O que há pra comer?
‘Há’ means ‘there is/are’ in the present, not the future. Use ‘vai ter’ for upcoming food.
O que vai ter para comer?
In casual speech ‘para’ sounds stiff; native speakers prefer ‘pra’. Using ‘para’ isn’t wrong, just less natural.
O que vai ter comendo?
Mixing the future auxiliary with a gerund is ungrammatical. The infinitive ‘comer’ is required.
↔Alternatives
O que vai ter para comer?
What will there be to eat?
O que haverá de comer?
What will be available to eat?
O que tem para comer?
What is there to eat?
O que vai ter de comer?
What will there be to eat?
Cultural Tip
In Brazil, ‘pra’ is a very common spoken contraction of ‘para’. It sounds natural in everyday conversation, but in written or formal contexts you should use the full form ‘para’. Also, Brazilians love to talk about food, so asking this question shows interest and can spark friendly banter about regional dishes.