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Is the word rico the same in Brazilian and European Portuguese?

No

While "rico" shares the same fundamental meaning of "wealthy" (affluent) and "abundant in" (e.g., rich in vitamins) in both dialects, there is a significant difference in typical usage regarding food. In Brazil, "rico" is frequently used as a synonym for "delicious" or "tasty," often implying a food that is creamy, heavy, or very flavorful. In Portugal, using "rico" to describe the taste of food is much less common; a Portuguese person would typically use "bom," "saboroso," or "delicioso" to express that something tastes good.

Brazilian Portuguese Examples

  1. Ele é um homem muito rico. (He is a very wealthy man.)
  2. Esse bolo de chocolate está muito rico! (This chocolate cake is very delicious/rich!)
  3. Este solo é rico em nutrientes. (This soil is rich in nutrients.)
  4. Que jantar rico e saboroso! (What a rich and tasty dinner!)
  5. Ela é uma mulher rica. (She is a wealthy woman.)

Continental Portuguese Examples

  1. Ele é um homem muito rico. (He is a very wealthy man.)
  2. Esse bolo de chocolate está muito bom! (This chocolate cake is very good/tasty!)
  3. Este solo é rico em nutrientes. (This soil is rich in nutrients.)
  4. Que jantar saboroso e delicioso! (What a tasty and delicious dinner!)
  5. Ela é uma mulher rica. (She is a wealthy woman.)