[3] The film shows in parallel two periods in the life of Raimundo Nonato (João Miguel): one follows his successful career as a cook, the other as a prisoner in a cell with about ten other convicts.

His period as a cook starts when he arrives by bus in a big city, without a place to sleep nor money for food.

Enraged, he steals and drinks from his boss' prized wine collection, before murdering them both and cannibalizing a slice of meat removed from Íria's buttocks.

The main prison kitchen is arranged for the occasion, an event which Nonato takes advantage of to poison Bujiú, ultimately leading to him becoming the leader of his cell.

Ard Vijn of Screen Anarchy wrote a positive review of the film stating: "A nice tale about the relativity of happiness, "Estômago" gives you the grandfatherly advise that 'getting there' is often more fun than 'being there'.