In a vibrant Brazilian town, Dona Flor, a graceful and talented cooking instructor, is married to the charismatic but irresponsible gambler, Vadinho. Despite their intense passion, their marriage is tumultuous due to Vadinho's hedonistic lifestyle and frequent disappearances, leaving Flor to fend for herself amidst his reckless escapades. The undeniable chemistry between them is overshadowed by Flor's increasing sense of disappointment and hardship. She witnesses his audacious and carefree nature unravel before her eyes, culminating in a dramatic incident during Carnival that drastically alters her world.

Struggling to find balance after this turning point, Flor eventually remarries the stable pharmacist Teodoro, whose disciplined ways provide her with the security she longed for. Although she respects and cares for Teodoro, Flor finds herself yearning for the excitement and passion of her past. Her conflicted emotions lead to an unexpected and whimsical twist as she navigates the challenges of reconciling her desires. Thrust into a comedic juxtaposition between her past and present, Flor discovers that love can be as unpredictable as it is powerful. As she seeks to harmonize these opposites in her life, Flor's journey unfolds with humor and enchantment, capturing the essence of longing and fulfillment in a mixture of love and nostalgia.