Food isn’t just about sustenance in Spain: it’s almost a way of life. This is particularly noticeable at mealtimes, which you will find to be especially social. Today, we're spicing up our palates with a deep dive into the delectable world of Spanish food and meal timings, as there are quite a few differences, especially if you are from further north!
You heard correctly: it really is common for Spaniards to dine five times each day! The key is balance and understanding that not every meal is a feast. This pattern mirrors the Spanish approach to life: savouring each moment and making meals a social, leisurely experience.
Each of the mealtimes has its own character and charm:
- Desayuno (Breakfast):
Served between 7 and 9 am, desayuno is typically a light affair. Picture a café con leche with tostada or a small pastry – just enough to wake up your taste buds. Pop into any of the countless cafés of any town or city in the morning and see for yourselves: Locals will be sitting at the bar with their coffee and toast, having a chat with the waiter or watching the tv before they head to work. - Almuerzo (Mid-morning snack):
At around 10:30 am, the Spaniards pause for something a bit more substantial. This might be when you'd relish a bocadillo (baguette sandwich) or a slice of tortilla española. - Comida (Lunch):
Having eaten a hearty baguette earlier, you might be relieved to hear that lunch is normally late: between 2 and 4 pm. This is the main event in Spain! It's time for a leisurely meal with the family or close friends. Lunch in Spain is a grand affair, where the rhythm of life slows down to savour every bite. It's common to start with a soup or salad, followed by a meat or fish dish, and finish with a dessert or coffee. It’s no wonder that this is followed by a siesta! - Merienda (Afternoon Snack):
Between 5 and 7 pm, a small snack like a sweet treat or light sandwich is consumed to tide you over until dinner. - Cena (Dinner):
Dinner is served late - or very late for northern Europeans - between 9 and 11 pm, and is a lighter and more social meal, often featuring tapas or small, simple dishes.
As you have probably already worked out from the description above, lunch is the main meal both in Spain and Latin America. It's when families gather, and businesses close for the famous siesta. Dinner (cena) is more casual and less about the food and more about the company.
Tapas in Granada: after a large lunch with the family, a late dinner is normally small tapas dishes to share in the local bodega.
Did you read that list of mealtimes and get confused by the translation for “almuerzo”? If you have spent any time in Latin America, or indeed are learning Latin American Spanish, you will know this word to mean lunch. You would be correct: 'almuerzo' in Spain refers to a mid-morning snack, while in countries of South and Central America, it refers to the main lunch meal. Also, it’s not uncommon for almuerzo in Latin American countries to start a little earlier.
Are you wondering where churros fit into this? When it comes to these delectable deep-fried pastries, they are often eaten for breakfast or as a part of the mid-morning almuerzo, paired splendidly with a cup of thick hot chocolate or coffee. But don’t worry: many cafés serve them all day and, let’s face it, who can resist them at any time of the day?
Understanding the nuances of Spanish and Latin American food cultures enriches your travel experience, offering a true taste of local life. Whether you're exploring Spain's cities or venturing into Latin America, embrace each meal as an adventure in taste and tradition!
Are you hungry for more insights into Spanish language and culture? Check out Estudia-España for a feast of language courses across Spain and Latin America. ¡Buen provecho y feliz viaje!
Una mesa para dos, por favor - A table for two, please
¿Me puede traer el menú, por favor? - Could you bring me the menu, please?
Quisiera pedir... - I would like to order...
Una copa de vino tinto, por favor - A glass of red wine, please
Está delicioso - It's delicious
¿Me podría traer más pan? - Could you bring more bread?
¿Puede recomendarme un plato típico? - Can you recommend a typical dish?
La cuenta, por favor - The bill, please
¿Aceptan tarjetas? - Do you accept cards?
Muchas gracias, todo estuvo excelente - Thank you very much, everything was excellent
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