Spain is a popular tourist destination for various reasons. For starters, the country features some beautiful architecture, putting both Spanish Colonial and Baroque styles on full display. In addition, the country’s home to some of the biggest soccer teams worldwide. Then, there’s also the food and nightlife that elevate Spain’s status to a must-visit destination.
Spanish cuisine is renowned globally. It doesn’t matter whether you live in North America or Asia; you’ve likely heard of Paella and Tapas. Spanish cuisine features high-quality ingredients. In addition, the cuisine is known for its deep-rooted traditions. Suffice to say: the Spanish know how to make delicious food.
However, visiting Spain will send you into a cultural shock. Spain might be a western European country, but their traditions significantly vary from most neighboring countries. Spanish people are known for having distinct eating times and food customs. If you aren’t prepared, you’ll miss out on a ton of fun.
Eating Like a Local in Spain
Here’s everything you need to know about eating like a local in Spain.
Timing is Everything
In the United States, most restaurants will serve you high-quality meals throughout the day. You could pop in for breakfast at 7 AM or 11 AM, knowing the restaurant will serve you. That isn’t the case in Spain. Most Spanish restaurants take a break between meal services. For instance, they’ll close shop after breakfast and reopen for lunch. Then, they’ll return for the dinner service. Therefore, you’ll have to stick to a regimented schedule when you’re in Spain. Adhere to the meal times. Otherwise, you risk going hungry.
Start with Coffee
If you’re an early riser, you’ll stick out like a sore thumb in Spain. The Spanish typically have late bedtimes, meaning you won’t find them on the Streets at 7 AM. They prefer having breakfast at home instead of at a diner. Most will stick to a coffee with some pastry or toast. The most common way to have coffee in Spain is with milk.
Second Breakfast
Since the Spanish only have a light meal when they wake up, they like having second breakfasts. Typically, they’ll go to local cafes to grab a bite around noon. You might be thinking this would conflict with lunchtimes. However, that isn’t the case. The Spanish eat lunch later than you would think. Some of the most popular second breakfast dishes include pan con tomate and tortilla Espanola. The former features smashed tomatoes and olive oil accompanying toasted bread. Meanwhile, tortilla Espanola is a potato omelet you’ve got to try.
Lunch
The Spanish consider lunch the most important meal of the day. Typically, you’ll eat lunch around 2 to 3 PM. Many local restaurants offer Menu del Dia. The Menu del Dia is a discounted opportunity for tourists to have a three-course meal at a reasonable price. Generally, restaurants will give you a few choices from a fixed menu. You can choose according to your liking. The Spanish love to have a good conversation while downing wine with their lunch. Following lunch, you’ll find the locals retreating to their homes for a siesta.
La Merienda
Following a refreshing siesta, it’s time to curb the appetite. Spaniards love to have an afternoon snack to keep their appetite at bay until dinner. Since they typically have dinner late, an afternoon snack is necessary. Local delicacies like jamon iberico, queso manchego, and manzanilla olives are popular. You’ll also find many Spaniards munching on croissants or napolitanas.
Dinner
The Spanish are renowned night owls. Hence, you’ll find them having dinner much later than people in the USA. It’s not uncommon for the Spanish to have dinner at 10 PM. Typically, Spaniards like to start their dinner with an apertivo. Usually, this contains a white wine that gets your appetite moving. Soon, you’ll find yourself munching on salty olives or potato chips to wash it down. Then, you’ve got some important choices to make. You can either settle for tapas or go to a restaurant and enjoy a proper meal. You can’t go wrong with either option.
Learn More About Food and Cuisine with Irina Bukatik
Irina Bukatik is a licensed sommelier, travel enthusiast, and gastronome. She has extensively traveled the world, combining her passion for food and travel. Her love for food led her to discover more about different cultures and countries. She aims to share her experiences with her readers on her food blog, Wanderlust Food.