The best way to describe Spanish food is as a typical Mediterranean diet. Huge salads, fish, fresh fruit, bread, olive oil, lentils, and simple meats and vegetables are staples. It seems simple, and it is. But somehow, the Spanish have turned simplicity into some of the most delicious food in the world. Spanish cuisine emphasizes fresh, high-quality ingredients and straightforward preparation, allowing the natural flavors to shine.
A typical Spanish breakfast is very small—usually toast and coffee. No eggs, no oatmeal, nothing heavy. The Spanish aren’t known to be morning people, so with a quick coffee and toast, they’re out the door. This is normally followed by a “second breakfast” or small snack before lunch. Around 10:30 am, you’ll see people stopping at cafes and bars, enjoying another coffee and perhaps a croissant or small pastry. The coffee is never taken to go but enjoyed leisurely and in good company.
Lunch, eaten between 1 pm and 3 pm, is the main meal of the day. It’s a three-course affair. First, you’ll have a large salad dressed in only olive oil or vinegar, a small plate of tapas, or soup. Next comes the main course: perhaps a thin steak and fries, swordfish and potatoes, garlic chicken with vegetables, or a rice dish such as paella. This is served with a baguette, a surprisingly light yet delightful accompaniment. Dessert is fruit, yogurt, or flan. Plus, coffee is always served.
Since lunch is so late, dinner isn’t until 8:30 pm to 10 pm. Before dinner, Spaniards enjoy “merienda,” an evening snack around 5 pm. This could be a beer and a tapa, a small sandwich (bocadillo), cured meats and bread (jamón con pan de leche), or anything small but delicious.
Dinner is a light meal: a sandwich, a Spanish omelet (tortilla), cheese and bread, or tapas. Restaurants don’t open until at least 8:30 pm or 9 pm. Keep this in mind if you plan to dine out. Spanish food culture emphasizes enjoying meals slowly and savoring each bite. This relaxed approach to dining is a key element of the Spanish lifestyle. The focus is on quality ingredients, simple preparation, and shared enjoyment with friends and family.
The food in Spain is fantastic. Always fresh, eaten slowly, and truly enjoyed, the cuisine is a highlight of any visit to Spain.
