Spanish food, often misunderstood, extends far beyond tacos and burritos. It’s a vibrant tapestry woven from fresh ingredients, simple preparations, and a deep appreciation for shared meals. The best way to describe Spanish cuisine is a typical Mediterranean diet. Huge salads, fish, fresh fruit, bread, olive oil, lentils and simple meats and vegetables. But somehow the Spanish have turned simplicity into some of the most delicious food in the world.
The day’s culinary rhythm in Spain marches to a unique beat. Let’s take a tour of the Spanish diet.
Breakfast: A Quick Start
A typical Spanish breakfast, or desayuno, is intentionally light. Think a simple toast (tostada) with olive oil and tomato, accompanied by a café con leche (coffee with milk). You won’t find heavy options like eggs or oatmeal. This is because the Spanish aren’t known to be morning people, so with a quick coffee and toast they’re out the door.
Around 10:30 AM, Spaniards often partake in a “second breakfast” or mid-morning snack known as almuerzo. This might involve another coffee with a croissant or small pastry. The coffee is never taken to go but enjoyed leisurely and with company.
Lunch: The Main Culinary Event
La Comida, lunch, is the heartiest meal of the day, typically enjoyed between 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM. It’s a multi-course affair, often starting with a large salad dressed simply with olive oil and vinegar, or a small plate of tapas or soup.
The segundo plato, or main course, can range from a thin steak and fries to grilled swordfish with potatoes, or a flavorful garlic chicken with vegetables. Paella, a classic rice dish, is also a popular choice. This is served with the typical baguette of bread, which is a surprisingly light yet a delightful accompaniment. Dessert is fruit, yogurt or flan. Plus coffee is always served.
Merienda: The Afternoon Pick-Me-Up
Since lunch is so late in the day, dinner isn’t until 8:30-10pm at night. Before dinner, Spaniards have invented their own meal, which they call merienda. Oh merienda! This is one of my favorite things about Spain! Around 5pm people get hungry, but they’re not ready for a full dinner, so it’s merienda time.
This evening snack can consist of a beer and a tapa, a small sandwich (bocadillo), lunch meats and bread (jamon con pan de leche) or anything little, but delicious. I fondly remember walking my young children home from school around 5pm (yes, school lasts until 5 in Spain!) and us stopping at a pastry shop and buying chocolate croissants or freshly baked pastries for a quick snack.
Dinner: A Light Conclusion
La Cena, dinner, is a lighter meal, typically eaten between 8:30 PM and 10:00 PM. It’s normally it’s a sandwich, a Spanish omelet (tortilla), some cheese and bread, some tapas etc. If you’re wanting to go out to dinner, restaurants do not open until at least 8:30 or 9pm, so be prepared.
Spanish Food: Simplicity and Freshness
The food in Spain is quite simply fantastic. Always fresh, eaten slowly and truly enjoyed, one of the highlights of visiting Spain is the food. Spanish cuisine emphasizes fresh, seasonal ingredients, prepared with minimal fuss. This focus allows the natural flavors to shine, creating dishes that are both satisfying and healthy. From succulent seafood to savory cured meats and vibrant vegetables, Spanish food offers a delightful experience for the palate.
