Most Spaniards still enjoy a break and large meal, but life in Spain is changing. In larger cities like Madrid and Barcelona , many people spend over an hour commuting to and from work, making it impossible to go home for a meal and siesta. Because of this, Spanish government employees in Madrid now work a standard eight-hour day with a one-hour lunch break.
Many large supermarket and retail chains in large cities do not close for lunch anymore, either. Most small shops still close to enjoy their meal and a break before re-opening in the late afternoon. Bread is always found on the Spanish table. It is plentiful and fresh and used to mop up sauces.
Since Spaniards love eggs and dairy foods, you will find that many desserts are made from fresh milk or cream. Fresh fruit is typical to see on a dessert menu and may be served with a soft cheese. Also, do not forget an espresso shot. You will probably need it after the big lunch. The late-afternoon snack in Spain is called la merienda. It is necessary since there are typically five or six hours between lunch and dinner.
La merienda is especially important to children, who always seem to have lots of energy to play soccer in the streets and other fun activities. Snacktime can be anything from a piece of French-style bread with a piece of chocolate on top or bread with chorizo sausage, ham, or salami.
It is eaten around or 5 p. Dinner isn't served for at least another three or four hours. Nobody worries that this snack will ruin their appetite.
Dinner la cena is a significantly lighter meal than lunch. It is generally eaten between 9 p. The portions served at dinner are usually smaller, and plates are much simpler. Dinner might include fresh fish or seafood or a portion of roast chicken or lamb with fried potatoes or rice.
An omelet and fish with a green salad on the side are also quite common. A simple and quick dish, commonly eaten at dinner is arroz cubano , a mound of white rice, topped with tomato sauce and a fried egg. Green salad and a vegetable dish are standard at both lunch and dinner. A lighter dessert of fresh fruit or flan Spanish vanilla custard may also be eaten. Often, rather than sitting down to dinner at a restaurant, a group of friends may decide to meet and they will make the rounds at their favorite tapas bars before seeing a movie or heading to a club or show.
Spaniards are night owls. The typical Spaniard does not get to bed until around midnight. On the weekends, holidays, and during the summer months, it is not unusual for a Spanish family to turn in after 3 a. The last stop on the way home from an evening of fun might be to a churreria or churro stand.
Churros are fried pastries that are made out of fried dough. The closest thing that we have in the U. Men typically prepare it over a fire while the women prep the rest of the food.
A typical food in Spain found in tapas bars, gambas al ajillo is a sizzling dish of prawns in olive oil seasoned with garlic, green chili, and parsley.
This traditional spainish food is a simple and healthy dish, and great to share. Most tapas bars in Spain serve these small green peppers fried in olive oil and sprinkled with sea salt. With a specific diet, they create a cheese that is slightly salty, and most delis and bars carry it.
A bocadillos is a sandwich made with Spanish bread. I brought my own condiments. Did you know that Andalusia in Southern Spain is the largest producer of olive oil in the world? Do you love Spanish cuisine?
What Spanish foods have you tried and what are some others you would recommend? Which of these would be at the top of your list if you visited Spain? Esther and Jacob are the founders of Local Adventurer, which is one of the top 5 travel blogs in the US.
They believe that adventure can be found both near and far and hope to inspire others to explore locally. They explore a new city in depth every year and currently base themselves in Las Vegas. Join over , readers! Sign up to get access to our library of resources, travel photography tips, exclusive giveaways, and inspiration to be a Local Adventurer. Don't worry, it's a few times a month and not spammy. Twitter Facebook LinkedIn Last Updated: September 9, Content Menu. Jamon Iberico.
We hope this guide will be enlightening to you as you plan your next great Spain adventure! Have a question and need expert advice? Our team of pros is here to help! Also, check out our FAQ's page for more information. Browser our trips from the comfort of your home by having our gorgeous full-color catalogs filled with real trip photography delivered right to your door. Stay up to date on the latest Backroads news. The Dining Experience in Spain There's no doubt Spaniards know how to enjoy life, and much of this is reflected in the dining experience.
Traditional Spanish Dishes While dishes differ all over the nation, certain ingredients are common throughout the country. Patatas Bravas Perhaps the most ubiquitous of tapas, patatas bravas vary quite a bit around the country, but all versions involve chunks of fried potato served with a creamy sauce. Backroads Pro Tip Pairing a regional Spanish dish with the corresponding region's wine makes for a wonderful dining experience.
It's basically cod fried in garlic and olive oil, but by cooking it just right and gently shaking it in a frying pan, the gelatin-like oil from the cod infuses with the olive oil to make an emulsion. This creates the perfect sauce accompaniment. This meal is similar to English bangers and mash, but the pork sausage is usually grilled and served with white beans instead of potatoes.
Pulpo a Feira - Forget any preconceived notions of octopus as rubbery or hard to eat. The Galicians have mastered how to cook tender, succulent octopus.
The octopus is boiled until melt-in-your-mouth tender, and the tentacles are sliced into discs, drizzled with olive oil, sprinkled with smoked paprika and placed atop a bed of perfectly cooked potatoes. This dish is eminently simple—and delicious! Migas might have started out as breakfast leftovers, but over time, it has transformed from an ancient dish similar to North African couscous into a popular lunch or dinner option. Made from a base of bread crumbs, it often features bacon, sausage, olive oil, garlic and dried red pepper.
Sound too much for your stomach to handle? Looking for some great Spanish wine? Check out our Favorite Spanish Wine Regions article for everything you need to know! Here are some to get you started at a local restaurant: Could I have the bill, please?
Tipping Etiquette Tipping is not expected or required in Spain. Want to Know More about Spain? What is Backroads Established in , Backroads is a pioneer in active, immersive and off-the-beaten-path travel.
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