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written by Benny Lewis

Language: Spanish

Reading time: 11 minutes

Published: Mar 11, 2022

Updated: Jan 23, 2023

Spanish Food: A Guide to Spanish Cuisine and Spanish Eating Culture — with Lots of Spanish Food Words

Can you eat your way to  fluency in Spanish ? Maybe not, but you can learn all about Spanish food culture, and how to talk about food in Spanish!

If you’re a foodie, then you know that food is the way to the heart of both a person and a culture! Even in your hometown, there may be a unique food culture, type of food,  food etiquette  or eating habits that everyone enjoys.

It’s an expression of where you live. County Cavan, Ireland, where I’m from, has its very own annual food festival to showcase unique local food.

Spanish cuisine is no exception. Food is a big part of culture in Spain, and it’s often an expression of love and friendship with others.

Everyone likes talking about food; it’s one of those universal  small talk topics  that most people feel comfortable with.  Food vocabulary comes up everyday in conversations !

So, understanding Spanish food words and the Spanish food culture goes a long way.

That’s why there’s no yummier way to learn Spanish than through food. Exciting, right? You can have your cake and talk about it, too!

First thing’s first: the word for “food” in Spanish is  comida .

Table of contents

Food culture in spain.

• El Desayuno (“Breakfast”)
• La Comida (“Lunch”)
• La Merienda (“Snack”)
• La Cena (“Dinner/Supper”)
• Bocadillo de Medianoche (“Midnight Snack”)
• Sobremesa (“Over the Table”)

Tortilla Española

Jamón ibérico, patatas bravas, pollo al ajillo, breakfast foods in spanish, lunch & dinner foods in spanish, snacks and dessert foods in spanish, spanish words for around the kitchen, verbs for cooking & eating in spanish, ordering food in a spanish restaurant, spanish “foodie fluency”.

Hungry yet? You will be once we’re done!

Food habits in Spain are renowned for being quite unique. Eating and drinking are a big deal in Spanish culture, and bars are everywhere.

There’s always an excuse to grab some  tapas  (small-portioned appetisers) and socialise at the local drinking hole! Most bars serve as restaurants and hangouts where Spaniards can enjoy  fútbol  (“football”, or “soccer” in the US) together.

But the biggest difference in Spain’s food culture is  how and when  they eat.

Spanish Manners & Eating Habits

Eating habits in Spain have largely centered around work life… and I do mean life.

Currently, Spain runs on an 11-hour workday, although that’s changing in some areas. The workday starts around 9 am and doesn’t finish until 8 pm. Because of that, meal times are much farther apart than what most people expect.

El Desayuno  (“Breakfast”)

In the morning, Spaniards enjoy a light  desayuno  (“breakfast”) before heading to work. It often consists of  café con leche  (“coffee with milk”) and a pastry or roll with jam, like  bollos  (“sweet rolls”).

Because of the very long gap between  el desayuno  and  la comida  (literally, “the food” but means “lunch” in this context), many people will often take a break mid-morning for a snack. (Much like the  hobbit eating habit of Second Breakfast  or  Elevenses .)

This snack usually consists of  tapas , like the famous  tortilla de patata  (“potato omelette”).

La Comida  (“Lunch”)

Also called  el almuerzo , Spaniards strongly believe that food should be thoroughly enjoyed, so lunch is no rushed affair. In fact, when workers go to lunch around 2 pm, the workplace typically shuts down for two or three hours so Spaniards can go feast.

In Spain, lunch is the largest meal of the day and has three or more courses. It’s even common to drink wine at lunch. It’s often included in the meal price!

Common lunch foods in Spanish culture include a soup or pasta, a protein-filled dish of meat or fish, salad, and dessert such as  flan  (vanilla custard) or simply fruit. Coffee, wine, and brandy are common drinks at lunch. You’ll almost always find plenty of bread at every meal to wipe the plate clean.

After a long lunch, it’s common to take a  siesta  or short nap. In some areas of Spain,  siestas  are even protected by law. In bigger cities like Madrid, however, this isn’t very common anymore.

(I’ve found that  including siestas in my daily routine helped me focus better !)

La Merienda  (“Snack”)

Because of the long work day, it’s not unusual to stop and grab another snack around 5 or 6 pm.

La merienda  is like afternoon tea in England. It consists of something small such as bread, salami, fruit, cheese, chocolate, or other small finger foods.

La Cena  (“Dinner/Supper”)

Since the workday finishes around 8 pm, dinner is eaten around 9 or 10 pm. It’s often small and simple compared to lunch, especially because it’s so late.

Arroz cubano  is a common meal at dinner, which is a fried egg, rice, and a tomato sauce.

Dinner still usually includes a salad and small dessert of fruit, cheese, or  flan .

Bocadillo de Medianoche  (“Midnight Snack”)

The average Spaniard goes to bed around midnight every day, so a  bocadillo de medianoche  is not unheard of!

Churros  are often picked up on the way home from a night out socialising at the bar. Or they’ll enjoy a nice, warm cup of Spanish hot chocolate.

Buen Provecho!  (“Enjoy Your Meal!”)

In a restaurant, when the waiter delivers your meal to your table, you’re likely to hear  ”Buen Provecho!” , which means “Enjoy your meal!” or “Bon appétit!”

In homes and among friends, you’re more likely to hear the less formal  ”Que aproveche!” .

You can respond to both with  ”Igualmente”  (“Same to you”) if speaking to someone who’s eating with you, or simply  ”Gracias”  if speaking to your waiter or anyone else not partaking in the meal.

Related learning:  97 Common Spanish Phrases to Start Speaking Spanish Right Now

Sobremesa  (“Over the Table”)

It’s rude to eat and dash in Spain.

The term  sobremesa  is used to describe the flow of conversation that happens after the meal is over. Spaniards not only take the time to savour their food, but also each other’s company.

Traditional Spanish Foods You Must Try

So, what are some typical Spanish dishes?

The standard Spanish diet is Mediterranean, featuring lots of fruit, vegetables, whole grains and healthy fats like olive oil. Spain has many unique and flavourful dishes, but these traditional Spanish foods are a must try!

One of the most common and traditional Spanish dishes,  paella  is a saffron rice dish with beans and meat.

There are quite a lot of variations, and it can be topped with meat, fish, shrimp, or veggies. The most traditional dishes use rabbit, chicken, duck or even snails as the main protein, although seafood paella is very common.

No matter where you find it, the ingredient that doesn’t change is the saffron rice. It’s most often eaten for lunch and originates from  the beautiful city of Valencia .

Served chilled, this tomato-based soup is refreshing in the summer heat. It’s so popular, many eat it every day!

Traditional gazpacho also happens to be completely meat-free, making it a perfect choice for vegetarians like me. It’s typically made with bright red, ripe tomatoes, garlic, cucumbers, peppers, bread and olive oil. So delicious!

This soup comes from Andalusia, which is in the southernmost part of Spain where it gets very hot. Understandably, no one wants boiling hot soup there.

Possibly the most popular and oft-eaten food in Spain, this potato omelette can be found anywhere and everyone knows how to make it.

Although it sometimes has other ingredients, the traditional version is the potato-and-egg-only omelette.

Everywhere you go, you’ll find these ham legs on display. There are two kinds, from white pigs ( jamón serrano ) and black pigs ( jamón ibérico ), but the latter is more expensive. The meat is thinly sliced off the leg and eaten with bread, as a  tapas  dish.

Meaning “brave potatoes”,  patatas bravas  (also known as  papas bravas ) are a staple on every  tapas  menu, and a usual go-to choice for vegetarian tapas-lovers. These potatoes are fried and served with a spicy sauce. Spicy food isn’t popular in Spain, but this sauce is the exception to the rule. The sauce varies by region, but the potatoes are always the same.

You may have tried this before since it’s become popular around the world, but ask any Spaniard and they’ll tell you that the best  chorizo  is found in Spain. This is a spicy and sweet sausage, and usually quite garlicky. You’ll find it in many other recipes to add a depth and richness in flavour. Make sure to bring a breath mint!

Another staple on every  tapas  menu, these Spanish meatballs are served in a rich tomato sauce. There are some variations, though. In some regions, the meatballs might even be made out of squid!

Here’s a classic Spanish comfort food.  Pollo al ajillo  is a garlic chicken dish that’s cooked with rosemary, thyme, and a splash of white wine or sherry to give it a rich, comforting flavour.

Spain’s answer to France’s ratatouille is another amazing vegetarian dish you’ll find all over the country. It’s made with tomatoes, onions, aubergine, courgette and bell peppers, and sometimes served with a fried egg on top. Yum!

Must-Know: Common Spanish Food Words

Is your stomach growling too? You’ve learned about the culture of food and all the meals of the day, so now it’s time to start speaking about it in Spanish.

• Breakfast:  Desayuno
• Bread:  Pan
• Butter:  Mantequilla
• Sweet rolls:  Bollos
• Pastry:  Pastelería
• Coffee:  Café
• With:  con
• Without:  sin
• Milk:  Leche
• And:  y
• Sugar:  Azúcar
• Yoghurt:  Yogur
• Eggs:  Huevos
• Sausage:  Chorizo
• Lunch:  Almuerzo
• Dinner:  Cena
• Food:  Comida
• Potatoes:  Patatas
• Rice:  Arroz
• Soup:  Sopa
• Pasta:  Pasta
• Salad:  Ensalada
• Vegetables:  Verduras
• Onion:  Cebolla
• Bell Pepper:  Pimiento
• Meat:  Carne
• Beef:  Res
• Pork:  Cerdo
• Chicken:  Pollo
• Fish:  Pescado
• Squid:  Calamares
• Shrimp:  Camarones
• Seafood:  Mariscos
• Tomato:  Tomate
• Olive Oil:  Aceite de Oliva
• Cucumber:  Pepino
• Garlic:  Ajo
• Beans:  Frijoles
• Carrot:  Zanahoria
• Asparagus:  Espárragos
• Fried Egg:  Huevo Frito
• Salt:  Sal
• Pepper:  Pimienta
• Drinks:  Bebidas
• Wine:  Vino
• Beer:  Cerveza
• Water:  Agua
• Tea:  Té
• Soda:  Cola
• Snack:  Bocadillo
• Dessert:  Postre
• Cheese:  Queso
• Hot Chocolate:  Chocolate a la Taza
• Vanilla Custard:  Flan
• Cake:  Tarta
• Cookie:  Bollito  or  Galleta
• Ice Cream:  Helado
• Fruit:  Fruta
• Apple:  Manzana
• Pear:  Pera
• Cherries:  Guindas  or  Cerezas
• Strawberries:  Fresas
• Watermelon:  Sandía
• Orange:  Naranja
• Lemon:  Limón
• Figs:  Higos
• Nuts:  Nueces

For more fruit vocabulary, check out this post:  44 Spanish Fruits and Spanish Fruit Names – A Yummy Guide!

• Kitchen:  Cocina
• Table:  Mesa
• Oven:  Horno
• Stove:  Estufa
• Microwave Oven:  Microondas
• Plate:  Plato
• Napkin:  Servilleta
• Knife:  Cuchillo
• Fork:  Tenedor
• Spoon:  Cuchara
• Glass (for water):  Vaso
• Glass (for wine):  Copa
• Bowl:  Cuenco  or  Tazón
• Pot:  Olla
• Frying Pan:  Sartén
• Spatula:  Espátula
• Ladle:  Cucharón
• Cutlery:  Cubiertos
• Tablespoon:  Cucharada
• Teaspoon:  Cucharadita
• Cup:  Taza
• Prepare:  Preparar
• Cook:  Cocinar
• Cut:  Cortar
• Chop:  Picar
• Peel:  Pelar
• Boil:  Hervir
• Fry:  Freir
• Sauté:  Saltear
• Stir:  Revolver
• Bake:  Hornear
• Pour:  Vertir
• Whisk:  Batir
• Measure:  Medir
• Eat:  Comer
• Drink:  Beber
• Order:  Pedir
• Restaurant:  Restaurante
• Waiter, Waitress:  Camarero ,  Camarera
• Could I have __, please:  ¿Me podría traer __, por favor?
• I would like___, please:  Quisiera ___, por favor
• I’m allergic to___:  Tengo alergia a _____
• I don’t eat___:  No como _____
• The menu:  El menú
• The bill:  La cuenta
• Cash:  Efectivo
• Credit Card:  Tarjeta de Crédito
• What do you recommend?:  ¿Qué me recomiendas?  (informal),  ¿Qué me recomienda?  (formal)
• It’s delicious:  Está riquísimo
• I don’t like it:  No me gusta (eso)

Feeling confident in your Spanish cuisine vocab yet? You’re on your way to foodie fluency in Spanish!

Learning the culture through food is a great way to understand how people socialise in your target language. It’s always great to be able to share experiences over a delicious, warm meal.

Trying out these Spanish dishes? Don’t forget to take a food picture for  social media  (and even caption your food in Spanish for practice!) and use the hashtag #fi3m.

¡Salud!  (“Cheers!”)

Benny Lewis

Founder, Fluent in 3 Months

Fun-loving Irish guy, full-time globe trotter and international bestselling author. Benny believes the best approach to language learning is to speak from day one .

Speaks: Spanish, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Esperanto, Mandarin Chinese, American Sign Language, Dutch, Irish

Have a 15-minute conversation in your new language after 90 days

Learn Spanish with free, communicative lessons

Talking about food in Spanish: vocabulary + listening

Hello! Thank you very much for learning Spanish with us. On this occasion, we will learn the vocabulary for grains, meats, dairy products and others that are normally consumed in many countries around the world. We hope that the images, examples and exercises in the lesson help you to speak about food in Spanish without difficulties. Let’s start …

Vegetables, meats, dairy and other products in Spanish

First, let’s learn the vocabulary we need to talk about food in Spanish, starting with basic grains, fruits and vegetables , meats, and more. Pay attention to the picture and try to memorize the most important words in it. We will be using them later in sentences and a listening activity.

Grammar: Ways to talk about likes and preferences in Spanish

As you can see in the previous sentences, there are several ways to talk about likes and preferences in Spanish :

• Direct object pronoun + GUSTAR + verb: The verb “gustar” is used accompanied by a pronoun such as “ME, NOS, TE” . The pronouns are placed before the verb “gustar” to indicate who likes something, eg: “ Me gusta comer camarones ” (I like to eat shrimp)
• Pronoun + GUSTARÍA : The structure “gustaría” corresponds to “would like” in English , as used in the example: “ ¿Te gustaría comer cerdo, res o pollo? ” (Would you like to eat pork, beef or chicken?)
• Personal pronoun  + PREFERIR / PREFERIRÍA: finally, we can use the verb prefer plus another verb to talk about what we like or prefer in this case, for example: “ Yo prefiero comer aguacate con queso que huevo con tomate ” (I prefer to eat avocado with cheese than egg with tomato)

Spanish Listening Activity: What are you cooking?

Related spanish worksheet:.

• Fruits and Vegetables in Spanish – PDF Crossword Puzzle
• Food in Spanish: conversation cards – PDF worksheet
• At a Fast Food Restaurant in Spanish – PDF Worksheet

Spanish Food List: 70 Spanish Words for Food & Idioms

Knowing words for food in Spanish can be extremely useful for your conversations. Whether you’re at a restaurant or talking about what you like to eat, this vocabulary is applied in daily life situations. So, in this Spanish food list, I’ve compiled the most common words you should know. 

In addition to this vocabulary, I’ve also included common idiomatic expressions with food and recordings for you to practice the pronunciation of these terms. Here is an overview of what we’ll cover: 

• Meats & Seafood
• Dairy & Other Products
• Phrases to Talk About Food 
• Food Idioms in Spanish
• Downloadable PDF

Let’s get down to business! 

List of Spanish Words for Food – La Comida

Below is the most common Spanish food vocabulary. For the most part, these words are used across all Spanish-speaking countries. I’ve made sure to include dialectal variations when applicable. 

In such cases, the term used in Spain will appear first, followed by the food word used in Latin America. 

Fruits – Las Frutas

• El aguacate : Avocado
• El arándano : Blueberry
• La banana / El plátano : Banana
• La ciruela : Plum
• El coco : Coconut
• El durazno / El melocotón : Peach
• La frambuesa : Raspberry
• La fresa : Strawberry
• La guinda / La cereza : Cherry
• La granada : Pomegranate
• El higo : Fig
• El kiwi : Kiwi
• El limón : Lemon
• La mandarina : Mandarin
• El mango : Mango
• La manzana : Apple
• El melón : Melon
• La naranja : Orange
• La papaya : Papaya
• La pera : Pear
• La piña : Pineapple
• El pomelo / La toronja : Grapefruit 
• La sandía : Watermelon
• La uva : Grape

¿Quién quiere una naranja ? Who wants an orange ?

Necesito más aguacate .  I need more avocado. 

El mango sabe un poco ácido. The mango tastes a bit sour. 

A Stephanie no le gustan las manzanas .  Stephanie doesn’t like apples . 

Take Note : Spanish food words are nouns . As a result, they have gender and plural forms. Fruit terms follow the standard rules for gender where feminine words end with an a and masculine terms with an o, u, e or i. 

Vegetables – Las Verduras

• El apio : Celery
• La berenjena : Eggplant
• El betabel : Beetroot
• El brócoli : Broccoli 
• La calabaza : Squash / Pumpkin 
• La cebolla : Onion
• El champiñón : Mushroom
• La col : Cabbage
• La colifor : Cauliflower
• La espinaca : Spinach 
• El guisante / El chícharo : Pea
• La lechuga : Lettuce
• El maíz : Corn
• La papa : Potato
• El pepino : Cucumber
• El pepinillo : Pickle 
• El pimiento : Pepper
• El rábano : Radish
• El tomate* : Tomato 
• La zanahoria : Carrot

*In Mexican Spanish , tomate refers to green tomatoes, whereas jitomate is the word for red tomato. 

Limpia las papas , por favor.  Clean the potatoes , please. 

La tortilla está hecha de maíz . Tortilla is made of corn. 

Necesitas comer más lechuga .  You need to eat more lettuce . 

Take Note : In Spanish, verduras and vegetales are the words we use to say ‘vegetables’. 

Meats & Seafood – La Carne y Los Mariscos

• El atún : Tuna
• El camarón : Shrimp
• El cangrejo : Crab
• La carne : Meat
• El cerdo : Pork 
• El jamón : Ham
• La langosta : Lobster
• El langostino : Prawn
• Los mariscos : Seafood
• La res : Beef
• El pescado : Fish
• El pollo : Chicken
• El pulpo : Octopus 
• La salchicha : Sausage 
• El salmón : Salmon
• La trucha : Trout

¿Te gusta el pescado ?  Do you like fish ?

Tim es alérgico al camarón .  Tim is allergic to shrimp . 

Mi hermana no come carne de res .  My sister doesn’t eat beef . 

In Spanish, it’s common to use the structure carne de to talk about the type of meat. We do this to avoid confusing a Spanish food term with the name of the animal . Here is an example:  

Me encanta la carne de cerdo .  I love pork. 

Spanish dairy products & others – Productos Lácteos y otras comidas

• El aceite : Oil
• El azúcar : Sugar
• La canela : Cinnamon 
• La crema : Cream
• La harina : Flour
• El huevo : Egg
• La leche : Milk
• La mantequilla : Butter
• El pan : Bread
• La pimienta : Peper 
• El queso : Cheese
• La sal : Salt 
• El yogur : Yogurt

No le pongas tanta sal a la comida.  Don’t put so much salt on the food. 

Voy a preparar huevos con jamón .  I’m going to prepare eggs with ham . 

¿Quieres mantequilla para tu pan ? Do you want butter for your bread ?

Take Note : Foods for nouns can be countable or uncountable , meaning you’ll have to use different words and structures to measure them. 

Additional Spanish Food Vocabulary

Now that you know the most common Spanish words for food, here is some additional vocabulary that will allow you to talk about food. This section contains other words, Spanish verbs, and expressions. 

• El almuerzo : Lunch
• La cena : Dinner
• Comida chatarra : Junk food
• Comida rápida : Fast food
• Cortar : To chop
• El desayuno : Breakfast 
• Disfrute su comida : Enjoy your food
• El dulce : Sweet / Candy
• Intoxicación : Food poisoning 
• Para llevar : Take out
• Pedazo : Piece 
• Pelar : To peel 
• Picar : To mince / To chop
• El postre : Desert 
• Rebanar : To slice
• La rebanada : Slice 
• La receta : Recipe 
• El refrigerio : Snack
• Salado : Salty
• Ser alérgico a : To be allergic to

Here are some sentences: 

Quiero dos rebanadas de pizza.  I want two slices of pizza. 

Jonathan es alérgico a los mariscos.  Jonathan is allergic to seafood. 

Este postre está muy dulce .  This dessert is very sweet . 

Bonus: Spanish Idiomatic Expressions with Food

Finally, here are some popular Spanish idioms with food that can help you sound more natural: 

• Agarrar con las manos en la masa: To catch red handed
• Darle vuelta a la tortilla : To turn the tables
• En todas partes se cuecen habas : Everyone has a skeleton in the closet
• Importarle un pimiento* : Couldn’t care less
• Ir al grano : To get to the point
• Pedir peras al olmo : To expect the impossible 
• Ser la cereza del pastel : To be the icing on the cake
• Ser pan comido : To be a piece of cake  

Next Steps: Vocab Guides to Describe, Travel, & Order Food

To make the most out of this vocabulary, here are some steps you can take. 

Spanish adjectives allow you to describe nouns. So, if you want to be more precise when using the vocabulary you just learned, you should learn some adjectives to describe food . 

Most students learn food vocabulary to travel . If this is your case, I have a guide on how to order food with common expressions you can use to order Spanish dishes and communicate in this situation successfully. 

Download the Spanish Food Vocabulary PDF

Talking about foods in Spanish is one of the most essential skills you need in daily conversations. I’ve created a PDF you can download for free with all the Spanish food vocabulary from this guide.

Daniela Sanchez

¡Hola! Soy Daniela Sanchez, I've been studying Spanish professionally as well as teaching it in Mexico and online for over 10 years. I’ve taught Spanish to a wide array of foreigners from many backgrounds. Over the years, I've made it my mission to work hard on refining many challenging to understand grammar topics to make my students' learning experiences easier, faster and more enjoyable. Read More About Me

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An Introduction to Spanish Cuisine

Traditional Spanish cuisine is down-to-earth, uncomplicated food that is based on the ingredients available locally or the crops grown regionally.

Mountains run through Spain in several directions, acting as natural barriers to communication and making transportation difficult until the last half of the 20th century. This is just one of the reasons why cooking differs so much from region to region. Another is the fact that Spain was created by uniting many small kingdoms, each with their own traditions.

Many dishes are prepared today using the same cooking methods and ingredients as they were two or three hundred years ago. Like the Romans, the Arabs who conquered and lived in Spain for 800 years made fabulous contributions to Spanish cuisine , and their influence is seen in many recipes. Other dishes sprung up from European and American influences and were adapted to Spanish tastes. A few things remain true: Food in Spain is fresh, abundant, and full of flavor, and the Spanish love their food dearly.

Spanish Cuisine Ingredients

The two basic ingredients of Spanish food are olive oil and garlic; in fact, it's not uncommon for the only common ingredients used throughout the country to be garlic and olive oil. However, because Spain is comprised of distinct geographical regions settled by different ethnic and cultural groups, and because the weather varies from province to province, the regional cuisines are in fact very different.

Here is a list of typical ingredients and foods:

• Olive oil:  Spanish recipes either call for olive oil or lard, mainly olive oil. Extra virgin olive oil is worth the added expense. Spain is a leading producer of olive oil , and olives are grown all over the Andalucia region in the south of Spain. Many typical Spanish dishes are fried in olive oil. 
• Ham:  or jamón, as the Spanish say, is a prized food. Spaniards take their ham very seriously and will pay a high price for top quality. Typically you'll encounter jamón serrano or ham from the Sierra or mountains, but there are many different kinds. Learn about jamón español , and where to buy it outside of Spain.
• Fish and Seafood:  Because Spain is located on the Iberian Peninsula, fresh seafood is always plentiful in the markets and served in restaurants. The Spanish eat fish or shellfish daily; everything from halibut to shrimp and even octopus and baby eels is common.
• Cheeses:  Wonderful cheeses of every type are available in Spain, made from sheep, cow, goat, and mixed milk types. Types range from aged cheeses, such as manchego variety from La Mancha, to the soft, creamy cheeses such as tetilla from Galicia, and everything in between. Spain produces blue cheeses that mature in limestone caves, such as Cabrales. Cheese can be eaten as a tapa, during meals, and for dessert.
• Sausages:  Spanish love sausage—especially chorizo, a pork sausage made with paprika. There are many types of chorizo , from fresh and soft to smoked and aged. Every local market offers a variety, and Spanish families often make their own in the winter and hang them in the cellar or the attic to dry. The preparation and spices used in Spanish chorizo are different from the chorizo made in Mexico or the Caribbean.
• Beef, Lamb, and Pork:  All three types of meat are common and can be roasted, grilled over the coals, or sautéed in a sauce. Generally, Spanish prefer veal and suckling lamb and pig. Roasted meats are a popular dish for holidays and festive occasions.
• Eggs:  Eggs are eaten daily either fried, deviled or in a Spanish omelet , called a tortilla Española in Spain. They are an essential part of many recipes, from salads to desserts.
• Chicken:  Chicken is very popular. It is prepared in every way, but most commonly is fried or stewed, although roasted chicken is sold "to go" in many small stores.
• Fruits and Vegetables : Spanish people eat lots of fresh fruit as snacks or as the last course of their meals. A fresh fruit bowl sits in most kitchens. Simple salads and sautéed vegetables are eaten every day. Popular dishes often include sweet peppers, eggplant, and zucchini.
• Legumes:  Beans and chickpeas (garbanzo beans) have been a staple for centuries and rivaled bread as the most commonly eaten food. The most famous Spanish bean dish is probably the cocido madrileño , which is a classic stew from Madrid with chickpeas, sausage, and ham.
• Nuts:  Spain is one of the top producers of almonds, hazelnuts, and walnuts. Almond-based and milk-based desserts are very common. Turrón , the almond nougat candy eaten at Christmas, is probably the best known of these sweets. Many Spanish recipes of Arabic origin contain ground almonds, and almonds were used for centuries to thicken sauces and stews. In Spain hazelnuts, not almonds, are the most popular nut mixed with chocolate.
• Herbs, Garlic, and Onions:  Garlic, onions, and herbs such as oregano, rosemary, and thyme are used, but garlic more than the others.

Cooking Methods

Cocido , olla , guiso, estofado , or escudella are the Spanish terms for stew. This is one dish that could be called characteristic of Spain, although each region has its own version. The Spanish do not only stew, they roast, fry, and sauté many foods. It is not as common to bake or broil, although they do grill meats on a metal plate or a charcoal grill.

As the Spanish say to wish everyone a good meal, "Buen provecho!"

✅ Spanish food culture: Spain mealtimes, typical food, customs & useful phrases

Do you have some trouble understanding Spanish food culture or eating times in Spain? What are tapas? And raciones? Are you going to a Spanish restaurant and want to know how to order your food in Spanish?

Nice that you are trying to find out how Spanish food culture works! Keep reading to discover all answers to your Spanish food questions and doubts.

In this post you will explore an average day of Spanish meals from breakfast to dinner, but you will also learn about Spanish mealtimes, what a typical menu looks like and how to order!

This post will definitely help you get ready for your trip to Spain or will help you feel like a Spaniard when preparing some Spanish recipes at home! So.. Let’s start!

Spanish Breakfast (El Desayuno)

In Spain, breakfast ( el desayuno ) is the smallest meal of the day. Also, it is typically light and more like a continental breakfast than anything else. So, let’s start with the first moment of the Spanish food culture!

– What is the typical Spanish breakfast like?

The typical Spanish breakfast generally includes  café con leche  (strong coffee with hot milk) or natural orange juice plus a good toast with olive oil, tomato slices and Iberian ham. Simply delicious!

Those who prefer a “sweet” breakfast normally have bollos  (sweet rolls) with jam, toast with jam and butter, magdalenas  (traditional Spanish cup cakes), or simply “Maria” cookies dunked in hot milk.

– What time is breakfast in Spain?

Generally, breakfast in Spain is eaten at home, before dashing off to work or school. However, you may see some workers duck into the closest cafeteria around 10 a.m. to enjoy a quick mid-morning coffee break. This is actually a really important thing in Spanish food culture and completely necessary if you are having lunch late.

– How to order for breakfast in Spanish?

Go to your closest bar and ask: “buenos días, ¿puedo pedir una tostada con jamón ibérico y un café con leche?”

Spanish Tapas: the perfect appetiser

Tapas  are normally eaten a bit before the big mid-afternoon lunch, but also for dinner. I am sure you have heard of them but… What exactly are tapas?

– What are Spanish Tapas about?

Spanish Tapas are small appetisers like canapés or finger food and may be warm or cold dishes. Although tapas vary greatly from region to region and season to season, there is one thing that remains the same: tapas time is about bar-hopping sharing food with friends!

It’s common for friends to have a regular circuit by meeting up at their favorite bars. In fact, the Spanish love tapas so much that they made a verb out of it. So, the phrase “ Vamos a tapear!”  means “Let’s go eat  tapas !”

– What are the most popular Spanish Tapas?

There are literally hundreds of different tapas! Some of the most popular tapas include cold cuts, tortilla (Spanish omelette), patatas bravas (potatoes with spicy brava sauce), gambas al ajillo (shrimps with garlic), albóndigas (meatballs), croquetas (croquettes) and many more!

– How to order Tapas in Spanish?

Enjoy some traditional Spanish tapas by asking: “hola, ¿puedo pedir una copa de vino y algo para picar?”

Lunch ( La Comida )

The midday meal or  la comida,  as it is called in Spain, is the largest meal of the day. It can include multiple courses and wine: the perfect moment to fully enjoy Spanish food culture!

Since Spanish lunches are always large, and courses come one at a time, it is important to pace yourself. Spaniards believe in taking their time and enjoying their meals. In fact, when having lunch in a restaurant, with family or friends, you can expect lunch to last an hour and a half or longer.

– What are the typical Spanish dishes for lunch?

Below, a sample meal that you might find on a menu at a restaurant, or if you happen to be invited to someone’s home for lunch:

• Typical Spanish lunch starters: Vegetable, bean, or seafood soup (often rice, potato, or pasta-based), green salad or vegetables
• Typical Spanish lunch main courses: Fresh fish or seafood, roast chicken or lamb with fried potatoes, or even rabbit stew if you are lucky
• Typical Spanish Desserts: Flan, a light pastry, fresh fruit, or ice cream. Since Spaniards love eggs and dairy foods, you will find that many desserts are made from fresh milk or cream.
• Typical Spanish After lunch drinks: Coffee and orujo (herbs liqueur) or brandy. Do not forget an espresso shot: you will probably need it after the big lunch!

Remember that bread is always found on the Spanish table, plentiful, fresh and used to mop up sauces. 

– What time is Lunch served in Spain?

Lunchtime in Spain is from 2 p.m to 4 p.m. Before and after that time, you might not find a restaurant or bar with the kitchen open and ready to serve you a delicious Spanish lunch.

– Spanish lunch and nap: why Siesta tradition is disappearing

Traditionally, Spaniards have a two- to three-hour break from work or school in order to enjoy lunch. They, also, take a short nap or  siesta . Essentially, the entire country closes up shop from about 1:30 to 4:30 p.m.

Indeed, the siesta is a tradition that goes back centuries from the days when most people worked in agriculture and air conditioning did not exist. So, it is easy to understand why folks needed fuel from a large meal as well as a rest from the hot Spanish sun before returning to work.

Until recently, everyone in Spain used to have this afternoon break, but life in Spain is changing. In fact, in larger cities like Madrid and  Barcelona , many people spend over an hour commuting to and from work. This makes it impossible to go home for a meal and siesta.

Also, many large supermarket and retail chains in large cities do not close for lunch anymore, either. Indeed, most small shops still close to enjoy their meal and a break before re-opening in the late afternoon.

– How to order for Lunch in a Spanish restaurant?

Finally, here you have some useful phrases to order your Lunch in Spanish: ¿Hay menú del día? ¿Qué me puedes aconsejar? ¿La paella o el gazpacho?

Late-Afternoon Spanish Snack ( La Merienda )

The late-afternoon snack in Spain is called  la merienda and it is really necessary, especially for children, since there are typically five or six hours between lunch and dinner.

-What is the typical Spanish Snack for Merienda?

Merienda can be sweet or salty. It 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. Also, Merienda drinks are normally juice or milk but don’t forget about hot chocolate with some Spanish churros – a delicious way to keep you warm in winter!

– What time is Merienda eaten in Spain?

Merienda, the typical Spanish late-afternoon snack is eaten around 5 p.m to 6 p.m. As dinner isn’t served for at least another three or four hours, nobody worries that this snack will ruin their appetite.

– How to order for Merienda in Spanish?

If you are visiting or living in Spain, you should know that cafes are the place to go for Merienda. Once there, try to order your snack this way: “buenas tardes, quieroa un bocadillo de jamón ​​y queso y un zumo de piña, por favor!”

Dinner ( La Cena )

Dinner (la cena) is a significantly lighter meal than lunch, with smaller portions and much simpler recipes. So, let’s get to know a very special moment of the Spanish food culture!

– What are the typical Spanish dishes for Dinner?

Dinner might include some tapas, omelet, fish or meat with green salad or even just some cold cuts like Iberian ham or salchichón. A lighter dessert of fresh fruit or yogurt is the most common thing.

Often, rather than sitting down to dinner at home or in a restaurant, friends “go for tapas” and visit their favorite tapas bars, having 2-3 tapas in each one, creating their own tapas tour.

– What is Dinner time in Spain?

If you are travelling to Spain and want to live the local way, you should get ready to eat late. Dinner in Spain is normally served between 9 p.m and 10 p.m.

– How to order Dinner in Spanish?

Finally, sit in a Spanish restaurant and ask: “Buenas noches, ¿qué tienes como entrantes? ¿Cómo es el pescado frito aqui?”

So… Now that you know the essentials about Spanish food culture, let us know in the comments section below which is your favourite Spain’s eating custom. Mine is Merienda! Also, do you think you would be able to adapt to the late Spanish mealtimes? What about the siesta after lunch?

Now, if you want to learn more about Spanish food, don’t forget to check our dedicated section to food . Or even better, if you are visiting Spain, join one of our foodie experiences, like our Traditional Malaga Tapas and Wine tour or the Atarazanas Food Market tour, and discover everything first-hand! You can also check these tips to plan your holidays in Spain:

DISCOUNTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS FOR YOUR TRIP ✈️ Find the cheapest flights, train or bus tickets here . 🛏️ Get up to 15% discount on your hotel by booking here . 🏛️ Book the best tours and activities here . 🚗 Compare and rent a car at the best price here or hire your transfer here . 📖 Get your Spain travel guide here . 💚 Book your travel insurance here .

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Buen provecho !

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3 thoughts on “✅ spanish food culture: spain mealtimes, typical food, customs & useful phrases”.

It was a lovely read and helpful Spanish phrases

Great job, so interesting and useful!

Amazing post! Thanks for sharing!!

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Topic: Food

• Learn key food terms , including names of various foods, types of cooking methods, and utensils. Some examples include la manzana (apple), hervir (to boil), and el cuchillo (knife).
• Differentiate between meals like el desayuno (breakfast), el almuerzo (lunch), and la cena (dinner).
• Understand different dietary terms such as vegetariano (vegetarian), vegano (vegan) and sin gluten (gluten-free).

Describing Food & Drink

• Become familiar with adjectives commonly used to describe food and drinks like dulce(sweet), sabroso (tasty), amargo (bitter), etc.
• Practice using these adjectives in sentences , being mindful of the correct grammatical agreement in gender and number.

Hispanic Food Culture

• Gain an understanding of traditional meals in different Spanish-speaking countries, such as paella in Spain, enchiladas in Mexico, and empanadas in Argentina.
• Learn about typical food habits and mealtimes in these cultures. For example, the Spanish tradition of a late night meal called supper.

Ordering at a Restaurant

• Understand and use key phrases for ordering food in a restaurant. Phrases could include “¿Qué me recomienda?” (What do you recommend?) or “Me gustaría un/a…” (I would like a…)
• Learn polite phrases such as “por favor” (please) and “gracias” (thank you).

Expressing Opinions

• Be able to express likes, dislikes, and preferences related to food, e.g., “Me encantan las manzanas” (I love apples) or “Prefiero la carne sin salsa” (I prefer meat without sauce).
• Recall key opinion phrases such as “en mi opinión” (in my opinion), “pienso que” (I think that), “creo que” (I believe that).

Remember to incorporate all these elements in your spoken and written practice to be able to articulate concepts seamlessly. Practice regularly, listening to native speakers, and utilize a variety of practice exercises for the best understanding.