Spanish culinary customs
Spanish customs at the table: Meals
A typical day's breakfast usually consists of just a cup of coffee, although it is also common to accompany hot coffee with milk with a croissant or other pasta. While the traditional American breakfast includes pancakes, bacon and eggs, Spanish usually includes the very popular churros, dusted with sugar or dipped in chocolate. Spaniards usually eat their lunch between 2 and 4 in the afternoon. As it is the main meal of the day, it is usually normal for it to be more abundant than dinner. A typical meal has several dishes. The first course is the lightest part of the meal, consisting of a salad or soup, while the second course is usually meat or fish. The dessert can be a piece of fruit, a typical Spanish flan, or a sweet cake.
Although many people eat a full meal, Spanish dinner is usually much less filling than lunch. It usually consists of something light like a salad, a sandwich, or a selection of tapas. Spaniards usually dine late - even more so on weekends or in summer - between 9 and 11 at night.
Spanish customs at the table: Tapas
A tradition that began long ago in the city of Seville and has been perfected by the Spanish, going out for tapas consists of going from bar to bar and sharing dishes of the house specialty with a small group of friends.
Spanish customs at the table: Desktop
The name says it all. The word after-dinner refers to post-meal conversation. Instead of eating the last bite and leaving, Spaniards usually stay at the table talking, enjoying company and having a digestive drink. If the conversation is fluid, prepare to spend hours. More about the culture of the after dinner.
Spanish customs at the table: Siesta
No, it is not a myth. Yes, the famous siesta exists in reality. It started long ago because, after eating the copious meal at noon, the farmers needed to rest and digest before returning to the fields to work. Although this daily break does not necessarily include taking a nap, businesses and stores close for a couple of hours and many people return to eat at home as a family.
Spanish customs at the table: Coffee
Coffee is a very Spanish phenomenon. Many Spaniards drink several cups of coffee throughout the day. Coffee is also drunk after lunch, after desserts. In order not to clash, ask for a latte, a black coffee, or a coffee cut.
Spanish customs at the table: Tips
It is a completely voluntary practice, in many restaurants a courtesy tip of between 5 and 10% is usually left after a meal.
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