Spain is a country with a rich culinary tradition and unique mealtime customs. If you’re planning to visit Spain, it’s essential to understand the eating times in Spain and how they differ from those in other countries.
Breakfast in Spain is typically eaten between 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. and is often a light meal consisting of coffee, toast with olive oil and tomato, or churros with chocolate. Breakfast is not as significant as lunch or dinner in Spain, and some people even skip it altogether.
Lunch in Spain, or la comida/almuerzo, is the most important meal of the day and is typically eaten between 1:30 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. Lunch is a big, hearty meal that often consists of multiple courses, including soup, salad, a main course, and dessert. In some places it’s common to take a siesta, or afternoon nap, after lunch.
Dinner in Spain, or la cena, is a lighter meal than lunch and is usually eaten between 8:30 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. Dinner typically consists of a main course, salad, and dessert. It’s important to note that dinner in Spain is eaten much later than in other countries, so it’s essential to plan your day accordingly.
In addition to breakfast, lunch, and dinner, it’s common for Spaniards to enjoy a merienda, or afternoon snack, around 5:00 p.m. Merienda often consists of a sweet snack or a sandwich.
It’s also important to note that in Spain, mealtimes are considered a social event, and meals are often enjoyed with family and friends. It’s not uncommon for a meal to last for several hours, and conversation and camaraderie are just as important as the food itself.
The Spanish mealtime traditions and cultural norms are unique and offer a glimpse into the country’s rich history and culinary heritage.
