Food culture

Meals

In Spain there are three main meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner, and two side meals that only some people eat: the “almuerzo” (morning snack) and the “merienda” (afternoon snack).

In general, all these meals in Spain are eaten much later than in neighboring countries, especially lunch and evening meals. The usual time for lunch is between 2:00 PM and 3:00 PM, and for dinner between 9:00 PM and 10:00 PM.

De ontbijttijden variëren sterk, afhankelijk van hoe laat het werk begint, maar de meest gebruikelijke tijd voor het ontbijt is tussen 7 en 9 uur ’s ochtends. Het is echter mogelijk om in een hotel tot 10 uur te ontbijten en in een cafetaria tot 11 uur.
It is usually a light meal, based on coffee, a fruit juice, a croissant or a “tostada” with tomato, cheese, ham or a combination of the three.
Savory breakfast dishes, such as eggs, bacon or beans, are rare.
One of the most typical breakfast dishes in Spain is “churros con chocolate”, although this is usually reserved for holidays.
De Spanjaarden eten ’s avonds erg laat, in weekenden en in de zomermaanden vaak na 22.00 uur.
In most restaurants you can order without any problems until 10 or 11 p.m.

See: De vijf maaltijd momenten in Spanje (spanjeweetjes.nl)

Sharing portions

Portions in Spain are often quite large. Spaniards often share a portion; for example, they order only 2 dishes for 4 people. There is absolutely nothing to be ashamed of, this is an established Spanish custom.
Men zal altijd aan elke tafelgast bestek geven, ook als er maar één gerecht besteld wordt.

Tapas

This traditional way of snacking, which started in Seville, later spread throughout Spain. You go from bar to bar and try out small snacks with a group of friends.
Murcia is known for its excellent tapas bars. A few well-known and widely eaten tapas: marinera, tortilla de patatas, albondigas (meatballs in tomato sauce, with or without peas), ensaladilla rusa, ensalada murciana (mixed lettuce with egg and tuna), croquetas de jamón, croquetas de pollo, patatas bravas (fried potatoes with a spicy tomato sauce), patatas con alioli (fried potatoes in garlic mayonnaise), gambas al ajillo (shrimp with garlic), sardinas a la plancha (roasted sardines), chopitos fritos (fried small squids), pulpo a la gallega (squid from Galicia), almejas a la marinera (carpet clams).

Pinchos

Pinchos (pintxos in Basque) are also tapas, but originate from Northern Spain.
Pinchos are traditionally stuck onto a piece of bread with a stick. Usually the price is determined by the length of the stick.
People take the snacks at will and when they are satisfied, the waiter calculates the price by counting the remaining chopsticks.

Paella

Paella In Spanje wordt paella in principe enkel ’s middags geserveerd; ’s avonds kan je nergens paella krijgen.

In most restaurants they only serve paella for 2 people or more.
There are often different types of paella available: paella de mariscos, paella de pescado, paella mixta, etc. Please note: the quality of the paella served is often substandard, especially in the tourist centers on the coast.
You can eat good paella in restaurant “El Delfin” in Los Alcazares ( Calle Torrepino, 4).

Sobremesa

The word 'sobremesa' literally means 'over the table' and refers to chatting after eating a meal. Instead of taking the last bite and going home, Spaniards often stay to chat and enjoy each other's company.

Coffee

Like Italy, Spain also has many ways to drink coffee.
Spaniards usually drink their cup of coffee outside.
The quality of Spanish coffee is high and the price is inversely proportional to the quality. You can often drink a cup of coffee for 1.20 euros, even on the coast.

Café con leche

A large cup of coffee with hot milk that is usually drunk in the morning.
Spaniards usually don't order cafe con leche after eleven o'clock; After eleven you drink a stronger version.

Café cortado

A strong cup of coffee (café solo) with a splash of hot milk, usually served in a glass.

Café solo

A strong espresso that is most often drunk with breakfast or as a ending to a hot meal.

Café americano

A café solo, but with more water.
Sometimes a café solo is served in a large cup together with a jug of hot water.

Café bombón

coffee with a thick layer of condensed milk at the bottom with sugar

Carajillo

A small cup of strong coffee with a generous dash of whisky, cognac or liqueur of your choice.
Very popular with Spanish men.

Asiatico

Typical of the province of Murcia: delicious coffee with cinnamon, condensed milk, liqueur and coffee beans, originally from Cartagena.

Café con hielo

A cup of coffee with sugar served with a glass of ice.
You pour the coffee yourself into the glass.