Breakfast in Spain
The real breakfast doesn’t really happen until about 10.30. In fact school children will take something in their bag as many don’t have breakfast at home and workers will congregate in bars. A child’s breakfast will usually be something cakey such as a sponge cake called a Magdalena or a pastry such as a Bollycao (brand name for individually wrapped pastries with chocolate). The adults in the bars can be seen eating pan con tomate (bread with tomato and drizzled in oil), a pastry or a tostada with a coffee. One can't talk about breakfast in Spain without mentioning the infamous Churros. These are long doughnut like strips which can be dipped in sugar or for pure indulgence, dunked in chocolate. Churros are often enjoyed in the early hours (madrugada) at the ferias which take place during the summer.
Lunch in Spain
Lunch is eaten from 1.30 onwards and is considered the most substantial meal during the
day. From a weight maintenance point of view, this gives you the rest of the day to burn it off. Look out for Menu del Día for a good value three course meal.
Merienda
This light meal time takes place at about 5pm. In English this would be tea time. It is mainly observed by children who enjoy a juice, milkshake, a roll or a cake at this time whilst adults might just have a revitalising coffee.
Tapas – What’s it all about?
Tapas – the basics
When you think of Spanish cuisine, after the more obvious paella, the word tapas springs to mind. Traditionally they were served for free with a drink. Although, this is increasingly hard to come by, it is still standard practise in Granada. If they are free there would be enough to snack on but not dine e.g. a few olives or some slices of manchego cheese.
Tapas – the origins
The word itself actually means cover and it is thought that the name originated from the habit
of farm workers protecting their drinks from insects with small plates.
Tapas – how do you eat them?
Tapas could be described as finger foods, although for some dishes such as albóndigas (meatballs) you would need to use a fork. They are small portions of food, which can be combined to make up a full meal. A group of people may opt for the bigger portion sizes of media ración (medium serving) or ración (large serving). You can choose from a menu or a selection at the bar. Eating tapas with a drink is the ideal way to stop your body quickly absorbing the alcohol.
How do I find a good Tapas bar?
When looking for a tapas bar head for the busiest ones crammed with Spanish people. It might be off putting to enter such a crowded environment to eat but it is a sure sign that the tapas will be great.
Some ideas for eats:
fritos: fried
la plancha: sauteed
aceitunas: olives
atun: tuna
bacalao: cod
boquerones: fresh anchovies
calamares fritos: fried squid rings
ensalada (rusa): salad (Russian)
ensalada mixta: mixed salad
guiso: stew
mejillones: mussels
pan: bread
paella: saffron rice dish with fish
patatas bravas: fried chunks of potato with creamy tomato sauce
pescaditos fritos: assortment of fried little fish
pulpo: octopus
queso: cheese
queso manchego: goat’s cheese
revuelto de…: scrambled eggs with…
Jamon Serrano: Cured ham
Marisco: Seafood
Calamares: Squid rings
Chipirones: Small squid
Gambas: Prawns (a la plancha grilled, al ajo with garlic)
Langostinos: King prawns boiled
Tortilla española: Spanish potato omelette
Patatatas Bravas: Tiny roast potatoes with a spicy sauce on top
Morcilla: Similar to black pudding but with other ingredients added, more like a tasty sausage.