Sociable Eating - The Spanish Way

Breakfast

Breakfast the Spanish way is usually a light and late affair. It isn't unusual to have breakfast as late as 10am although most Spaniards eat about around 8.30am. Breakfast usually consists of small sandwiches, tapas dishes or Churros (sweet pancakes). This will be followed by coffee and fresh juices to kick-start your day. Breakfast is usually attended by the entire family.

Coffee Breaks

The Spanish make a mean coffee and tend to take regular coffee breaks throughout the day. This is usually a sociable event, allowing time for friends to natter and gossip.

Lunch

Lunch time is Spain is a big deal. Shops have even been known to close during lunch time so that families and friends can get together at the same time. A Spanish lunch is a lengthy affair and can last anywhere between 1 and 5 hours. Food will be shared amongst friends and family and will be accompanied with lots of drinks and good conversation. After lunch a siesta may follow, this is a short nap, allowing diners to relax and refresh.

Afternoon Snack

Dinner is served very late in Spain, so an afternoon snack is sometimes necessary. Much like the coffee break, afternoon snacks allow friends to get together and chatter. Afternoon snacks usually consist of sandwiches and pastries or maybe just a drink.

Dinner

Dinner the Spanish way usually starts much later than that of the average dinner. Dinner can start anywhere between 9pm and midnight! Dinner time is a chance for friends and family to get together once more, to enjoy and appreciate one another's company and to bond. Tapas is often served at dinner time. Tapas consists of lots of small dishes of food, shared out amongst the group. These small, bite size plates of food allow people to chat between courses and to really enjoy eating together. Dinner is a celebratory time in Spanish culture, full of love and laughter.

Looking for a Spanish tapas restaurant? La Mancha is a Tapas restaurant in Putney serving up great Spanish food and fantastic prices.

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