Gastronomy
The cuisine of Spain is amazingly diverse and varies per region. The Mediterranean diet is mostly based on olive oil, fish, fresh fruits, vegetables and wine.
Paella might be one of the most famous Spanish dishes, which is a rice dish often made with meat, fish or both. Spain is also well-known for its tapas bars, offering a variety of cold and warm tapas (appetisers) such as the tortilla (Spanish omelette) and Jamon Serrano (cured ham)
The Spanish tend to eat little and often, with several mealtimes throughout the day.
Breakfast/Desayuno
‘Breakfast is the most important meal of the day’ is not particularly part of the Spanish culture. The day is usually started with a light breakfast of coffee and croissant/donut/biscuits.
Almuerzo
This mid morning snack is intended to keep you energized until lunch. It can be a savoury snack such as a tostada (toasted baguette) – most traditionally served with olive oil, grated tomato and salt. The physical labourers often opt for a more substantial sandwich or baguette. The local bars are buzzing at this time of day, filled with workers filling up on this all-important meal.
Lunch/Comida
Is the main meal in the Spanish diet which usually is around 2pm. Many restaurants offer a reasonably priced ‘menu del dia’ consisting of a starter, main course and dessert or coffee. Lunchtime is when (and only when) you’ll see the locals eating paella or similar, which they consider far too heavy to consume in the evening. Traditionally (and particularly in the summer) lunch is followed by the famous afternoon siesta, where most shops still close during this time of day.
Merienda
An afternoon snack which usually consists of some fruit, bread or a sweet pastry.
Dinner/Cena
The final meal of the day is lighter than lunch and usually takes place around 9pm or later. This is a light meal of a salad, cheese, ham, eggs – nothing too carb-heavy basically. When dining out this is the perfect opportunity to partake in the tapas sharing culture.
We have a wealth of tapas bars and restaurants in Javea, too many to list! Just Google search ‘Restaurants in Javea’ and you will be spoilt for choice.
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