MÁLAGA LIFESTYLE: Typical Spanish Breakfasts

Spanish Breakfast

There are a variety of foods that are popular for breakfast in Spain, but unlike other cultures, breakfast is not usually a cooked affair or a big meal. This is mainly because the Spanish generally have five meals a day. 

Desayuno (Breakfast): 7 a.m. to 9 a.m.

Almuerzo (Mid-morning snack): 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

La Comida (Lunch): 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Merienda (Mid-afternoon snack): 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

La hora del aperitivo (Tapas Hour): 8:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Popular Spanish breakfasts include;

Tostadas – A piece of toasted bread, they are not like typical square bread but more of a thin flattish bun halved and toasted.

A tostada is usually served two ways, topped with either butter and jam (con mantequilla y mermelada) or olive oil and tomato (con tomate y aceite) the second probably being the most popular. There are other regional variations too, such as the manteca colorada (coloured lard) in Andalusia, they say you should try everything once and try to embrace different cultures, but this really is an acquired taste!

Chocolate con churros

There is no corner of Spain where traditional churros are not made. From North to South of the peninsula, churros are a popular treat for breakfast usually on the weekends or as a snack at Merienda (late afternoon) and are accompanied by a good hot chocolate dipping cup or simply with a latte. This sweet, simple and delicious treat is nothing more than a dough, based on water, salt and flour, fried in abundant oil and served sprinkled with sugar.

Spanish potato omelette (a pincho de tortilla)

This literally is a slice of Spanish potato omelette, and is more commonly eaten at Almuerzo (second breakfast) or a mid-morning snack. 

Croissant de almendra

Almond croissants are also common in Spain for a light breakfast. Almonds are very popular in Spain which stems back to the Moorish influence. Many almonds are now grown here, particularly the Marcona almonds, a type of sweet, gourmet almond. 

Pitufo – Sandwich

A Pitufo is basically a Sandwich made from a small bocata/bocadillo, which is a type of roll and can vary in shape and can be made with various types of grain. Every region has its version of the humble sandwich the mixto which is grilled ham and cheese, Iberian ham, olive oil and tomato, to freshly made tortilla, or even tuna salad.