Apart from the beautiful and varied landscape, the heat of the andalucian sunshine and the passion of the people, Andalucia is well known throughout the world as a very social and friendly place especially when it comes to enjoying food. Andalucia, the largest and southernmost region of Spain is famous for its gastronomic culture which involves long lazy lunches and many hours socialising over a tapa.
It is said that the andalucians and indeed the Spanish eat more food than their European counterparts. This may be true, but it is the manner in which the local people approach their meals that is so special.
Spanish breakfast . . .
First up is of course breakfast. However unlike the British where breakfast traditionally involves a large fry up or cereal topped with fruit followed by toast, the Spanish breakfast is the smallest of the day. Usually the day begins with a cup of tea or coffee or a glass of milk or a batido (chocolate milk drink). This is often accompanied by biscuits of some sort. In the 'desayuno' or breakfast section of the supermarket you will find all manner of biscuits from the healthy high in fibre ones to the kid's varieties packed with calcium and chocolate for good measure.
Spanish lunch . . .
Lunch is typically between 2 and 3pm but can go on until at least 4 or 5pm. This is especially true in Andalucia during the summer months as it really is too hot to do anything much and lunch time is an opportunity to have a good meal, get out of the sun and enjoy a siesta.
Spanish dinner . . .
Due to the late lunch and seemingly constant snacking in between, dinner doesn't usually happen before 9pm. Although smaller than lunch, the Spanish evening meal is still a social affair with the family sitting down together. Dinner can consist of two or three courses, or a bbq in the summer but sometimes it is just a yoghurt and fruit or something light such as a bowl of rice with vegetables or a bowl of soup. A light evening meal or supper is often the case during the winter months when children and parents have to get up early for school and work.