DroomHuisSpanje
Avda. Príncipe de Asturias 92
30858 Paretón, Totana
Murcia, Spain
10 THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT GOING OUT IN SPAIN
Whether you've lived in Spain for years or are on vacation for three weeks, Spanish food culture is very different from ours. Keep the following in mind.
dinner time
The eating times in Spain are much later than in the Netherlands. Lunch usually takes place between 2 and 3:30 PM and according to the real Spaniard you can't sit down for dinner before 8 PM. Most restaurants don't open until around this time. So if you'd like to have an early dinner (6-8pm), this can be difficult unless you're in the center of one of the big cities like Madrid or Barcelona where some restaurants have kitchens open all day. is.
Daily menu
In Spain, lunch is considered the most important meal of the day and dinner is often slightly smaller. At lunchtime you can often order a menu del día (daily menu), often written out on chalkboards during lunch. For a fixed price you can enjoy a starter, main course, dessert or coffee, a drink and bread. Prices range from €8 to about €15, depending on location and restaurant.
Where are the vegetables?
In Spain, a large portion of vegetables with a fish or meat dish is quite unusual. Other than a few pimientos de padrón (small green peppers cooked in oil) or a salad (iceberg lettuce, tomato, onion, and tuna), you'll usually find very few verduras on your plate. Do you still want to get your daily portion? Then order gazpacho (in warm weather) or a tasty stew that often contains a lot of vegetables and legumes (nice when it is a bit cooler). Magra is also recommended.
Tapas are for sharing
It may seem like a bargain, but we have seen four people in a tapas restaurant each order a portion of patatas bravas, so just to be sure: you share tapas with your table mates. You order different snacks and can try them all.
Eating outside
One of the advantages of living in Spain is undoubtedly the climate and the pleasure of being able to eat in the sun, even in March or October. But beware: if you decide to sit on the terrace, keep in mind that extra costs are often charged, even if this is not always clearly indicated.
Drinks after dinner
Eating out in Spain is a social experience and it is common for lunch to last a few hours, especially on weekends. After lunch is over, it is customary to order a chupito. A 'shot'. In many restaurants you will be offered this for free, especially the more traditional Spanish restaurants.
To tip or not?
Unlike other cultures, tipping is not something that is required or expected here, although staff in the more touristy areas are used to being tipped. If you feel like you want to give something and the staff were friendly and efficient then a handful of change is often enough.
Throw napkins on the floor
Especially in traditional bars where stools are placed at the bar or where there is a lot of space to stand, you will spot napkins or papers on the floor. Very normal! This is usually a sign that people are eating tapas here or having a drink together.
Enjoy free tapas
Spain is known for the free tapas snacks that you get in many places when you order a drink. This can be olives or chips, but this can also be a portion of tortilla or a plate of meat or fish with bread.
Tip: always order your drinks first. You often get a bite of the house and in some places this is quite a big bite. By only ordering drinks, you can still adjust your choice afterwards. Moreover, sometimes you don't get a bite of the house anymore, if you have already placed an entire order.
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