17 Typical Breakfasts in Spain: A Look at Modern Spanish Breakfasts

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Spain is a country with diverse culture and rich culinary history. Breakfasts in Spain can vary from region to region, but it is one of the most important meals of the day.

The Spanish take their breakfasts very seriously and enjoy a wide variety of foods to start their day. From traditional dishes like churros and porridge to international favorites like croissants and omelets, there is something for everyone in Spanish breakfasts.

Diversity of Breakfasts in Spain

The Spanish word for “breakfast” comes from Latin roots meaning literally “morning meal.”

Traditional Spanish breakfasts usually consisted of a small cup of coffee or chocolate with toasted bread and olive oil, but it has evolved over the years to include many different international dishes. In some parts of Spain, you can find regional specialties while in others you might find a more international variety of breakfast foods.

So if you’re looking for a tasty and local way to start your day during your visit to Spain, be sure to check out some of these typical Spanish breakfasts.

Pa amb tomàquet (Bread with Tomato)

This is a traditional Catalan breakfast that usually consists of toasted bread (pa), rubbed with garlic and olive oil, and topped with fresh tomato slices. It’s simple but flavorful and can be eaten any time of day.

Tortilla Española (Spanish Omelet)

famous-spanish-omelet
Spanish omelette is one of the most traditional breakfasts in Spain

A tortilla española is made from eggs, potatoes, and onions fried together in a pan until the egg mixture firms up and forms a delicious omelet. This is hands down one of the more traditional breakfasts in Spain, amidst other international options.

It’s also one of Spain’s most popular dishes, and you can find it at almost any restaurant or café during breakfast hours.

Huevos Revueltos (Scrambled Eggs)

delicious-scrambled-eggs

Huevos revueltos is a common Spanish breakfast that consists of scrambled eggs cooked in olive oil with salt and pepper. This dish is typically served alongside other foods like rice or potatoes, but it can also stand alone as its own meal if desired. Huevos Revueltos is an easy way to get your day started right!

Huevos Estrellados con Patatas Fritas (Eggs with Fried Potatoes)

typical-spanish-breakfasts

Similar to many parts of the world, eggs are typical breakfast foods in Spain.

This dish consists of fried eggs served over potato chips for a delicious start to your morning! The potatoes provide that fulfiling sensation that will leave you satisfied.

Huevos Estrellados Con Patatas Fritas is a great breakfast dish for those who love potatoes.

Bocadillo de Jamón Serrano (Ham Sandwich)

tasty-ham-sandwich
One of the most convenient dish when it comes to Spanish breakfasts

A bocadillo de jamón serrano consists of ham slices, cheese, lettuce leaves and tomatoes on bread; sounds like your ham and cheese sandwich, doesn’t it?

However, Jamon Serrano has a different texture to the typical breakfast ham in the States. Be sure to give it a try.

Bocadillo de Jamón Serrano is the perfect breakfast food in Spain for busy people who need quick energy to get through their day!

Bocadillo de Chorizo (Chorizo Sandwich)

traditional-chorizo-sandwich

Another Bocadillo? By now, you probably realize sandwiches are a common part of breakfasts in Spain. This is because they’re so easy to make at home or grab while on the go.

A bocadillo de chorizo is made from sausage slices, cheese and lettuce leaves on bread; this sandwich has long been popular among locals throughout Spain.

Empanadas (Pastries stuffed with meat and cheese)

empanada-in-spain

Empanadas are basically dough pastries with various stuffing options such as beef, chicken, or vegetables. You can find them at most local bakeries throughout the country, but they’re also common in other parts of Latin America too!

Locals can actually have them throughout the day as either a full meal or just as a snack. These quick and easy bites are also popular breakfast options in Spain.

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Typical Sweet Breakfasts in Spain

Churros con Chocolate (Fried Dough Sticks with Hot Chocolate)

churros-con-chocolate

These popular breakfast treats are made by frying dough in hot oil and then dipping them into a cup of thick chocolate. The name comes from the Spanish word “churro,” meaning fried, but they’re also called churritos or chicharrones depending on where you are.

You can find these sweet treats at any café or bakery throughout Spain as well as some restaurants during breakfast hours only.

Churros Con Chocolate is a delicious treat that’s sure to get your day off to a great start! And if you’re not feeling very hungry first thing in the morning, don’t worry about skipping out on this one because it makes a great snack later on in the day too! There is no bad time for Churros.

Bizocho (Sponge cake)

sweet-sponge-cake

The Spanish bizocho is a cake that has been made in Spain for centuries. It’s made with flour, sugar, and eggs mixed together until they form a thick batter which then gets poured into baking pans before being baked at high temperatures to create the sponge-like texture of the cake.

Bizcocho is available as a breakfast or afternoon snack at many Spanish cafes and usually goes with an aromatic coffee.

Pancakes

sweet-pancakes
Spanish breakfasts include both traditional and international breakfast foods

Although not typically Spanish, pancakes are becoming more and more popular throughout the country as Spaniards continue to adopt them as their own.

You can find many different varieties of pancakes at restaurants and cafes during breakfast hours, so be sure to give them a try if you’re looking for something new.

Pancakes may not be traditional Spanish breakfast food, but they’re certainly worth trying nonetheless!

Croissants

croissants-in-spain

Croissants are a type of pastry that originated in France but have become popular all over the world. You can find them in most bakeries and cafes throughout Spain during breakfast hours. They make a perfect accompaniment to a cup of coffee or tea.

Some bakeries and cafes also have them with almonds, if you want a more premium taste.

Magdalenas (Cupcakes)

delicious-cupcakes

Magdalenas are small cakes that are popular in Spain and other parts of southern Europe. They’re made from a dough that’s similar to a muffin or cupcake and can be filled with many different things like chocolate, cream, or fruit.

You can find magdalenas at most bakeries and cafes throughout Spain during breakfast hours and tea time.

Torrijas (French Toast)

popular-french-toast
If you like to start your day sweet, french toast is a great breakfast food in Spain

Torrijas are a type of French toast that is popular in Spain. You can easily make them by dipping bread slices into an egg and milk mixture, then frying them until they’re golden brown.

You can have them with many different toppings like honey, syrup, or ice cream. Torrijas are a delicious breakfast choice for those who like to start their day off with something sweet!

Toastada (Toast)

Toast is a simple but classic breakfast food that’s always been popular in Spain. You can put anything you want on it: jam, honey, peanut butter, Nutella, etc. Toast is a versatile breakfast food that everyone can enjoy!

However, a common favorite in Latin America culture is con mermelada y mantequilla, meaning with fruit jam and butter.

Cereal

cereals-in-spain

A lot of Spaniards, especially young children and teenagers, start their day off with a bowl of cereal. There are many different types of cereal to choose from at supermarkets throughout the country, so you’re sure to find one that suits your taste.

Yogurt

A popular breakfast food in other countries, Yogurt is also a common option for breakfast in Spain. You can have it on its own or with fresh fruit like berries or bananas. This is a healthy way to start your day!

Fruits

healthy-fruits

A lot of Spaniards like to start their day with some fresh fruit. There are many different types of fruit to choose from in Spain, so you’re sure to find something you like. A simple fruit salad is a great way to start your day if you’re looking for something light and refreshing.

Drinks in Spanish Breakfasts

Coffee and Tea

Coffee and tea are two of the most popular drinks in Spain, particularly during breakfast hours. There are many different types of coffee and tea to choose from at cafes throughout the country, so be sure to try as many as you can!

You won’t have any trouble finding cafes in Spain or Europe for that matter.

Orange Juice

refreshing-orange-juice

A lot of Spaniards like to start their day off with orange juice. It’s a refreshing way to wake up and get your body going for the rest of the day!

Chocolate Caliente (Hot Chocolate)

typical-hot-chocolate

Many people enjoy drinking hot chocolate in Spain during breakfast hours. Hot chocolate is usually more of an afternoon or evening drink in most other parts of the world, but it’s a popular breakfast choice in Spain.

Remember that it goes really well with Churros for a hearty breakfast.

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Breakfasts in Spain: Start your day right

Breakfasts in Spain can be simple or elaborate, depending on what you’re looking for. You can see that there are many options to choose from. Many of the breakfast foods in Spain are extremely international as well.

I definitely encourage you to try the more traditional Spanish Breakfasts. However, pastries in Europe tend to taste better as well, so don’t miss trying out the croissants and pancakes too.

In essence, bring a big stomach and try as many Spanish breakfast foods as you can during your stay.


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Welcome To NomadsUnveiled
This is Rax. For over a decade, I have traveled to over 60 countries - from a budget backpacker to a business traveler, expat and then a digital nomad. You can find insights and perspectives from myself and other world travelers that will inspire your journey of discovery.

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