Traditional Spanish-speaking Country Meals Quiz

Which of the following items can you buy at both a mercado and a placita?

What is the main difference between a bodega and a mercado?

Where is it more common to shop in smaller villages in Hispanic countries?

Which location is noted for the ability to bargain for prices?

What type of products would you most likely find in a tienda de ultramarinos?

Which country is known for its traditional meal called paella?

What time is lunch (el almuerzo) typically eaten in Spain?

Which traditional meal includes black beans, roast pork, cassava, and plantain chips?

What is a small restaurant where you can eat local food and also find cheap accommodation called?

At what time is 'la cena' typically eaten in Andalusia?

What is the Spanish term for a nap taken after lunch?

Traditional Meals in Spanish-Speaking Countries

In Mexico, traditional meals include tacos and chili (a flat, round, wheat pancake with red beans in a sauce wrapped up inside).
In Venezuela, traditional meals include pabellón (meat, usually beef, cut into strips, served with rice or vegetables).
In Cuba, traditional meals include congrí, carne de puerco asado, yuca y tostones (black beans, roast pork, cassava, and plantain chips).
In Spain, traditional meals include paella (savory rice cooked with chicken, shrimps, saffron, and other seasonings).

Meal Times in Spain

Lunch is eaten late in the afternoon, around 3:00 to 4:00 o'clock.
Dinner is also eaten late, from 9:00 pm onwards, except in Andalucia where it is eaten at 10:00 pm.
This meal is called la cena.

Siesta and Work Break

During the day, Spaniards take a break from work and go home for lunch.
They usually take a nap after lunch, called a siesta.

Meal Times in Other Countries

In other countries, lunchtime (el almuerzo) is from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm.
Dinner (la comida) is from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm.

Eating Out and Shopping for Food

Una fonda is a small restaurant where locals eat and tourists can find cheap accommodation.
El mercado (the market) is a place to buy fruit, green vegetables, starchy vegetables, meat, fish, lamb, beef, etc.
La placita or el puesto (a roadside stand or stall) sells fruit and vegetables.
A bodega, tienda de comida, or tienda de ultramarinos (small food shop or grocery) sells canned goods, sugar, flour, rice, etc.

Test your knowledge about traditional meals from various Spanish-speaking countries. From tacos to paella, explore the culinary delights of Mexico, Venezuela, Cuba, and Spain.