Spanish Prefer Traditional Meals over Fast Food

Yesterday Reuters news service carried a story confirming that Spaniards prefer restaurants that serve traditional food - according to a recent study by the Spanish Ministry of Agriculture. This won’t come as a surprise to anyone who has spent time in Spain! Breaking bread with family and friends is a big part of the Spanish culture, daily life and celebrations. Like other Europeans, Spaniards like to take their time eating a meal and enjoy spending 2 (or more) hours at the table, eating, drinking and socializing.

The study also found that Spaniards eat lunch or dinner out on average twice a month at traditional restaurants and less than once a month at fast-food establishments. Approximately 17% of people never dine at traditional restaurants, while almost 62% never dine on fast food. We found this next bit of information to be the most encouraging: In Spain, the number of visits to traditional restaurants are on the increase, while visits to fast food eateries are decreasing, compared to prior years.

• Meals and the Culture of Spain
• An Introduction to Spanish Food and Cooking
• Spanish Menus - How to Order at Spanish Restaurants

Cafe in Sevilla    Photographer: Neil Beer, Getty Images