Food varies tremendously from region to region in the Spanish-speaking world, but the one constant is that people eat what is in season and therefore most available. It is both economical and tasty to eat this way!

The food in Spain is more like other European food than like that found in Latin America. Spaniards like bread, seafood, ham, eggs, beef, potatoes, rice and olives. Saffron, a spice that beautifully colors things yellow, is commonly used in paella, a traditional rice dish that includes seafood, possibly chicken and ham, and vegetables. Spanish people do not eat the tortillas you find in Mexico, but rather, their tortilla is like a cold version of a French omelet, made with eggs, onions and potatoes. Most everything is cooked in olive oil since it is produced in great quantities in Spain.

Food in Latin America is based mostly on what is grown there and most available, like corn and potatoes. Caribbean foods also include fruits and sweet potatoes. One dish quite common to Mexican and most Latin American cultures is beans and rice. It has many names, depending on the region, and the beans may vary in color, but this dish is probably the most common staple in everyone’s cuisine.

Of course, food is also rooted in traditions. For example, bacaloa, or codfish, though not native to Puerto Rico, is well-liked there. This is because it was eaten by the Spanish conquerors who brought the canned form of the fish with them. Today it remains a popular meal.

Coffee is a big export in Central and South America, especially in Colombia and Costa Rica, so you should not be surprised to learn that strong coffee is a popular drink with many adults. Children also like a strong, warm drink in the morning. Kids in Spain, for instance, may have a cup of dark, hot chocolate for breakfast. It almost looks like a pudding and it is usually eaten with churros, a long, donut-like, fried dough. Many Venezuelan children also have hot chocolate for breakfast, along with bread for dipping.

In Mexico it is not uncommon for people to eat in the streets, especially food like tacos which are sold off of carts. You will also see beautiful, brightly colored fruits, arranged on a stick, that have been ornately cut to resemble blooming flowers. Mexico is in such close proximity to the U.S.A. that many American habits have been picked up. In fact, there are fast-food chains all over the Spanish-speaking countries and in many instances you will even see food courts in the malls—both relatively recent concepts. In some countries, however, strong traditions remain from the past. For example, in Venezuela it is still considered bad manners for adults to eat while they are out on the streets. Venezuelans would rather enjoy a long meal with good company!