A Guide to Spanish Food Vocabulary

Are you a food lover or a traveler who is planning to visit a Spanish-speaking country? If so, learning Spanish food vocabulary is essential to fully immerse yourself in the culture and enjoy the local cuisine. In this guide, I will provide you with a list of Spanish food words and phrases that will help you navigate menus, order food, and communicate with locals.

Essential Food Vocabulary in Spanish

Let’s start with the basics. Here are some essential Spanish food vocabulary words and phrases that you need to know:

Spanish	English
comida	food
bebida	drink
restaurante	restaurant
mesa	table
menú	menu
plato	plate
cuchara	spoon
tenedor	fork
cuchillo	knife
servilleta	napkin
vaso	glass

Spanish Breakfast Foods

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and Spanish breakfast foods are both delicious and filling. Here are some common Spanish breakfast foods:

Spanish	English
café con leche	coffee with milk
churros	a fried-dough pastry that is often eaten for breakfast
tostada	toast
cruasán	croissant
huevoshuevos revueltos	eggsscrambled eggs
tortilla	a Spanish omelet made with potatoes and onions
magdalenas	small, sweet muffins
manteca	butter
mermelada	jam
aguacate / palta	avocado
facturas (typically from Argentina)	argentinian pastries

Spanish Lunch and Dinner Foods

Spanish lunch and dinner foods are often hearty and flavorful. Here are some popular Spanish dishes that you need to try:

Spanish	English
paella	a traditional rice dish that often includes seafood and saffron
gazpacho	a cold soup made with tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, and onions
fabada	a hearty stew made with beans, sausage, and other meats
empanadas	savory pastries filled with meat, vegetables, or cheese
tortilla española	a Spanish omelette made with potatoes and onions
pollo asado	roast chicken
chorizo	a spicy sausage that is often served as a tapa (appetizer)
asado	an Argentinian barbecue
milanesa	breaded meat
carnitas	little pieces of braised pork

Spanish Desserts

No meal is complete without dessert! Spanish desserts are known for their sweetness and richness. Here are some popular Spanish desserts:

Spanish	English
flan	a creamy custard that is often flavored with vanilla or caramel
tarta de Santiago	an almond cake that is popular in Galicia
churros con chocolate	churros served with a thick chocolate sauce for dipping
arroz con leche	rice cooked in milk

Spanish Food Beginner Practise

Practise basic Food words here!

Food Spanish Spelling Exercise

How to Order Food in Spanish

Now that you know some essential Spanish food vocabulary and popular dishes, let’s talk about how to order food in Spanish. Here are some useful phrases that you can use:

Spanish	English
¿Qué me recomienda?	What do you recommend?
Quiero probar …	I want to try…
Una mesa para dos, por favor.	A table for two, please
La cuenta, por favor.	The bill, please
¿Tiene algún plato vegetariano?	Do you have any vegetarian dishes?
¿Qué lleva este plato?	What does this dish contain?
¿Qué incluye el menú del día?	What does the menu of the day include?
Para beber, quiero…	To drink, I want …
¿Podría traerme más agua, por favor?	Could you bring me more water, please?

Learning Spanish food vocabulary is not only practical, but it is also a fun way to immerse yourself in the culture and cuisine of Spanish-speaking countries. Hope this guide has helped you with the basic phrases and don’t forget to try some of the dishes for a truly authentic culinary experience.

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