![English](/sites/all/modules/contrib/gtranslate/gtranslate-files/blank.png)
![French](/sites/all/modules/contrib/gtranslate/gtranslate-files/blank.png)
![German](/sites/all/modules/contrib/gtranslate/gtranslate-files/blank.png)
![Hindi](/sites/all/modules/contrib/gtranslate/gtranslate-files/blank.png)
![Portuguese](/sites/all/modules/contrib/gtranslate/gtranslate-files/blank.png)
![Spanish](/sites/all/modules/contrib/gtranslate/gtranslate-files/blank.png)
![Turkish](/sites/all/modules/contrib/gtranslate/gtranslate-files/blank.png)
There were a lot of dishes I had not tried before coming to Spain, so I entered a new food world which I was eager to explore entirely. Since arriving here, I have hopped from place to place, trying all kinds of tapas and meats. The portions can be small too, meaning that you can order a lot of different types of food in one sitting. And this suits me just fine, as I always say that variety = happiness. Let's just say that eating in Spain has made me one of the happiest people on Earth!
And also... fat. It is impossible to come to a land of new foods without gaining a few extra pounds!
Olive oil is the most common ingredient in all Spanish dishes, along with garlic. It is very common for your breakfast to be a piece of toast with extra virgin olive oil and salt poured on it. Also, Spaniards are known for their stews, which is a method they use to cook most meats like chicken, and fried foods such as croquettes and calamari.
Food is a very important part of the community here in Spain. It reflects its society in two ways: the enjoyment of food, and the fast-paced lifestyle of many people here.
Lunch and dinner times are both important parts of the day for Spaniards. People usually go with friends and co-workers to a sit-down restaurant and order the menu del día, (menu of the day) which typically includes a first course, a second course, dessert and coffee to finish. The Spanish enjoy their food and take their time consuming it. People also like to have a good laugh over a meal with friends, here!