10 mayo 2020
Laura Rodríguez - Spanish expat in Malta
Learning about the Spanish eating customs: LA SOBREMESA
The culture of a country can be spread not only through literature, language or traditions but also in some habits of the daily life. Food culture is a great way to learn how spanish people feel and identify themselves as a society.
I am glad to introduce you La sobremesa.
Just close your eyes and think on a sunny day, having a nice lunch or dinner in a restaurant with family or friends. Food is almost over, people have started to rest and chat, sharing funny stories or asking for some coffees and chupitos
- small glasses of liqueurs -. Waiters are around getting your plates but you still talking and enjoying time together. Suddenly you check your watch: one hour has passed! Time flies when you do the sobremesa which literally means
over the table.
Spaniards often do sobremesa when they go out or meet people but also at home with flatmates or family. This shows how Spanish people like to socialize and enjoy eating times.
Sometimes stay longer at the table in countries where time spent on eating is not seen as in Spain, can cause weird situations. We can feel people's looks on us just because we are chatting in an empty table. It's fun because at some point the waiter brings us the check and we realize how late it is!
La sobremesa
is just a nice time to enjoy food times so I encourage you to try and feel a little more Spanish!
And you... How long do you stay at the table after meals?

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