We really enjoyed our simple tostada and coffee each mornig in Andalucia. At many coffee bars, you could order a tostada, which for us was a crusty roll split, toasted, and served with a pat of butter.

Why do they call it a crossant in Italy if Crossant is a French word?

In Huelva (Spain) we went to a churreria in front of the Plaza de Toros for Churros. Then we went to a Taberna at the edge of the Market for Café and Chocolate. They didn't have a problem with our bringing Churros we had bought somewhere else there

I think the concerned expressed way overblown. While "Spanish" breakfasts don't include over easy, bacon, or waffles, there is no problem in getting something to eat in the am. Great bread toasted, toped with a bit or olive oil and rubbed with a cut tomato is universally available. Last summer, my regular was a croissant and hot tea. The earlier suggestion of tortilla is one I have followed many times. Moreover, if in a tourist location there will be "American" breakfasts available.

Somehow I have never had problem NOT having enough food (that I like), breakfast or otherwise, to eat in Spain! Usually I have to make a conscious effort not to overeat.

I'm getting the idea that I'll get a bite to eat here and there. I'm looking forward to churros, the grilled bread and tomato, a tortilla de patata, Ensaïmada (check out the wikipedia description).
I'm especially interested in the morning at the market. I'm hoping there is a market close by our hotel.

Where are you staying in Barcelona?

Betyo70:

You asked for the disco? Joy Eslava (I think) We noticed all the younger crowd lining up to get in a bit after 1 am, just were walking back to the hotel. But Chocolateria right there.

PDX: it is more than a bite here and there. Honestly the problem we had in Spain was we are way too much everywhere! ;;)

oops meant we ATE way too much yummy stuff!

pdx, Also remember that you can eat <i>two</i> of the same thing too as in if one tortilla piece is not enough, well... have two!

To me one of the pleasures of traveling is adapting to the local culture. Unless you have a medical issue or small children, one should try and become part of the local culture rather than forcing the local culture adapt to you.

I assure you, you will not starve in Spain.

CathyM - we are staying at Barcelona Center House (www.barcelonacenterhouse.com) address comtal 9, principal-2a, 08002. I haven't a clue where it is.
Comfyshoes - There isn't going to be enough time or appetite to eat everything mentioned on this thread, much less try to eat two of anything!
Travelbuzzing - a cortado is a macchiato is a cafe noisette? Good to know, it always takes me some time to figure out how to order my a.m. dose.

I also would recommend the hot chocolate and churros that Madrid is known for. You dip your churro in the pudding like hot chocolate. :-)

---

Chris Christensen
Amateur Traveler podcast
http://AmateurTraveler.com

I never had any trouble getting a simple breakfast in Spain, either, in Seville or Madrid. I never ate churros nor hot chocolate, as I don't like that kind of stuff. I do not drink espresso for breakfast anywhere, and I didn't in Spain. No one else seemed to be, either, and sometimes I was off the tourist track a little in more local cafes. I would have coffee with milk, and some simple type of bread product -- toast or croissant or something from a bakery, but a lot of Spanish breakfast rolls/pastries are not as sweet or heavy as some French ones, I found.

They call croissants that same name in the US, also. People call them that because that's what they are. A lot of countries retain the names of food products where they originated the dish (even if they are slightly different due to recipes).

I´m sorry but I can´t believe this thread. We are talking a first world country, with more bars than France, Germany and UK together, where 90% of them serve breakfast daily from 7AM...surely nobody will have any problems at all finding a place to have a coffee with milk.

Breakfasts in the north are a bit different from those in the south, and from the west and from the east, but you have a wide choice of goodies to choose from in bar in any town in Spain.

BTW, cortado is like a macchiato, but it´s not for breakfast.

A typical hotel breakfast buffet in Spain would include:

- Breads, butter, jam, honey.
- Cereals.
- Cold cuts and sausages.
- Tortilla (potatoe pie).
- Scrambled eggs.
- Seared chorizo, warm sausage, bacon.
- Fried bread, olive oil, tomatoe to rub on the bread.
- A selection of desserts and cakes.
- Freshly squeezed orange juice.

I agree with you , mikel, sounds a bit incredible ;)

pdx is doing his/her research after reading couple threads with somewhat misleading information. Nothing wrong with that. Given his/her last post, I am thinking he/she is probably wondering how to avoid eating too much :)

pdx,

you hostel has an excellent location. It is right in the middle of the historic district, both close to the cathedral and to the modern (art nouveau) part of town. Lots of bars and restaurants in the area.

Mikelg - just for fun, tell me what to order for my a.m. coffee. I won't promise I'll follow your advice but it'll be good to know. I am a junkie, after all, and I like my fix a certain way. Double shot espresso, about a tablespoon of cream and a packet of sugar. Am I going to embarass myself by ordering this? I'm okay with a little embarassment when it comes to my morning dose. Anything after that I'm up for. I'll eat sardines and pickles for breakfast if it's the local thing, but I have to have cream in my coffee.

I assume a double shot espresso could equal an &quot;americano&quot;, that is, a double black coffee (more water, less coffee), although an americano with cream is something I never heard of. You may be surprised at the quality of Spanish coffee, it is usually strong and full of flavour. Cream is not widely used, although you may be satisfied with a caf&eacute; con leche, the milk is very creamy. Sugar is readily available.

Sardines and pickles for breakfast? Aaargh!! We are normal people, come on...