Food may be a universal language, but the words required to order and discuss food on your travels are not so universal. You’ll need to learn some of the local language to really make your restaurant visits worthwhile. When you know how to order a beer in Madrid, express dietary restrictions in Buenos Aires and ask for the check in Mexico City, your culinary experiences become easier, tastier and even more authentic. To help you on your way, we’ve compiled a guide to the basic Spanish food words (and drink words) you should learn before you go abroad.
Bear in mind that if your server can’t understand you, you’re out of luck. Hear the correct pronunciation of the words by clicking the play button. And when you’ve conquered that, there’s much more Spanish vocabulary to explore. ¡Buen provecho! (“Enjoy your meal!”)
Note: Some of the vocabulary differs between Spain and Latin American countries. In those cases, we’ve included the European translation before the slash, followed by the Latin American translation. Might as well learn two Spanish food words for the price of one!
Meal-Related Words in Spanish
Food — la comida
To eat — comer
To drink — beber / tomar
Restaurant — el restaurante
Fast food — la comida rápida
Menu — el menú
Dish — el plato
Breakfast — el desayuno
Lunch — la comida / el almuerzo
Dinner — la cena
Appetizer — el entrante / la entrada
Main course — el plato principal
Dessert — el postre
Waiter — el camarero / el mesero
The check — la cuenta
Vegetarian — vegetariano
Vegan — vegano
Gluten/lactose free — sin gluten / sin lactosa
Food Words in Spanish
Soup — la sopa
Salad — la ensalada
Bread — el pan
Rice — el arroz
Chicken — el pollo
Beef — la carne de vaca
Pork — la carne de cerdo
Seafood — el marisco
Potatoes — las patatas / las papas
Fruit — las frutas
Vegetables — las verduras
Drink Words in Spanish
Drink — la bebida
Beer — una cerveza
Wine — el vino
Water — el agua
Juice — el zumo / el jugo
Tea — el té
Coffee — el café