Mealtimes in Mexico differ from those in the United States, Canada, and Europe. For example, in Mexico, breakfast or “comida” (lunch) are considered the most important meals of the day. In an average household, three main meals are typically served: breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Breakfast, which is generally hearty, is eaten between 7:00 am and 10:00 am. If breakfast is eaten later, it is called “almuerzo.” Later, between 2:00 pm and 5:00 pm, “la comida” (lunch) is served, which is also usually hearty. Finally, dinner is enjoyed around 7:00 pm and is usually lighter.
During lunch, it is common to enjoy a four-course meal. It begins with a hot soup, followed by a carbohydrate-rich dish such as rice or pasta. Then the main course is served, which is usually a meat stew accompanied by vegetables. To close, a sweet dessert is offered. This type of meal is often eaten at home, although it is also typically found in family-run restaurants known as fondas, where it is served under the name “comida corrida.”
Dinner, also sometimes called merienda, is a lighter meal or snack that helps the body rest at night. Many people opt for tamales, sweet potatoes, quesadillas, tacos of whatever was leftover from lunch, or simply sweet bread with chocolate.
On weekends, however, routines change. Many people wake up later or recover from a night out and prefer to have a single hearty meal that combines breakfast and lunch. Here, famous dishes such as chilaquiles, barbacoa, and birria come onto the scene.
