Diet
Many national dishes are prepared with fish, seafood, chicken, beef, beans, eggs, and corn. A common meal is a soup or cazuela made with meat, beans, corn, pumpkin, and potato. The main meal is eaten at midday. A lighter meal is eaten between 8.00 and 10.00 pm. During the afternoon it is customary to have teatime.
Mealtime
Hands are kept above the table at all times. It is impolite to ask for second helpings. Even if they are offered, the guest is expected to decline. It used to be considered bad manners to eat food, except for ice cream, while walking in public. It is impolite to promptly leave after a meal is completed; guests should stay and visit for a length of time.