Diet
Breakfast foods vary from region to region. They include juice, coffee, hot chocolate, fruit, eggs, bread, or changua (potato and egg soup). A mid-morning snack, merienda, may include empanadas concarne (meat turnovers), bread, and a drink. Lunch is the main meal for the day. Many businesses close, so the family may gather for lunch. Supper is usually not till 7 or 8 PM. Staple foods include soup, rice, meat, potatoes, salad, and beans. Favorite national dishes include arroz con pollo, (chicken with rice), frijoles con chicharron (pork and beans). A cornmeal pancake is called Arepa.
Mealtime
If one is offered more food, it is polite to refuse if it may be considered overindulging. It is considered polite to keep hands above the table. One should offer food to others before taking it for one's self.
Lunch is the main meal for the day. Many businesses close, so the family may gather for lunch. Dinner is usually not served until 7 PM or 8 PM. Typical foods include rice, soup, meat, salad, potatoes, and beans. Favorite national dishes include arroz con pollo, (chicken with rice), frijoles con chicharron (pork and beans). A cornmeal pancake is called Arepa.