What do Seville eat for breakfast?

Seville Mornings: Toast, Coffee, and the Promise of Sunshine

Seville, a city brimming with passion, flamenco, and orange blossoms, awakens slowly and deliberately. And the perfect way to join that rhythm? With a breakfast that is both simple and soul-satisfying. Forget elaborate spreads; in Seville, the morning ritual is a celebration of fresh ingredients and a connection to the day ahead.

The undisputed king of the Sevillan breakfast table is the humble tostada. Forget your fancy avocado toast; this is a far more honest affair. A thick slice of rustic bread, often pan cateto with its slightly chewy texture, is toasted until golden brown and then generously drizzled with extra virgin olive oil – that liquid gold that defines Andalusian cuisine.

But the beauty of the tostada lies in its versatility. While the olive oil alone is a classic choice, a dollop of tomate rallado (grated tomato) is equally popular. This isn’t your average canned tomato sauce; it’s freshly grated, bursting with the sweet-tart flavor of sun-ripened tomatoes, often seasoned with just a touch of salt and a drizzle of olive oil.

Beyond the basics, you might find a tostada topped with jamón serrano, adding a salty, savory richness to the crisp bread. Or perhaps a smear of manteca colorá, a lard spread seasoned with paprika and spices, offering a heartier, more traditional flavor. For a sweeter start, a small jar of local honey might accompany your toast, adding a golden touch of Andalusia’s natural bounty.

And what accompanies this perfect piece of toast? A cup of strong, rich coffee, of course! Whether you prefer a café solo (espresso), a café con leche (coffee with milk), or a manchado (mostly milk with a little coffee), the caffeine kick is essential to fuel the day’s adventures, from exploring the Alcazar to getting lost in the labyrinthine streets of Santa Cruz.

While visions of sugary churros might dance in your head when you think of Spanish breakfast, in Seville, they’re more of a weekend indulgence or a special treat, enjoyed alongside a cup of thick, hot chocolate. For the average Sevillano, the daily breakfast is the tostada – a simple, satisfying way to greet the day.

So, next time you find yourself in the enchanting city of Seville, embrace the local tradition. Find a sunny spot in a bustling plaza, order a tostada con tomate and a café con leche, and savor the moment. It’s the perfect way to start your day and experience the authentic flavor of Seville. You’ll be surprised at how such a simple meal can be so profoundly satisfying, leaving you energized and ready to explore all that this vibrant city has to offer.