Spanish Vocabulary for Food & Drinks
Learn common Spanish words and phrases related to Food & Drinks to expand your language skills.
pan
bread
'Pan' means 'bread' in English. Bread is a universal food, often consumed in breakfast meals in Spanish-speaking nations, making this word one of the first food-related words to learn in Spanish.
Example sentences with pan →pan de molde
bread
The Spanish term 'pan de molde' directly translates to 'mold bread' in English. However, it is commonly understood as sliced bread or sandwich bread. This is a type of bread that is pre-sliced in a loaf, making it ready for use primarily in sandwich preparation. It is a staple in many households, often used for toast or the aforementioned sandwiches. The slice size can vary, and some loaves are additionally pre-packaged.
pan integral
wholemeal bread
The Spanish term 'pan integral' translates to 'wholemeal bread' in English. Wholemeal bread is a type of bread made using flour that is partly or entirely milled from whole or almost-whole wheat grains, husk and all. The significant difference between wholemeal bread and white bread is that the former retains the bran and germ of the wheat grain, offering a higher fiber content and more nutritious option. In Spanish cuisine, 'pan integral' is a common choice for breakfast or sandwich making.
pan rallado
breadcrumbs
The Spanish phrase 'pan rallado' translates to 'breadcrumbs' in English. Breadcrumbs are small particles of dry bread, used for breading or crumbing foods, topping casseroles, stuffing poultry, thickening stews, and adding inexpensive bulk to soups, meatloaves and similar foods.
papaya
papaya
The word 'papaya' in Spanish refers to a tropical fruit native to Mexico and Central and South America. This fruit is generally large with a sweet and juicy orange or pink pulp inside. It's well-known for its black seeds, which while being edible can have a slightly bitter taste. Beyond just being a fruit, 'papaya' is also used metaphorically in some Spanish-speaking countries to refer to different things.
paquete de arroz
rice package
The Spanish term 'paquete de arroz' translates to 'rice package' in English. It signifies a unit or package containing rice, typically used for selling or transporting the product. The term is widely used in Spanish-speaking grocery stores or markets when referring to packaged commodities such as rice.
paquete de harina
flour package
The Spanish term 'paquete de harina' directly translates to 'flour package' in English. This refers to a packaged quantity of flour, as found in shops or supermarkets. This is often used in contexts of baking or cooking, where the flour is a necessary ingredient. Understanding both words separately, 'paquete' means 'package' and 'harina' means 'flour', thus when put together it forms 'flour package'
pasarse el arroz
spend the rice
'Pasarse el arroz' is a colloquial phrase in Spanish, not literally related to 'spend the rice'. Instead it is a metaphor about the optimal moment to cook rice, after which it may not be good anymore. Often used to jokingly refer to a person, especially a woman, who has passed the 'ideal' age to get married or have children.
pasta
pasta
Pasta is a type of Italian dish typically made from an unleavened dough of wheat flour mixed with water or eggs, and formed into sheets or various shapes.
Example sentences with pasta →patata
potato
The word 'patata' in Spanish translates to 'potato' in English. It refers to the starchy tuber of a plant that belongs to the nightshade family, which is widely used in cooking in many different ways. This word may also refer to the plant itself. The term 'patata' is used in Spain, whereas 'papa' is more commonly used in Latin America.
pechuga de pollo
chicken breast
The Spanish term 'pechuga de pollo' translates to 'chicken breast' in English. This word is often found in menus in Spanish-speaking countries, referring to a common type of poultry dish. 'Pechuga' directly translates to 'breast', and 'pollo' translates to 'chicken'. This term is frequently used in food recipes or when ordering food in a restaurant. 'Pechuga de pollo' is a lean meat that is often grilled, fried, or baked, and served with various types of sauces or side dishes.
pechugas de pavo
turkey breasts
The Spanish term 'pechugas de pavo' is translated to 'turkey breasts' in English. This phrase usually refers to a portion of a turkey used primarily in cooking and food preparation. It is the part of the turkey which is lean, white meat and is located on the front of the bird's body. This cut of meat is often roasted, grilled, or used to make sandwiches and salads.
pechugas de pollo
chicken breasts
The Spanish phrase 'pechugas de pollo' translates to 'chicken breasts' in English. This term is commonly used in cooking and culinary discussions. It refers to a specific part of the chicken's body, which is often used as a main ingredient in various recipes. The 'pechuga' is the part of the chicken that is lean white meat and is found on the chicken's breast. 'De' is a Spanish preposition equivalent to 'of' in English, and 'pollo' is the Spanish word for 'chicken'.
pelar fruta
peel fruit
The Spanish phrase 'pelar fruta' translates to 'peel fruit' in English. This is an action phrase, commonly used in contexts where one is preparing food, specifically fruit. The act of 'pelar fruta' involves removing the outer skin or covering of the fruit, usually with a knife or a special kitchen tool called a peeler.
pelar patatas
peel potatoes
The Spanish phrase 'pelar patatas' translates to 'peel potatoes' in English. This phrase refers to the action of removing the skin from potatoes, which is a common task in cooking and gastronomy. It is often used in the context of preparing the potatoes for various dishes such as fries, mashed potatoes, or soups. 'Pelar' means 'peel' and 'patatas' means 'potatoes'.
pepita
nugget
The word 'pepita' is a noun in Spanish, commonly used in various contexts. In English, 'pepita' translates to 'nugget'. This term is widely used to refer to a small, precious piece of a substance, usually gold, silver, or any other metal. However, 'pepita' can also mean 'seed', e.g., of a fruit like an apple or a pear, when used in certain phrases or regions. Understanding the usage of this Spanish term can be extremely useful in different conversations.
pera
pear
The pear is any of several tree and shrub species of genus Pyrus, in the family Rosaceae. It is also the name of the pomaceous fruit of the various trees that are green and crunchy in texture and have a slightly sweet taste.
Example sentences with pera →percebe
barnacle
The Spanish word 'percebe' translates to 'barnacle' in English. Barnacles are a type of arthropod that belong to the subclass Cirripedia. They are usually found in shallow and tidal waters. Like barnacles, 'percebes' attach themselves to hard substrates for most of their lives. Seafood lovers might also know 'percebes' as a delicacy in Spain, especially in Galicia, where it's often harvested at great risk due to the rough coastal waters where it's usually found.
perdiz
partridge
The Spanish word 'perdiz' translates to 'partridge' in English. A partridge is a type of bird in the pheasant family, which is native to Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. Partridges are ground-nesting seed-eaters, typically associated with agricultural lands, and known for their distinct call and fast, rounded wings. The term 'partridge' is not a precise one, and can refer to several species within a subgroup of non-migratory Old World galliformes.
perejil
parsley
The word 'perejil' is a Spanish term that translates to 'parsley' in English. It's a type of herb that's commonly used in various dishes and cuisines around the world. In Spanish-speaking countries, it's often found in recipes, particularly in sauces, salads, and as a garnish. Not only is 'perejil' a culinary delight enhancing the taste of food, but it is also recognized for its health benefits.
pescado
fish
'Pescado' is the Spanish term for 'fish'. This word is particularly significant in coastal regions where fish is a prevalent part of the local diet.
Example sentences with pescado →pescado a la plancha
fish on the plate
'Pescado a la plancha' is actually a Spanish term for a style of preparing fish, commonly translated as 'grilled fish'. This simple yet delightful dish typically involves a fish filet seasoned with salt, pepper, and perhaps other spices, which is then grilled to perfection.
pescado congelado
frozen fish
The Spanish term 'pescado congelado' translates to 'frozen fish' in English. It is a compound noun that is often found in the food and catering industry. 'Pescado' means fish, and 'congelado' means frozen. This is typically used to refer to fish that have been preserved by freezing after being caught, to maintain the freshness until they are cooked or consumed. Fish is a common part of the diet in Spain, and therefore this phrase is frequently used in everyday life, especially in restaurants, markets, and on menus.
Example sentences with pescado congelado →pescado de río
river fish
The term 'pescado de río' in Spanish translates to 'river fish' in English. This is a common term used to refer to fish that inhabit rivers and streams, as opposed to those that live in the sea or ocean. Furthermore, 'pescado' specifically refers to fish that has been caught for food, distinguishing it from 'pez', which is the general term for fish.
Example sentences with pescado de río →pescado fresco
fresh fish
The term 'pescado fresco' in Spanish translates to 'fresh fish' in English. 'Pescado' refers to fish and 'fresco' denotes the freshness of the item. This term is commonly used in Spanish-speaking regions particularly in coastal areas and markets where seafood is prevalent.
Example sentences with pescado fresco →pescado frito
fried fish
The word 'pescado frito' is a common phrase in Spanish. 'Pescado' means 'fish' and 'frito' means 'fried'. Thus, 'pescado frito' translates to 'fried fish' in English. This is a popular dish in many Spanish-speaking countries, involving fish that is battered and then fried, often served with a side of chips or a salad.
pescado hervido
boiled fish
The Spanish term 'pescado hervido' is a culinary term that refers to a preparation method for fish. In English, it directly translates to 'boiled fish'. This could be a dish where the fish is cooked in hot liquid, usually water or a broth. This method of cooking is popular for its perceived health benefits as it uses less oil than frying or sautéing. The flavor of the fish is often enhanced with various herbs, spices and vegetables that are added to the boiling liquid.
picante
hot
The Spanish word 'picante' translates to 'hot' in English. However, this 'hot' is not referring to temperature but to the spicy level of food. When a dish or food is described as 'picante' in Spanish, it means it has a lot of spices or chili and has a substantial kick to it. It could be used to describe anything from salsa to hot sauce.
picar carne
chop meat
The Spanish phrase 'picar carne' translates to 'chop meat' in English. This is commonly used in various cooking methods and recipes where one needs to cut meat into small pieces. The phrase itself 'picar' means 'to chop or mince', and 'carne' means 'meat'. Therefore, 'picar carne' can be used whenever you need to refer to the action of chopping, mincing, or dicing meat in a culinary context.
pierna de cordero
leg of lamb
The Spanish term 'pierna de cordero' translates to 'leg of lamb' in English. This term is commonly used to refer to a specific cut of meat from a lamb, specifically the leg part. This cut is often prepared in various cuisines worldwide, particularly in roasts, stews, and other dishes where its rich flavor and tender texture are highlighted.