Welcome to Cuernavaca or Oaxaca! You’re here to master the rhythm of “el español,” but one of the first things many of our IDEAL Spanish Mexico students notice isn’t a grammar rule—it’s the food culture!

Get ready to reset your clocks and your stomachs, because in Mexico, the timing, size, and flavor of our meals are probably a little different from what you’re used to back home.

☀️ The Morning Power-Up: El Desayuno (Breakfast)

Forget grabbing a quick bowl of cereal! In Mexico, breakfast is a serious affair. Unlike in many places (like the US), our “desayuno” is usually the biggest meal of the morning. We’re talking about a proper, stick-to-your-ribs meal to power you through your morning classes!

What’s on the plate? Think hearty:

• Huevos: Scrambled, fried, or perhaps Huevos a la Mexicana!
• Chilaquiles: Tortilla chips drowned in a red or green salsa (don’t worry, you’ll become obsessed!).
• Enchiladas, Quesadillas, or Molletes (open-faced beans and cheese sandwiches).

Naturally, this is all washed down with a great coffee, tea, or milk, alongside some fresh fruit or juice, and of course, bread or tortillas.

🌶️ Pro Tip: Yes, that fiery bowl of salsa will be on the table. We start the spice early!

🥗🍽️ The Main Event: La Comida (Lunch/Dinner)

When your classes at IDEAL Spanish Mexico wrap up around 2:00 PM, it’s time for the main meal of the day: La Comida! This is when families gather and enjoy a full, multi-course feast.

This grand meal typically goes like this:

1. The Start: A light salad or a savory soup. We have so many amazing soups—keep an eye out for delicate Sopa de Flor de Calabaza (squash blossom soup) or a comforting, brothy pasta soup.
2. The Main Course: This is usually a delicious chicken or meat dish, prepared in countless mouth-watering ways. (Since Cuernavaca and Oaxaca are inland, we eat less fish, as it can be more expensive).
3. The Essentials: If there are no tortillas and spicy salsa, it’s not a Mexican meal! You’ll also find a refreshing agua de fruta (fruit water) like Jamaica or Horchata.
4. The Sweet Finish: A little “postre” to cap it off, like Arroz con Leche (rice pudding), gelatin, or a piece of sweet bread.

🌙 The Evening: La Cena (Supper/Dinner)

As the day winds down, so do our appetites! In Mexico, we generally don’t eat another big, formal meal in the evening.

While you can always find fantastic street food (hello, Tacos al Pastor in Cuernavaca or a massive, satisfying Tlayuda in Oaxaca!), our IDEAL meal plans don’t include dinner for a reason: freedom and exploration!

After a day of learning, you have countless evening options! Go out and explore the local restaurants, grab some world-famous street food, or simply buy something light to enjoy back at your host family’s house.

💚 Home Cooking & Dietary Needs

Living with a host family is your ultimate cultural immersion—and that includes the kitchen!

If you have any dietary needs, preferences, or allergies, please just let your host family know! We have many families who are excellent at preparing vegetarian or vegan food and are always happy to adapt meals to ensure you have a safe and delicious stay.

Remember, what we eat and how we eat it is a fundamental part of the Mexican culture you came here to experience. Enjoy the flavors, embrace the rhythm, and dig in!