Merienda

Lore & Background

In southern Europe, merienda is a traditional light meal taken in the afternoon or for brunch, often consisting of simple fare such as fruit, bread, biscuits, or yogurt, accompanied by beverages like fruit juice, milk, hot chocolate, or coffee. The term spread from Italy and the Iberian Peninsula to Serbo-Croatian (marenda) and into France (goûter), Hispanic America, the Philippines, North Africa, and Brazil.

In Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay, merienda is typically taken around 5:00 pm and includes an infusion such as tea, mate, or coffee, along with baked snacks like scones, toast, cake, or facturas, often with dulce de leche, honey, butter, or jam. In the Philippines, merienda (meryenda) encompasses two light meals: a morning snack (possibly brunch or second breakfast) and an afternoon snack; a version taken near sunset is called merienda cena. Common fare ranges from breads and pastries to street food and noodle dishes.

In coastal parts of Croatia, Slovenia, Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and on the Greek island of Corfu, marenda is a meal eaten between breakfast and lunch, typically a light snack like sandwiches or toast during a work break. In France, the goûter (or quatre-heures) is taken around 4:00 pm, is lighter than a full meal, and is more often consumed by children; it was a full cold meal until the 18th century, taken around 5:00 pm, but declined as the evening meal moved earlier.

Reader's Guide

Merienda represents a widespread cultural practice of taking a light meal to bridge the gap between main meals, adapting to local customs and ingredients across Europe, the Americas, Africa, and Asia. Its significance lies in its role as a social and nutritional intermediary, often associated with children's snacks in France or as a structured afternoon break in South America. The term's spread from southern Europe to former Yugoslavian countries, the Philippines, and Latin America illustrates historical trade and colonial connections. In the Philippines, merienda's flexibility—covering morning, afternoon, and even early evening snacks—reflects its integration into daily life. The French goûter's evolution from a full cold meal to a lighter children's snack highlights changing meal patterns over centuries. Overall, merienda is a versatile concept that underscores how cultures define and manage eating occasions outside of main meals, influencing culinary traditions and daily routines.

Did You Know?

• In France, the merienda is called goûter or quatre-heures, taken around 4:00 pm.
• In the Philippines, merienda taken near sunset is distinctly referred to as merienda cena.
• In coastal parts of Croatia, Slovenia, Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and on Corfu, marenda is eaten between breakfast and lunch.