Comidas

Comidas is a term used in Spanish and Portuguese to refer to foods or meals. In Spanish, comida can mean food in general or a specific meal, and the plural comidas is used to refer to the set of meals eaten in a day or to multiple dishes within a cuisine. In Portuguese, comida typically means food, while comidas emphasizes meals or a collection of dishes. The word derives from Latin comedere, meaning to eat.

Typical meal structure varies by country. In Spanish-speaking contexts, breakfast is desayuno, midday meals are commonly referred to as la comida or almuerzo in some regions, and the evening meal is la cena. In Portuguese-speaking areas, breakfast is pequeno‑almoço, the midday meal is almoço, and dinner is jantar. Regional customs influence meal timing and the importance of a main meal during the day.

Comidas encompasses a wide range of ingredients and preparations, including grains, legumes, vegetables, fruits, meats, and seafood. Dishes are shaped by local staples, climate, and history, with regional examples such as rice dishes, stews, grilled preparations, and street foods. The term also covers processed and prepared foods as part of modern diets.

Global exchange and culinary media have broadened what counts as comida, with fusion trends and international ingredients common in urban centers. Nutritional guidelines and public health messages influence meal composition and portions, while cultural and familial practices continue to assign meaning to meals beyond sustenance, including social and ceremonial roles.