raciones

Ración is a term used in Spanish to designate a fixed portion of food or supplies. In culinary contexts it refers to a portion of a dish, larger than a tapa and typically intended for one person, though it can be shared between two or more depending on the venue. The exact size varies by country, region, and establishment.

In Spain, raciones are common in bars and taverns. Examples include "ración de patatas bravas" or "ración de calamares." A "media ración" exists as a smaller portion. The ración is usually priced to reflect a substantial serving and is often orderable as a single dish, or can be shared.

Beyond dining, ración also denotes a ration of provisions carried or distributed in non-culinary contexts. In the military, a "ración" or "ración de combate" refers to the set amount of food and other supplies allotted for a soldier during a day or a mission. In humanitarian or institutional settings, "raciones" are packaged food portions distributed to refugees, disaster victims, or inmates.

Etymology: from Spanish ración, from Latin ratio, meaning calculation or proportion, later extended to mean portion or allotment. The term is used across many Spanish-speaking countries with similar meaning, though local practices and sizes vary.