Set Lunch Costs 14.70 Euros
Weekly servings have dropped to four million as prices rise and eating habits shift.
By Gabriela Ivanov ·
The daily set lunch now costs an average of 14.70 euros.
This price increase coincides with a decline in weekly servings, which have fallen to four million. The meal, known as the menú del día, remains a staple of Spanish dining despite these changes. It typically includes a starter, a main course, and a dessert, along with bread and a drink.
The tradition dates back to the mid-1960s when Manuel Fraga, the information and tourism minister under Francisco Franco, created it for tourists. The government aimed to show visitors that food was abundant and affordable. Laws fixed prices between 50 and 250 pesetas and required a specific type of wine. In the early 1970s, the name changed to encourage locals to eat out.
Food journalist Lakshmi Aguirre published a new book titled Menú del Día: Everyday Scenes of a First Course, a Second Course and Pudding. She states that while the habit is in trouble, it is not finished. Many Spaniards were surprised to learn of its origin from Fraga. Aguirre noted, “It says a lot about us Spaniards; we forget very quickly.” She views the menu as a reflection of society, noting that nostalgia is growing as the tradition fades.
Restaurant owners face rising energy and food costs. Many small, family-run businesses struggle to offer rotating daily choices. Some have switched to a single dish of the day. Others have added Latin American foods to match changing demographics. Time-poor customers often pack lunches from home or use microwaves. Aguirre argues the menu has always mirrored the society that eats it.
Aguirre identifies specific markers for a good venue, such as a regularly changing menu and non-frozen chips. She says that what is at stake is more than a cheap meal. “What’s being lost is a meeting point,” she said. She described it as a place where families with limited means can eat out and people who live alone find company. The privilege lies in having the time to enjoy the meal.
The average price of 14.70 euros reflects current market pressures. Weekly sales remain at four million. The tradition continues to evolve as restaurants adapt to costs and customer preferences.
