Buen provecho – it’s the Mexican equivalent of bon appétit but it means a little more

Buen provecho – it’s the Mexican equivalent of bon appétit, but it means a little more than that.

Mexican food is rich and based on recipes that change just a little from state to state. Already, just the names of the dishes whet the appetite: chilaquiles, huevos rancheros, pozole, sopes and gorditas. And, of course, the T-diet: tamales, tostadas, tacos , and tortas.

We could tell you about all the dishes you need to try, but we’d like you to know the meaning of two very important words first: buen provecho.

Buen Provecho means a little more than just wishing a good appetite. All Mexicans say buen provecho as soon as the waiter brings the meal to the table. Similarly, when they leave the restaurant, they say buen provecho to the people who are sitting next to them. They may not know them, but it doesn’t matter. They say it, because it’s an important ingredient in their beautiful culture.

From a young age, Mexicans are taught to have good manners, even with people they don’t know. That’s why Spanish is such a polite language. Spanish speakers are used to saying greetings like hola, ¿qué onda? Qué tal?, encantada, por favor, gracias and con permiso But one of the most important sayings in the Spanish language is buen provecho.

If someone wishes you buen provecho and you wonder how to answer them, a simple gracias or igualmente will suffice. (Thank you or similarly)

At the table with your tacos from Lili and Gordo and buen provecho!!