If you've strolled through Valencia mid-morning, you've surely seen the terraces packed with people, each with a sandwich in one hand and a drink in the other. That's the breakfastAnd for many Valencians, it's the most important meal of the day. At Bar Nuevo Oslo, we've been serving it since 1970, so let us tell you what it is and why it's so addictive.
A ritual with more than a century of history
The "esmorzaret"—mid-morning snack—originated as a substantial meal for farmers and laborers, who needed to replenish their energy between early breakfast and lunch. Over time, it ceased to be solely a rural custom and became a widespread tradition: today, it is enjoyed by office workers, students, retirees, and tourists alike.
What hasn't changed is its essence: hearty food, good company, and no rush. In a city that lives life outdoors, sitting down for lunch in Valencia remains one of those small pleasures that transcend trends.
The four parts of a good mid-morning snack
There's no single way to do it, but a complete esmorzaret usually follows this script:
- The expense or the snack: peanuts, lupins, olives and pickles to whet your appetite.
- The sandwich: The main course. Whether it's sausage, grilled meat, or cured meats, the more generous, the better.
- The drink: a nice cold beer, a tinto de verano or whatever your body craves.
- Coffee or cremaet: To top it all off, cremaet is the most Valencian option and our favorite.
“Esmorzaret is not eaten in a hurry: it is enjoyed. That's the whole science.”
Why is it so addictive?
Part of the secret lies in the ritual: sitting down, sharing a table, and taking a moment to disconnect in the middle of the morning. But it's also in the food. A good Valencian lunch is honest and straightforward: quality bread, real cured meats, and generous portions. It's hard not to go back for seconds.
And then there's the social aspect. The mid-morning snack is the perfect excuse to get together: to close a deal, catch up with friends, or simply kick off the weekend properly.
How to experience it at Bar Nuevo Oslo
On our menu you'll find sandwiches designed and created by us, from the most affordable to the most premium, including classics like the Chivito or the Terreta, served with a drink and finished off with coffee or cremaet. If it's your first time, let us advise you: there's no better way to get to know the city than by sitting down to lunch in Valencia the way it's always been done.