In most parts of the world, people eat three meals a day. In the Philippines? Three isn’t enough.
There’s a special time between meals that Filipinos cherish—merienda.
What Is Merienda?
Merienda (pronounced meh-ryen-da) is the Filipino version of a snack break. But unlike the quick grab-and-go snack many of us are used to, merienda is intentional.
It happens twice a day, typically around 10:00 AM and 3:00 PM. And it’s a way for Filipinos to pause, recharge, and connect with others.
During merienda, Filipinos enjoy sweet treats like puto (steamed rice cakes) or turon (banana spring rolls). As for savoury snackers, they’ll have pandesal (bread rolls) or lumpia (Filipino spring rolls). Merienda covers all cravings.
A Colonial Origin Turned Cultural Staple
The word merienda comes from Spain, a remnant of the country’s 300-year colonisation of the Philippines. But over time, Filipinos made it their own.
Unlike the formal high tea in Europe, merienda is casual, spontaneous, and deeply communal. It can be served at home, in schools, offices, or roadside hawker stalls.
The culture isn’t a formality for Filipinos. They enjoy it as part of human expression. So there isn’t one official way to participate in merienda.
More Than Just Food
What makes merienda special is what happens around the eating culture. Co-workers pause to share stories. Friends bond after school. And neighbours drop by just to say hi. It’s a social glue in Filipino life.
In fact, many OFWs (Overseas Filipino Workers) say one of the things they miss most from back home… is merienda.
What the World Can Learn
In today’s fast-paced, hustle-heavy world, it’s easy to feel guilty for slowing down.
But merienda is a reminder that small pauses can lead to deeper joy.
Maybe we don’t need another productivity hack. Maybe we just need a warm snack and good company. A simple but humble reminder of what makes life worth living. Good food with good company.
So next time you feel drained mid-day, do your own merienda: Put the phone down. Grab a snack. And let yourself breathe. Even just for 15 minutes.
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