Avoiding the breakfast trap?

[Ungawawa]

The money I've most felt like I've wasted on the camino has almost always been at breakfast time. I've lost count of the number of times I've dropped 3 or 4 Euros on some bad coffee and dry toast and jam.

So I'd like to ask you what do you do for breakfast each morning on the camino? What can you do instead to get a good head-start on the day without overpaying?

 

[Deleted member 67338]

When you get to your destination about midday plan your breakfast at some cafeteria that has good coffee and food, if you don’t eat breakfast just walk to the nearest town and have a snack and a rest.

 

[sugargypsy]

I haven't been yet on a camino, so I dont't know whether it's going to work out, but I hope to find a kitchen every now and then and make same baked oats (mix oats, milk, eggs, banana, dried fruits & nuts and bake). Tastes really nice, very nutriousious and keeps fresh due to the dried fruits for 5 or six days easily and does not weigh too much. I really love that for breakfast - I live close to the place where Müsli originally comes from - and have already taken that to other multi-day trips and it worked out very well, but never baked it yet while being on the road.

 

[trecile]

I walk for an hour or so before I stop for breakfast. I like to get a slice of tortilla and some orange juice, though sometimes a big flaky chocolate croissant tempts me. I rarely have breakfast at the albergues, and I definitely don't if it's an extra cost.

 

[RJM]

Coffee is a must have for me in the morning, so when possible I always stop at the first cafe I can to fuel up on java.
The breakfast food in Spain is another matter. Some toast and jam, or perhaps some other type sugary pastry is not breakfast to me, especially when about to begin a 25km walk. So whenever I can, I buy breakfast food the day before and make myself something with more substance in the morning. A sandwich of cheese and meat. A tin of fish or chicken. Some whole milk. Things along that line.

 

[Ungawawa]

When you get to your destination about midday plan your breakfast at some cafeteria that has good coffee and food, if you don’t eat breakfast just walk to the nearest town and have a snack and a rest.

Hi Mick, we met on your 2017 camino, in Las Herrerias, going up on the horses, and again down the road. I was the pommie

 

[tangata hikoi]

I've not like the albergue breakfasts at all. They are always from my experience a packaged bun/toast with a very long use by date which under normal circumstances I'd never eat.
I carry some granola when I can get it, buy a coffee and orange juice and when I finish the coffee I use the cup to put my granola in and pour half the OJ on top and eat it with the coffee spoon.
I prefer to eat breakfast an hour or so down the road but if no bar is coming up I have it before I leave at a bar in the village

 

[Ungawawa]

I haven't been yet on a camino, so I dont't know whether it's going to work out, but I hope to find a kitchen every now and then and make same baked oats (mix oats, milk, eggs, banana, dried fruits & nuts and bake). Tastes really nice, very nutriousious and keeps fresh due to the dried fruits for 5 or six days easily and does not weigh too much. I really love that for breakfast - I live close to the place where Müsli originally comes from - and have already taken that to other multi-day trips and it worked out very well, but never baked it yet while being on the road.

Lovely recipe! I'm not sure how lucky you'll be with the baking ovens though. Can you adjust the recipe for microwaves?

 

[NorthernLight]

If your albergue has a kitchen, hard boil some eggs the night before.

I get coffee and something to eat at the first bar or bakery I come to. I get second breakfast a couple hours later.

 

[Ungawawa]

I walk for an hour or so before I stop for breakfast. I like to get a slice of tortilla and some orange juice, though sometimes a big flaky chocolate croissant tempts me. I rarely have breakfast at the albergues, and I definitely don't if it's an extra cost.

Albergue breakfasts are generally the worst. Yesterday's leftover bread and budget brand filter coffee ^^

 

[trecile]

Albergue breakfasts are generally the worst. Yesterday's leftover bread and budget brand filter coffee ^^

I have had at least one good albergue breakfast. At Albergue Estrella Guía the owner/hospitalera makes a delicious cake for breakfast every day.

 

[sugargypsy]

Lovely recipe! I'm not sure how lucky you'll be with the baking ovens though. Can you adjust the recipe for microwaves?

Yes, I've done a smaller and fast version of the recipe in a mug . Takes only about 2 or 3 minutes in the microwave, so that should also work out for the whole recipe. Does anyone know in which size unit eggs are usually sold in Spain ? I would not like to carry leftover eggs in my mochila ... and I don't really like hard boiled eggs.

 

[Mugatu]

I packed a bag of granola from home, but that soon gave way to...

“Un zuma grande e un cafe con leche e una tortilla de patatas e un napoletano por favor”

at the very first cafe I came across. I began to feel that I was calorie deficient and this was a great tasty solution. Every now and again, I would make 2 large bocadillos the night before for brekkie the next day.

 

[Anniesantiago]

I"m not sure where you live, but in Portland, Oregon, people often pay over $4 for their morning cup of coffee. 3 to 4 euros seems quite affordable for all you can eat toast, jam, and coffee.

That said, there are plenty of places to stop along the way if you need more.
There are also plenty of markets where you can buy your own.
Here is a blog I did on this topic.

Breakfast on the Camino - Choices

 

[Portia1]

We purchased Greek yogurt the afternoon before and added granola to it that morning (purchased a bag of granola to be portioned out) and sometimes a banana. Carried a spork. Coffee is another matter. I think I had a poor cup only once and I am fairly picky—cafe solo grande—double espresso and sometimes added leche.

 

[englishstu]

Add oatmeal to large yoghurt and leave overnight; add a teaspoon of coffee if caffeine is required. Great for a quick pick me up in the morning; good to hike off and get something more substantial when it appears on the route.

 

[Ungawawa]

We purchased Greek yogurt the afternoon before and added granola to it that morning (purchased a bag of granola to be portioned out) and sometimes a banana. Carried a spork. Coffee is another matter. I think I had a poor cup only once and I am fairly picky—cafe solo grande—double espresso and sometimes added leche.

That's a clever idea. Do you share it out between a group of you, cause otherwise I'm guessing you're carrying leftover yogurt from place to place?

 

[RumAndChupacabras]

We usually grabbed some fruit, nuts and cheese once in our albergue town. Keeping it for breakfast the following morning. Although, I'd still like to figure out something for the lack of a couple cups of good, hot coffee.

 

[Leibniz]

I usually walk about 10km before I stop for breakfast - and even then it’s usually just zumo and cafe con leche. But I have a massive lunch later. I don’t advocate this system for others, it’s just what works for me.

Just the once though I was hungrier than usual after staying in Ponferrada, and I had the best breakfast ever in Cacabelos in a place called La Moncloa (highly recommended if you pass by). It was about £7 BUT it had toast and homemade quince preserve, cheese, tortilla, cake, fruit, orange juice, coffee, and something hot that I can’t remember...maybe eggs? It was plentiful and delicious. I thought it was too much and I would pack some of it for later but I ended up eating it all and skipping lunch instead.

 

[CaminoJohn]

I usually buy a large yogurt drink the night before. (It keeps refrigerated or not) Drink it on my way to the first open bar, get a great cafe con leche standing at the bar, then walk till about 10 when Spanish breakfast begins. Most bars have a tortilla prepared by then. (Sometimes you have to ask them to bring it out) Have that, and another cafe, and I'm set to Spanish lunch or my picnic.

 

[Former member 49149]

No pastries. Watch the locals. And copy them!

 

[Portia1]

That's a clever idea. Do you share it out between a group of you, cause otherwise I'm guessing you're carrying leftover yogurt from place to place?

Purchased a four pack of yogurt cups between two of us (almost daily) when we could and portioned out some granola each day so we weren’t carrying a large container of yogurt. I did carry the granola—which also occasionally became an afternoon snack out of the bag.

 

[Jeff Crawley]

I haven't been yet on a camino, so I dont't know whether it's going to work out, but I hope to find a kitchen every now and then and make same baked oats (mix oats, milk, eggs, banana, dried fruits & nuts and bake). Tastes really nice, very nutriousious and keeps fresh due to the dried fruits for 5 or six days easily and does not weigh too much. I really love that for breakfast - I live close to the place where Müsli originally comes from - and have already taken that to other multi-day trips and it worked out very well, but never baked it yet while being on the road.

Don't think I've seen an oven in any albergue I've ever stayed in. Can you adapt your recipe, use honey as a binder perhaps, and chill it until it sets in a fridge?

 

[naplesdon]

Huevos fritos y bacon with a side of freshly baked bread around 10 is total heaven.

 

[Deleted member 67185]

I grab a handful of nuts out of a snack bag, down some water, and then grab breakfast at a bar or cafe down the road. Totilla de patatas is what I look forward to in the morning or afternoon. . . . heck, anytime

 

[Dave2525]

Coffee and Tortilla a couple of hours into the morning.

 

[rappahannock_rev]

After a few weeks of cafe con leche and croissants I begin dreaming of good ole Southern American breakfasts: several fluffy scrambled eggs, hash browns or grits, salt-cured Virginia ham or scrapple, buttermilk biscuits and blackberry jam.... and coffee American style, with hazelnut creamer....

Try finding that in Espana!

 

[t2andreo]

Huevos fritos y bacon with a side of freshly baked bread around 10 is total heaven.

I get the trots just thinking of all that grease...

 

[RJM]

After a few weeks of cafe con leche and croissants I begin dreaming of good ole Southern American breakfasts: several fluffy scrambled eggs, hash browns or grits, salt-cured Virginia ham or scrapple, buttermilk biscuits and blackberry jam.... and coffee American style, with hazelnut creamer....

Try finding that in Espana!

Occasionally I do stop early into the walk and have the full deal when available.
Fried eggs, toast and jam, sausage, coffee and juice. Sometimes fried eggs with chips. Nice and greasy. Chased by some strong, black coffee. yum.

 

[Jeff Crawley]

After a few weeks of cafe con leche and croissants I begin dreaming of good ole Southern American breakfasts: several fluffy scrambled eggs, hash browns or grits, salt-cured Virginia ham or scrapple, buttermilk biscuits and blackberry jam.... and coffee American style, with hazelnut creamer....

Try finding that in Espana!

And your cholesterol level is?

 

[tomnorth]

I walk for an hour or so before I stop for breakfast. I like to get a slice of tortilla and some orange juice, though sometimes a big flaky chocolate croissant tempts me. I rarely have breakfast at the albergues, and I definitely don't if it's an extra cost.

Substitute a cafe con leche for the orange juice and this is my routine exactly. A slice or tortilla was just what the doctor ordered mid-morning.

 

[nickymd1]

Due to allergies, I tend to sort 60-70% of my own meals (fruit, cheese, fuet/salami/jamón, boiled eggs, dark chocolate, nuts, etc. paired with a knife, foldable silicone 'tupperware' and a mug are my staples for kitchen-less meals) but cold mornings will almost always have me joining the others above who have mentioned tortilla and a con leche between 8 and 9 after an hour or so of walking. I prefer my juice later in the day.

 

[paleoirish]

That said,
Here is a blog I did on this topic.

Breakfast on the Camino - Choices

@Anniesantiago I really enjoyed reading your blog piece, lots of great ideas for breakfast and I loved the info on the variety of coffee, I think that Spain must be much like Portugal in that way.

One of your descriptions especially made me smile at the thought of pouring iced coffee over myself

 

[jo webber]

Between Hubby and I we consume 5 cups of coffee in the early mornings. He likes cereal with milk. I don't want food early, but will have a small croissant with butter & jam. Figuring the cost, per cup, at a café we were way ahead paying for breakfast where we spent the night.

Second breakfast was a large meal, smaller lunch and a good dinner with wine - very happy pilgrims. After the first couple of weeks I lost all my body fat (not much to start with) and was always hungry.

 

[JillGat]

I have a hard time resisting a couple of hot croissants

After a few weeks of cafe con leche and croissants I begin dreaming of good ole Southern American breakfasts: several fluffy scrambled eggs, hash browns or grits, salt-cured Virginia ham or scrapple, buttermilk biscuits and blackberry jam.... and coffee American style, with hazelnut creamer....

Try finding that in Espana!

I hear ya. I usually give into the temptation for a couple of croissants, but eggs (or tortilla) keep me going much longer. What I miss most on the camino is brewed coffee. I know this is practically sacrilegious to say, but I get sick of cafe con leche (and cafe Americano, too) and long for a cup of brewed black coffee in the morning.

 

[Geodoc]

After a few weeks of cafe con leche and croissants I begin dreaming of good ole Southern American breakfasts: several fluffy scrambled eggs, hash browns or grits, salt-cured Virginia ham or scrapple, buttermilk biscuits and blackberry jam.... and coffee American style, with hazelnut creamer....

I didn't think scrapple made it out of Baltimore

 

[ranthr]

As a person with diabetics I have always wondered what people with diabetic do in Spain. I always carry some food that is better for me than the white toast and jam. Makes some more weight but gives me less troubles too.. I always eat before going into the bar to get breakfast, and if it is toast and jam, I take.the coffee and leave the toast.

 

[Jo Jo]

Spain just does not do breakfasts. The night before I load up on portable foods from whatever grocery store or tienda is available: eggs (if I can hard boil in the alburgue), pan, jamon, salami, whole fruit, sometimes even the grocery store tortillas. Just about anything that will not go bad. And I just eat as needed all day while walking. This is breakfast, lunch, snacks, everything. Pan y jamon for breakfast--why not. Everything is fuel. And buying the night before save gobs of time for walking in the cool of the morning versus waiting around forever at a bar for a small slice of tortilla and juice.

Buen Camino.
Jo Jo

 

[trecile]

Spain just does not do breakfasts.

But fortunately they do 4 other meals.
Second breakfast
Comida
Merienda
Cena

 

[NorthernLight]

The absolute best tortilla I ever had was in the old bar in Burguette, the first village after Roncesvalles. I'd come off the Le Puy (the French albergues added insult to the bread and jam breakfast injury by refusing to serve it before 8am), so tortilla was beyond wonderful, and this place added cheese and ham to it. Sadly, the new place just further along opened and the old place doesn't open for breakfast anymore.

 

[trecile]

Sadly, the new place just further along opened and the old place doesn't open for breakfast anymore.

Darn! I was really excited until I read your last sentence.

 

[Albertagirl]

As a vegetarian who gets much of my protein from tortilla in Spain, I would be concerned if too many bars started to add ham to it.

 

[Camino Chrissy]

I walk for an hour or so before I stop for breakfast. I like to get a slice of tortilla and some orange juice, though sometimes a big flaky chocolate croissant tempts me. I rarely have breakfast at the albergues, and I definitely don't if it's an extra cost.

Same as me, too!

 

[Camino Chrissy]

@Anniesantiago I really enjoyed reading your blog piece, lots of great ideas for breakfast and I loved the info on the variety of coffee, I think that Spain must be much like Portugal in that way.

One of your descriptions especially made me smile at the thought of pouring iced coffee over myself View attachment 54135

This would be very nice if walking in the heat of summer!

 

[NorthernLight]

As a vegetarian who gets much of my protein from tortilla in Spain, I would be concerned if too many bars started to add ham to it.

They had regular tortilla too, but it's all moot now.

 

[Camino Chrissy]

Occasionally I do stop early into the walk and have the full deal when available.
Fried eggs, toast and jam, sausage, coffee and juice. Sometimes fried eggs with chips. Nice and greasy. Chased by some strong, black coffee. yum.

Once a week on the Camino this type of breakfast was a welcome change and I did not feel gulty!

 

[RJM]

Once a week on the Camino this type of breakfast was a welcome change and I did not feel gulty!

Neither did I. Think of the caloric burn you do everyday walking the Camino. That full breakfast was quickly burned up.

 

[Camino Chrissy]

Albergue breakfasts are generally the worst. Yesterday's leftover bread and budget brand filter coffee ^^

I stay away for that very reason.

 

[Andrew108]

I usually filled my flask with hot tea and ate some biscuits. At about 10am I’d look for a cafe selling tortilla in a sandwich.

 

[trecile]

Once a week on the Camino this type of breakfast was a welcome change and I did not feel gulty!

I didn't feel guilty about a single thing that I ate on the Camino. Maybe a little regret about things that I didn't eat though.

 

[rappahannock_rev]

I didn't think scrapple made it out of Baltimore

All God's chillun love scrapple!

And I confess that my cholesterol level could be better than it is....

 

[paleoirish]

Believe it or not I'm allergic to the humble spud, I know that it's very unpatriotic of me as an Irish person I also try to avoid wheat (because I feel better without it) however I'm open to eating whatever is in front of me most days and be grateful for it.

My plan is to get whatever I can from the tienda in the evenings, hopefully eggs and cheese. I'll most likely always have chorizo and a wee pocket knife in my pack and will bring a lightweight camping mug to perhaps help with boiling some eggs in the morning.

It's all ahead of me....

 

[Bruce and Margaret]

I haven't been yet on a camino, so I dont't know whether it's going to work out, but I hope to find a kitchen every now and then and make same baked oats (mix oats, milk, eggs, banana, dried fruits & nuts and bake). Tastes really nice, very nutriousious and keeps fresh due to the dried fruits for 5 or six days easily and does not weigh too much. I really love that for breakfast - I live close to the place where Müsli originally comes from - and have already taken that to other multi-day trips and it worked out very well, but never baked it yet while being on the road.

Hi Sugergypsy. I love the idea of the breakfast bar you posted. Could you please post the recipe in more detail. Thanks. Bruce and Margaret.

 

[erikakiana]

I have not been on the Camino yet, but basically my plan is to get something to hold me over until I can get to a café. The Spanish are not really known for their breakfast. My students tell me they eat cookies and milk for breakfast. Yet, in cafés, you can usually get a coffee for just over €1 and some good croissants of tortillas.

 

[Lindsay53]

I walk for an hour or so before I stop for breakfast. I like to get a slice of tortilla and some orange juice, though sometimes a big flaky chocolate croissant tempts me. I rarely have breakfast at the albergues, and I definitely don't if it's an extra cost.

This sounds like me. I am not an early morning food person and I don't like tea or coffee. An hour or twos walk and then a brekkie break works for me.

 

[Finisterre]

I was once advised by a couple of Dutch professional pilgrims* to not worry, overmuch. Their view was clear, you can walk all day on a mars bar, people are much tougher than they think. It certainly hadn't stunted their growth.

It's actually pretty sound advice. IMO.

* they walked young offenders from Holland to Santiago as part of an alternative sentencing scheme,-- which had one of the lowest reoffending rates in their system. They knew about hardship. It was one of their tools.

 

[Deleted member 73526]

packaged bun/toast with a very long use by date

Plastic packaged "Madeleines" with expiry dates in the next decade suck the joy from the morning.
I often buy yoghurt and dried fruit at a supermarket for my morning meal. I'm also fond of coffee with toast with oil and tomato. And every now and then, I get decadent with a chocolate and churros. All good.

 

[LesR]

I walk for an hour or so before I stop for breakfast. I like to get a slice of tortilla and some orange juice, though sometimes a big flaky chocolate croissant tempts me. I rarely have breakfast at the albergues, and I definitely don't if it's an extra cost.

I am with trecile.. nver had a bad coffee but toast and jam lost attraction very quickly. A wedge of tortilla kept my ribs apart many a day...

 

[VNwalking]

Cafe con leche, zumo, and tostadas con aceite y tomatos (I like a bit of salt with that, and Dalia pimento powder also...).
I agree entirely that jam on toast is uninspiring...but that? Ambrosia.
You an do the toast in an albergue if you buy bread the night before and can get your hands on olive oil packets and a tomato...then what bread you don't eat can be second breakfast along the way, maybe with cheese and olives.

 

[nidarosa]

I'm Norwegian so I am used to a more substantial/healthy breakfast than toast and jam, but I find I quite like a tostada with tomato and/or cheese and/or jamon - almost every bar almost always have those in the kitchen, even if they won't make an omelette or anything hot. Just ask! Then drizzle with some olive oil and salt, or maybe they have mustard and/or mayo, makes for a more substantial brekkie than cakes.
(Full disclosure: I ate my body weight in tortilla on my first 6 week walk and hardly touch the stuff now.)

@VNwalking: Snap!

 

[VNwalking]

@VNwalking: Snap!

Great minds think alike...

 

[sugargypsy]

Don't think I've seen an oven in any albergue I've ever stayed in. Can you adapt your recipe, use honey as a binder perhaps, and chill it until it sets in a fridge?

Thanks for the hint about the oven. I'll try to prepare it in a pan. That should work out too. Since I've got all ingredients at home I'll try that this afternoon .

Hi Sugergypsy. I love the idea of the breakfast bar you posted. Could you please post the recipe in more detail.

Sure, here you go:

Baked Oats with fruits
Ingredients for 8 servings
300 g rolled oats
2 bananas, ripe, crushed with a fork
100 g dried fruits, roughly chopped (apricots, dates, figs, raisins or cranberries)
1 apple, coarsely grated
100 g hazelnuts / walnuts / almonds, roughly chopped
300 ml milk
2 eggs

Cinnamon, vanilla, cardamom, orange peel or coconut flakes for added flavor
Butter for the casserole dish

Preheat the oven to 180 °C . Mix the rolled oats with the crushed bananas, dried fruits, the grated apple and the chopped nuts. Stir in the milk and eggs. Season with cinnamon, vanilla sugar or cardamom.

Grease a baking dish and pour the mixture into the casserole dish. Approximately bake for 30 -40 minutes till it's slighly brown.

Can be eaten lukewarm and cold. At home I sometimes I dip the baked oats into honey yoghurt.

 

[Dorpie]

@sugargypsy

Just be aware that time, equipment, space and patience all tend to be scarce in camino kitchens, the more you can do to simplify your recipe without taking the pleasure out of it the better.

 

[Dorpie]

I'm very much in the albergue breakfast avoidance camp, partly as others have intimated because they tend to not be that great but also because I like to try and trick my body into walking for an hour or so before before it really notices.

Once I do stop I like a zumo so suspiciously orange I'd think it was artificial if I hadn't actually seen it being squeezed, a cafe con leche (I'm not usually a coffe drinker but it works for me on camino) and then something carby; a croissant, tortilla, churros and chocolate or when I get closer to the end joy of joys...tarte de Santaigo. For me this is a nice little turbo charge before I do the bulk of my day's walking in the run up to lunch which I'm happier to save money on by getting some bits from a tienda.

 

[Former member 49149]

As a pilgrim, I don’t rely on albergue breakfasts. We make sure we have what we need from the night before, and the first bar is visited with relish. As a hospitalera, but only in one albergue, where there isn’t any other option for at least an hour’s walk, we always used the fresh bread delivered at 6am, and loaded the table with fruit, cheese, yogurt, butter, cheese, jam... whatever was there. It was all for the pilgrims. Maybe you missed it...

 

[sugargypsy]

@sugargypsy
Just be aware that time, equipment, space and patience all tend to be scarce in camino kitchens, the more you can do to simplify your recipe without taking the pleasure out of it the better.

I'll just wait and find out. The recipe can be basically prepared without a kitchen, only the baking in a pan will take some time.

I don't think I'll do that recipe more than two or three times while walking the Camino for variety reasons. I will bring the first ration from home.

And if it's not possible to prepare, it's no big deal . As I wrote earlier I've never walked the Camino yet, so it's difficult to decide whether some ideas are feasable or not, I'll find out in about 6-weeks-time and will adjust.

 

[domigee]

Spain just does not do breakfasts.

But...they do!! What’s wrong with tostada con aceite de oliva y tomate? Followed for elevenses by un bocadillo de tortilla?
If they’re out of tortilla de patatas, most places are only too happy to make you una tortilla francesa... (omelette).
Buen provecho

 

[Jeff Crawley]

But fortunately they do 4 other meals.
Second breakfast
Comida
Merienda
Cena

Admit it, secretly you're a Hobbit aren't you?

 

[Jeff Crawley]

Spain just does not do breakfasts. The night before I load up on portable foods from whatever grocery store or tienda is available: eggs (if I can hard boil in the alburgue), pan, jamon, salami, whole fruit, sometimes even the grocery store tortillas. Just about anything that will not go bad. And I just eat as needed all day while walking. This is breakfast, lunch, snacks, everything. Pan y jamon for breakfast--why not. Everything is fuel. And buying the night before save gobs of time for walking in the cool of the morning versus waiting around forever at a bar for a small slice of tortilla and juice.

Buen Camino.
Jo Jo

I respectfully beg to differ - was not expecting the fries when I ordered eggs and bacon, especially at 8:30am (still ate them though)

 

[biped]

My daily routine was to arise by 6:30, walk to the next town, & stop at a bar/cafe for breakfast. I didn't eat a large meal; breakfast was mainly a rest stop with bathroom privileges & a chance to check email. I usually had some OJ, a cup of cafe con leche, & a chocolate croissant (those heavenly pastries got me across Spain!) Thus fortified, I didn't usually eat lunch so was really motivated to find dinner when I arrived at an albergue. I still miss the plates of octopus....

 

[Lunchmeat337]

If your albergue has a kitchen, hard boil some eggs the night before.

I get coffee and something to eat at the first bar or bakery I come to. I get second breakfast a couple hours later.

My second breakfast at next stop would usually be a cold beer.

 

[Patch]

One of the great benefits when walking in Spain is the many splendid cafes with their very tasty tapas - i snack the whole day when i am walking tbh. But is a few Euros is more then your budget can stand then a large bowl of muesli and some dried milk is more then sufficient to see you through to lunch time

 

[mspath]

I was once advised by a couple of Dutch professional pilgrims* to not worry, overmuch. Their view was clear, you can walk all day on a mars bar, people are much tougher than they think. It certainly hadn't stunted their growth.
....
* they walked young offenders from Holland to Santiago as part of an alternative sentencing scheme,-- which had one of the lowest reoffending rates in their system. They knew about hardship. It was one of their tools.

For more information re such rehabilitative programs during the recent past on the camino see this earlier Forum thread.
https://www.caminodesantiago.me/community/threads/juvenile-penitent-pilgrims.1043/

 

[NorthernLight]

My second breakfast at next stop would usually be a cold beer.

'My second breakfast at next stop would usually be a barley sandwich.'

Corrected that for you.

 

[trecile]

I respectfully beg to differ - was not expecting the fries when I ordered eggs and bacon, especially at 8:30am (still ate them though)

View attachment 54164

You should know that french fries come with just about everything!

 

[Bruce and Margaret]

Hi Sugergypsy. I love the idea of the breakfast bar you posted. Could you please post the recipe in more detail. Thanks. Bruce and Margaret.

Got recipe thanks. Printed it off to make later. Regards Bruce and Margaret.

 

[RJM]

I was once advised by a couple of Dutch professional pilgrims* to not worry, overmuch. Their view was clear, you can walk all day on a mars bar, people are much tougher than they think. It certainly hadn't stunted their growth.

It's actually pretty sound advice. IMO.

* they walked young offenders from Holland to Santiago as part of an alternative sentencing scheme,-- which had one of the lowest reoffending rates in their system. They knew about hardship. It was one of their tools.

Of course, but why would one do that?
The Camino is hardly the Bataan Death March. At times you can't swing a dead cat without hitting a cafe or bar.

 

[Frances Bat]

I also like to get walking for an hour or so before enjoying pan y tomate and cafe con leche. Best breakfast ever! Plenty of variation in the way it was done but it was always good. I also continued to eat it when I got home until the tomato season ended, but it was never quite as good as when it was part of a great day on the camino.

 

[gloria lowe]

I'm Norwegian so I am used to a more substantial/healthy breakfast than toast and jam, but I find I quite like a tostada with tomato and/or cheese and/or jamon - almost every bar almost always have those in the kitchen, even if they won't make an omelette or anything hot. Just ask! Then drizzle with some olive oil and salt, or maybe they have mustard and/or mayo, makes for a more substantial brekkie than cakes.
(Full disclosure: I ate my body weight in tortilla on my first 6 week walk and hardly touch the stuff now.)

@VNwalking: Snap!

I craved mustard. Almost no one had it unless you found a bar or cafe that had real hamburger

 

[Leibniz]

toad and jam lost attraction

Never tried that, I’m vegetarian.

 

[gloria lowe]

I respectfully beg to differ - was not expecting the fries when I ordered eggs and bacon, especially at 8:30am (still ate them though)

View attachment 54164

My favorite breakfast. And I had never had baked beans with my breakfast.

 

[Jeff Crawley]

My favorite breakfast. And I had never had baked beans with my breakfast. View attachment 54169

Oh I DO miss Spanish bread.

 

[Nanc]

I would buy oranges, nuts, cheese or sausage the day before and have a snack before taking off.
Walking 1-3 hours allowed me to chose my breakfast spot based on good looking tortillas etc.
not having immediate access to coffee (or avoiding the allergies stuff which was ok at best) meant I drank water for my liquid, something better for me anyway

 

[KentuckyJay]

The money I've most felt like I've wasted on the camino has almost always been at breakfast time. I've lost count of the number of times I've dropped 3 or 4 Euros on some bad coffee and dry toast and jam.

So I'd like to ask you what do you do for breakfast each morning on the camino? What can you do instead to get a good head-start on the day without overpaying?

Do bathroom necessities before bed. Get on the trail early and hike until you come upon a likely looking cafe or bar. Stop and get something to eat and drink (usually involved a cappuccino). Then move on. It worked for me during my 2 Camino. Buen or Bom Camino!

 

[maruska89]

We usually grabbed some fruit, nuts and cheese once in our albergue town. Keeping it for breakfast the following morning. Although, I'd still like to figure out something for the lack of a couple cups of good, hot coffee.

I'm bringing my luxury item, an immersion coil, and instant Starbucks Via packets,to get a quick cup of coffee before waking. A necessity for me

 

[gittiharre]

I walk for an hour or so before I stop for breakfast. I like to get a slice of tortilla and some orange juice, though sometimes a big flaky chocolate croissant tempts me. I rarely have breakfast at the albergues, and I definitely don't if it's an extra cost.

Same! I would set off early on a bottle of water and stop an hour or so later for coffee orange juice and chocolate croissant or tortilla, almonds and fruit for a snack, olives and beer in the afternoon and then dinner at night....

 

[Rozenn]

The money I've most felt like I've wasted on the camino has almost always been at breakfast time. I've lost count of the number of times I've dropped 3 or 4 Euros on some bad coffee and dry toast and jam.

So I'd like to ask you what do you do for breakfast each morning on the camino? What can you do instead to get a good head-start on the day without overpaying?

Hi Richard

Do bathroom necessities before bed. Get on the trail early and hike until you come upon a likely looking cafe or bar. Stop and get something to eat and drink (usually involved a cappuccino). Then move on. It worked for me during my 2 Camino. Buen or Bom Camino!

Hi!! I get up, drink water and leave with a banana and nuts to nibble on the way.After 2 hours of walk , stop at the first village because they know it will be fresh tortilla con patatas time! With a café con lèche it is one of the first pleasure of the day!

 

[Rozenn]

I also like to get walking for an hour or so before enjoying pan y tomate and cafe con leche. Best breakfast ever! Plenty of variation in the way it was done but it was always good. I also continued to eat it when I got home until the tomato season ended, but it was never quite as good as when it was part of a great day on the camino.

Pan tumaca con tortilla!!

 

[Magbyahe]

I walk for an hour or so before I stop for breakfast. I like to get a slice of tortilla and some orange juice, though sometimes a big flaky chocolate croissant tempts me. I rarely have breakfast at the albergues, and I definitely don't if it's an extra cost.

Is breakfast included with the night stay at the albergues? Or what's the breakfast like at the albergues?

 

[alhartman]

I too am in the 'avoid the albergue breakfast' group. I need protein early in the day to avoid an early afternoon energy crash. Usually stop for tortilla patatas mid-morning (I have cafe con leche at first opportunity). I often have a can of sardines to eat early as well (well off the trail to avoid smelly offense to other pilgrims).
But I always look forward to Burgos with a really proper breakfast.


And with too many hours thinking while walking, I believe that the greatest contribution that the British Empire ever made was the hot English Breakfast!!

 

[Ungawawa]

Is breakfast included with the night stay at the albergues? Or what's the breakfast like at the albergues?

No, and generally pretty bad, hence this thread

 

[mike mcbroom]

Lovely recipe! I'm not sure how lucky you'll be with the baking ovens though. Can you adjust the recipe for microwaves?

coffee!

 

[chinalil]

I'm bringing my luxury item, an immersion coil, and instant Starbucks Via packets,to get a quick cup of coffee before waking. A necessity for me

Me too, gotta love 3 in 1’s

 

[KJFSophie]

Camino breakfasts are absolute hell for those of us with gluten allergies ! I try my best to boil eggs, but its not always possible and I'm always wary of the eggs in real heat hiking. I almost always have bananas with me...and like many others, I start walking for a few hours without really eating anything.

 

[Francois de Meillon]

The money I've most felt like I've wasted on the camino has almost always been at breakfast time. I've lost count of the number of times I've dropped 3 or 4 Euros on some bad coffee and dry toast and jam.

So I'd like to ask you what do you do for breakfast each morning on the camino? What can you do instead to get a good head-start on the day without overpaying?

I cannot say that I had the same breakfast every morning on my camino. I packed some crunchies which I usually ate prior to starting my walk. Spanish omelette and cuppacino were added on some days after a couple of kilometres.

 

[makingtrax]

I carry a lite weight travellers French press coffee mug and bag of coffee. Also a small emerson heater to boil the water. Presto. I have a good cup of coffee every morning before leaving the albergue. I also buy a banana and small yogurt or 2 night before. My first stop is couple of hours down the track for coffee con leche and bathroom. The small weight addition to my pack is well worth the convenience of coffee as I like it.
I am starting in sjpp June 4 this time by bike to cycle 5 caminos back to back in 80 days. French Way. To Lisbon. La Plata . Muxia. And back to Bayonne via El Norte. I have walked all the above but a back injury last year means cycling is the only way I can do a camino this year so decided to tackle the lot. Now I've finally put it in print there's no turning back. Bon Camino.

 

[JillGat]

My favorite breakfast. And I had never had baked beans with my breakfast. View attachment 54169

Come to New Mexico (USA) and you get huevos rancheros with a corn tortilla underneath the eggs, pinto beans on the side and a choice of red or green chile (or both) on top. Mmmmmm

 

[JillGat]

I carry a lite weight travellers French press coffee mug and bag of coffee. Also a small emerson heater to boil the water. Presto. I have a good cup of coffee every morning before leaving the albergue. I also buy a banana and small yogurt or 2 night before. My first stop is couple of hours down the track for coffee con leche and bathroom. The small weight addition to my pack is well worth the convenience of coffee as I like it.
I am starting in sjpp June 4 this time by bike to cycle 5 caminos back to back in 80 days. French Way. To Lisbon. La Plata . Muxia. And back to Bayonne via El Norte. I have walked all the above but a back injury last year means cycling is the only way I can do a camino this year so decided to tackle the lot. Now I've finally put it in print there's no turning back. Bon Camino.

Do you find good ground coffee in shops along the way?

 

[trecile]

As a non coffee addict I don't know if this will be helpful or not, but I have an idea that might help those who need coffee before they are human in the morning.
I was thinking that if prior to the Camino you slowly alter the time that you have your first cup to later in the morning, perhaps you could get by on the Camino without starting with coffee, and instead waiting until you get to the next village.
Again, though I enjoy a cup now and then, especially with a nice fresh chocolate croissant, I never feel that I have to have it, so I don't know if this would work for the truly coffee addicted pilgrims.

 

[jmcarp]

The money I've most felt like I've wasted on the camino has almost always been at breakfast time. I've lost count of the number of times I've dropped 3 or 4 Euros on some bad coffee and dry toast and jam.

So I'd like to ask you what do you do for breakfast each morning on the camino? What can you do instead to get a good head-start on the day without overpaying?

Point and counterpoint: I guess I'm not a connoisseur, but I never had a bad cup of coffee (cafe con leche) on the Camino -- in fact, IMHO, it puts overpriced and overrated Starbucks to shame. And those Napolitanos...yummm. I know it's not a typical American breakfast, but a mid-morning coffee break and a piece of fruit tides you over to lunchtime just fine.