Moving to Spain brings sunshine, siestas, and stunning coastlines—but it also brings cravings. Whether it’s a bite of a fast food classic or the hum of a familiar supermarket aisle, expats often find themselves yearning for pieces of their previous lives. Here’s a guide to the ten things expats miss most—and where those pieces of home can be tracked down across Spain.
1. Proper Breakfasts
Spanish breakfast is light—toast, maybe a coffee, sometimes churros. If you’re used to loaded plates with eggs, bacon, pancakes, and hash browns, you might feel like you’ve started your day on a snack.
Where to find it: Head to Denny’s or The Benedict in Barcelona for full American breakfasts. Some hotel chains also serve classic English-style buffets even if you’re not a guest.
2. Drive-Thru Convenience
Spain doesn’t operate on the “grab-and-go” model. Fast food here isn’t fast in the same way. The concept of a quick drive-thru coffee on the way to work is almost nonexistent.
Where to find it: McDonald’s and Burger King have drive-thru locations, mostly outside city centers. Starbucks Drive-Thru exists in limited areas like Madrid and Valencia. Not the same density, but it scratches the itch.
3. Big Supermarkets with Everything
Many expats are surprised by the smaller size and limited variety of local grocery stores. You might miss bulk shopping or entire aisles dedicated to cereal, sauces, or international snacks.
Where to find it: Carrefour and Alcampo are your best bets. For American, British, or German products, specialist stores like Taste of America or British Supermarket in Benidorm carry rare finds—Pop-Tarts, Heinz baked beans, root beer, and more.
4. Chain Restaurant Comfort Food
Craving a Big Mac or a burrito bowl can hit hard after a few months abroad. The reliability and familiarity of global food chains are often what expats miss most, especially late at night or after a long workday.
Where to find it: Spain hosts McDonald’s, Burger King, KFC, Five Guys, Domino’s, Taco Bell, and Subway. While the menus vary slightly (you’ll find gazpacho and beer at McDonald’s Spain), they offer comfort. For the curious, comparing food menus across countries is its own kind of entertainment.
5. International Holidays and Traditions
Thanksgiving, Fourth of July, Bonfire Night, and even Halloween feel muted or skipped altogether in Spain. Local holidays dominate the calendar, often with no trace of your own traditions.
Where to find it: American clubs, Facebook groups, and Irish or British pubs across cities like Madrid, Málaga, and Valencia organize themed nights. Supermarkets like El Corte Inglés sometimes stock frozen turkeys and cranberry sauce around November.
6. Customer Service That Follows You
Missing Amazon Prime’s next-day delivery? Used to stores staying open until 10 PM or later? Spain operates on different rhythms. Long midday breaks, Sunday closures, and minimal online support can feel like a step back.
Where to find it: Amazon Spain exists, but delivery speed depends on your location. For physical stores with longer hours, check out Decathlon, MediaMarkt, and FNAC in larger cities. They’re more aligned with international expectations.
7. English Bookstores
Literature and magazines in English are often limited to airport shelves or expensive specialty stores. Kindle helps, but it’s not the same as browsing.
Where to find it: FNAC and Casa del Libro offer a small English section. For a better experience, try Bookworld in Málaga, Come In in Barcelona, or J&J Books and Coffee in Madrid. Many of these double as cafes, which makes them even better.
8. Tap Water You Don’t Second Guess
Not all Spanish tap water tastes the same. In regions like Madrid, it’s perfectly fine. In others, it’s heavy with minerals or chlorine, pushing people toward bottled water again.
Where to find it: Install a tap filter or grab a Brita pitcher. Lidl, Mercadona, and Carrefour offer affordable options. If you’re in Barcelona, consider filling up at one of the public fountains, which are well maintained and safe.
9. Clothes Dryers and Big Appliances
Space-saving in Spain often means small washing machines and no dryers. Air drying is the norm, and dishwashers are rare in apartments.
Where to find it: Look for larger rental apartments aimed at expats or Airbnb-style homes that include full-sized appliances. For buying, MediaMarkt, Worten, and even IKEA offer compact but decent options.
10. Late-Night Comfort Food
It’s midnight. You’re jet-lagged. Or just hungry. In many parts of the world, you’d have a dozen options. In Spain, even major cities quiet down early outside of bars and clubs.
Where to find it: GoPuff and Glovo offer delivery until 2 AM or later in cities like Madrid and Barcelona. McDelivery (from McDonald’s) and Telepizza are good fallback options. Some 24-hour vending cafes like 365 Café also exist, though they’re more functional than indulgent.
Every expat adjusts differently. Missing home isn’t about rejecting your new surroundings—it’s about finding comfort in what’s familiar. Spain offers its own rhythm and charm, but there’s no shame in grabbing a Starbucks seasonal latte or picking up a packet of Reese’s when the mood hits. The mix of both worlds can make life abroad all the more satisfying.