- For the place in California, see Merienda, California.
Merienda is a light meal in
Southern Europe, particularly
Spain,
Portugal (lanche),
Italy (merenda),
Slovenia and
Croatia (marenda), as well as
Hispanic America and the
Philippines. Usually taken in the afternoon or for
brunch, it fills in the meal gap between lunch at noon and dinner, or between breakfast and lunch. It is a simple meal that often consists of a piece of fruit, cookies, yogurt, and other
snacks paired with juice, hot chocolate, coffee, spirits, or other beverages.