La Sobremesa - La Sobremesa

Learn Spanish and Go

Learn Spanish and Go
La Sobremesa - La Sobremesa
Dec 16, 2025 Episode 298
Spanish and Go

We break down what la sobremesa really is, why almost everyone in Mexico practices it (even if they don’t name it), and how it contrasts with the fast-paced dining culture many of us grew up with. We also explore its historical roots in Spain, how it blended with Latin American and Indigenous traditions, and why meals often last hours without anyone feeling rushed. Finally, we explain how la sobremesa becomes a powerful, low-pressure space for practicing Spanish, building confidence, and truly connecting with people beyond the classroom.

Key Takeaways:

  • Why meals in Mexico don’t end when the plate is empty
  • How la sobremesa reflects deeper cultural values around time and connection
  • How you can use la sobremesa to practice Spanish naturally and confidently

Relevant Links And Additional Resources:

  • Level up your Spanish with our Podcast Membership
    • Get the full transcript of each episode so you don’t miss a word
    • Listen to an extended breakdown section in English going over the most important words and phrases
    • Test your comprehension with a multiple choice quiz

Support the show

Episode Artwork La Sobremesa - La Sobremesa 19:55 Episode Artwork La Tienda en Cada Esquina de México - The Store on Every Corner of Mexico 30:46 Episode Artwork La Cocina Ancestral Oaxaqueña con Evangelina - The Ancient Oaxacan Kitchen with Evangelina 32:01 Episode Artwork ¿Qué Pasó con la ch, ll, y rr? - What happened to “ch,” “ll”, and “rr”? 25:52 Episode Artwork Español Útil para un Viaje a México - Useful Spanish for a Trip to Mexico 25:02 Episode Artwork Me Paró la Policía en Puebla - The Police Stopped Me in Puebla 33:30 Episode Artwork Aprendizajes de Nuestro Primer Viaje con Santi - Learnings From Our First Trip with Santi 30:34 Episode Artwork Cómo Hablar por Teléfono en Español - How to Talk on the Phone in Spanish 22:58 Episode Artwork El Halloween en México - Halloween in Mexico 27:56 Episode Artwork La Saga del Sillón y la PROFECO Parte I - The Saga of the Couch and PROFECO, Part I 38:56 Episode Artwork Chatea como Nativo con Acrónimos Parte II - Chat Like a Native Using Acronyms Part II 30:46 Episode Artwork Cómo Aprovechar al Máximo un Viaje de Inmersión - How to Get the Most out of an Immersion Trip 43:12 Episode Artwork El Agua Parte II - Water Part II 21:54 Episode Artwork El Agua Parte I - The Water Part I 23:54 Episode Artwork Un Progenitor, Un Idioma - One Parent, One Language 22:56 Episode Artwork Spanglish: Identidad, Mezcla y Aprendizaje - Spanglish: Identity, Mixture and Learning 25:40 Episode Artwork Empachos, Soponcios, y Otros Males Mexicanos - Empachos, Soponcios, and Other Mexican Ailments 33:06 Episode Artwork ¿Cómo, Cuándo y Qué Se Come en México? - How, When, and What People Eat in Mexico? 29:44 Episode Artwork Regateando en el Mundo Hispano - Cuándo y Cómo - Bargaining in the Hispanic World - When and How 32:46 Episode Artwork Chatea Como Nativo con Acrónimos - Chat Like a Native Using Acronyms 26:42 Episode Artwork Fuera Gringo - Gringo Go Home 26:32 Episode Artwork El Nombre Más Complicado en México - Most Complicated Name in Mexico 31:29 Episode Artwork Los Narcocorridos - Narcocorridos (Drug Ballads) 26:10 Episode Artwork El Chingonario - The Chingonary 33:54 Episode Artwork Mérida, Yucatán, y Las Tierras del Mayab - Mérida, Yucatán, and the Lands of the Mayab 30:40