Botana is a word in Spanish used in Mexico that refers mostly to salty foods that are served in small portions. They accompany mainly alcoholic beverages taken while gathering in an informal way with friends and/or family.

In bars or cantinas, it is usual to get a plate of salted peanuts or fried sweet potatoes or bananas or olives when ordering drinks. It is a very Mexican way of using snacks that I find very tasty. But sometimes you have to be careful not to eat too much botana because by the time you notice you will be satisfied and with no place left for “real” food. Dear reader, have you tasted something similar to botanas? Was it tasty?