a la plancha
/a la plant͡ʃa/from spelling rules
The English phrase "sunny side up" can be translated into Spanish as a la plancha.
The phrase is used as an adjective to describe a type of fried egg. In Spain, you may also encounter the term Huevos estrellados, which literally translates to "starred eggs" and is commonly used in Spain to describe fried eggs with the yolk on top.
Meaning: type of fried egg (adj)
Is it said differently in some regions?
The term Huevos estrellados is commonly used specifically in Spain.
How do you pronounce it?
/a la plantʃa/
Did you know?
- In some Latin American countries, you may hear huevos estrellados used for any fried egg, but in Spain it specifically refers to eggs served over a bed of fried potatoes.
- The word plancha is a cognate of the English word 'plank', as both trace their lineage back to the Vulgar Latin planca.
- While a la plancha describes the cooking method, in many Spanish-speaking countries it is used for far more than eggs, including fish, squid and vegetables.
Examples in context
- Me gustaría un plato de huevos estrellados, por favorI would like a plate of sunny side up eggs, please
Example conversation
Mateo and María are ordering breakfast at a cafe.
- MateoBuenos días, ¿qué desea desayunar?Good morning, what would you like for breakfast?
- MaríaQuiero dos huevos a la plancha y café.I want two sunny side up eggs and coffee.
- MateoMuy bien, ¿y para usted, Mateo?Very well, and for you, Mateo?
- MaríaLo mismo que María, gracias.The same as María, thank you.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries a, la, plancha, CC BY-SA 4.0.
