Best Porras in Jaén?
There’s something undeniably charming about early mornings in Spain — and if you ever find yourself in Santisteban del Puerto, Jaén, there’s only one place to start your day: Churrería Cafetería Diego. Located at C. de Mariano Sanjuan, 32, this unpretentious local spot opens its doors at 5 am, serving the kind of traditional Spanish breakfast that instantly lifts your spirits.
We dropped by just after sunrise, and within minutes, we were greeted by the smell of freshly brewed coffee and fried dough. It was the kind of moment that reminds you why breakfast can be the best meal of the day.
The Legendary Porras
Let’s be clear — we didn’t eat churros. We had porras. Thicker, airier, and crispier on the outside, porras have a satisfying chewiness that sets them apart. Served plain, without sugar or chocolate, we enjoyed them in a savoury way, which reminded us of a familiar favourite — youtiao, the Chinese dough fritter.
The porras came out golden brown, warm, and generously portioned — enough to share. Perfect for tearing apart by hand and enjoying with coffee.
Spanish Coffee — Small but Mighty
Ah, the coffee. Don’t let the size of the cup fool you — Spanish cafés like Churrería Diego serve powerful, bold espresso that hits just right. You might be tempted to dump in a whole sugar packet, but beware: in Spain, sugar sachets often overshadow the coffee!
That’s exactly what happened to us. We split one sachet between two cups — just enough to smooth the bitterness. The moment captured the laid-back ritual of Spanish mornings beautifully.
Freshly Squeezed Orange Juice — With Sugar?
Another staple is zumo de naranja natural — freshly squeezed orange juice. At Diego’s, you can watch them juice the oranges right in front of you.
Depending on the orange batch, the juice can be tart. That’s why sugar is offered alongside. We added a pinch — enough to soften the tang without overshadowing the natural freshness.
The Ambience — Like Stepping Into a Local’s Kitchen
Inside, the atmosphere is cosy and unfussy — tiled floors, metal chairs, floral wallpaper, and a few quirky knick‑knacks. The kind of space where conversations flow easily and regulars are greeted by name. It’s all part of what makes Churrería Cafetería Diego so special.
Final Thoughts
We came for coffee and porras and left with a deeper appreciation for how the Spanish do mornings. Churrería Cafetería Diego isn’t a touristy spot — it’s a local favourite that quietly serves up great porras, strong coffee, and warm smiles.
It’s places like this that make you slow down, look up from your phone, and enjoy the moment. You don’t need fancy branding when you’ve got porras this good. Highly recommended if you're in Jaén province and want to start your day like a local — early, well-fed, and caffeinated.
Follow them on Instagram for more: @churreria_dieg