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What to eat in Madrid?

Madrid, the vibrant Spanish capital, boasts a culinary scene that is drawing in food enthusiasts from around the globe. The city's exceptional cuisine is a reflection of its rich gastronomic heritage and diverse influences. From traditional tapas bars to modern gourmet restaurants, Madrid offers a plethora of dining options to satisfy every palate.

Explore Madrid's iconic attractions, you can enjoy the city's culinary delights as the streets coming alive with Spanish cuisine at sunset.

Sample tapas for a quintessential Madrid experience, from classic dishes like tortilla to innovative creations by renowned chefs.

For those eager to delve deeper into Madrid's culinary specialties, a world of flavors awaits. From the iconic jamón ibérico to the indulgent churros con chocolate, we will show you what to eat during your visit in Madrid, the best of Spanish gastronomy.

You can start your day with a traditional Spanish breakfast of churros, then enjoy a leisurely lunch of cocido madrileño, a hearty stew that is a local favourite for winter.

Pair your culinary adventures in Madrid with top beverages and tasty desserts, showcasing the city's vibrant food and drink scene.


Food you must eat being in Madrid:

🍮 Flan


 

Cocido Madrileño


When the temperatures drop, the aroma of this slow-cooked pork stew starts to drift through the streets of Madrid. Cocido madrileño embodies Spanish winter comfort cuisine, although it's not for the weak-hearted (or weak-stomached).


When eating cocido madrileño in the traditional manner, it is usually served in two or three parts. After the chickpeas, meats, and vegetables have finished cooking, the broth is separated and utilised to prepare a soup. This hot soup is then served as the initial course.


The main dish is composed of the remaining tasty ingredients, usually served in two stages. Initially, the chickpeas and vegetables are served, followed by the perfectly stewed meat. In some establishments, both servings are presented simultaneously, making the meal shorter.

Cocido Madrileño in a table served in different dishes
Cocido Madrileño

Here's a secret tip: Taberna La Bola is the top spot for cocido in Madrid. This family-owned establishment has been serving cocido in the heart of Madrid since 1870!


Our recommendations:

Taberna la Bola - €€

Posada de la Villa - €€ Malacatín - €€



Bocadillo de Calamares


To fully experience Madrid, you must try the city's renowned sandwich: the bocadillo de calamares, which consists of a fried squid filling.


A simple and classic bocadillo de calamares typically features crispy bread filled with squid rings coated in flour and deep-fried, with no additional ingredients.


In Spain, some people enhance this two-component dish with tomato and paprika puree or homemade garlic mayonnaise. To fully enjoy it, be sure to accompany your bocadillo with a cold glass of beer.


Bocadillo de Calamares    To fully experience Madrid, you must try the city's renowned sandwich: the bocadillo de calamares, which consists of a fried squid filling.
Bocadillo de calamares

Some of the city's finest calamari sandwich bars can be found on the numerous side streets surrounding Madrid's magnificent Plaza Mayor. (Indeed, excellent food can be discovered near tourist spots!)


Our recommendations:

La Campana - €

Bar Postas - €

Cantina Singular - €€



Huevos Rotos


Spanish cuisine is known for its hearty dishes. One of the most delicious examples of this is huevos rotos, which translates to “broken eggs.”


This classic dish from Madrid consists of freshly fried potatoes in Spanish olive oil, seasoned with sea salt and topped with perfectly cooked over-easy eggs. Depending on the place, you can either break the yolks with a piece of bread or have your server do it for you.


One of the top spots to enjoy huevos rotos in the city is Taberna Los Huevos de Lucio, located in the vibrant La Latina area. For more recommendations on where to enjoy this dish in Madrid, check out our comprehensive guide.

This is huevos rotos, which translates to “broken eggs.”
Huevos rotos

Insider’s tip: Some eateries enhance the dish with chorizo or cured ham for added color and flavor. If you prefer a vegetarian option, simply request it without any meat.


Our recommendations:

Taberna Carmencita - €€

Taberna de los Huevos de Lucio- €€



Croquetas


Any list of the most common dishes in Madrid would not be comprehensive without croquetas. With a crispy exterior and a creamy interior, Spanish croquettes can be stuffed with a variety of savory fillings.


While we have a preference for croquetas de jamón, other delightful options include mushroom, chicken, salt cod, and even pea and mint!

Croquetas with crispy exterior and a creamy interior
Croquetas

When you visit the Spanish capital next, make sure to explore our detailed list of the finest croquetas in Madrid. (You can express your gratitude later.)


Our recommendations:

Casa Julio - €

Bodegas Rivas - €

B13 - €



Gambas al Ajillo


Many first-time visitors to Madrid may be surprised to discover the abundance of fresh seafood available here. Despite being a landlocked city, Madrid has historically had access to fresh seafood due to special transportation infrastructure built for this very purpose.


One of our favorite ways to enjoy this seafood is by indulging in gambas al ajillo, which are fresh shrimp cooked in a sizzling garlic sauce.

fresh shrimp cooked in a sizzling garlic sauce.
Gambas al Ajillo

These delicious shrimp were first created after the Spanish Civil War at the renowned tapas bar La Casa del Abuelo and have since gained popularity throughout Spain. However, there is no better place to savor them than at the original bar, ideally paired with a glass of their famous house wine. This stop is a highlight of our Tapas, Taverns, & History Tour and is beloved by our guests!


Our recommendations:

Río Miño - €€

Casa del abuelo - €€

Casa de Diego - €€



Tortilla española


Although paella is commonly recognized as Spain’s national dish, we believe that the true national dish is Tortilla Española, also known as Spanish omelet!

Tortilla exemplifies Spanish cuisine perfectly. By combining just three everyday ingredients like potatoes, eggs, and sometimes onions. Tortilla certainly stands out as one of the finest foods in Madrid!


This seemingly straightforward dish is available in nearly every bar in the city, with each place adding its own twist to the recipe. The debate over the ideal Spanish omelet continues: should it be firm or runny? With or without onions?

Often, the tortilla is showcased on the bar counter so customers can preview the style before ordering!

It’s a Spanish tortilla made with potatoes, eggs, salt, and sometimes onions.
Tortilla española

So, how do you prepare a Spanish tortilla?

It’s a simple process: potatoes, eggs, salt, and sometimes onions.

Fry potatoes in olive oil until tender, then mix with beaten eggs and salt. Return the potato and egg mixture to the skillet and cook until the tortilla sets. The this is where the magic unfolds! Flip by inverting onto a plate and sliding back into the pan for a perfect tortilla!


Our recommendations:

Casa Dani - €

Pez Tortilla - €

Bodega de la Ardosa - €

Bodegas el Maño- €€


Callos a la Madrileña


Callos is also a very common dish in Madrid during the winter season. It is usually presented in a clay bowl and is made with beef tripe, chorizo pieces, and slices of morcilla (blood sausage). Some variations include paprika for extra taste, giving it a reddish-brown hue.

For centuries, this smoky and tasty stew has been a beloved cold-weather dish in the bars and taverns of Spain.

It is presented in a clay bowl and is made with beef tripe, chorizo pieces, and slices of morcilla (blood sausage)
Callos a la Madrileña

The earliest documented recipes for callos can be traced back to the 16th century! Nowadays, this dish is commonly served in bars and restaurants across the capital city during the winter season.


Our recommendations:



Regalitos de Rabo de Toro


Originating from the southern city of Cordoba, Spain's renowned bull tail stew, known as rabo de toro, has a rich history. However, in Madrid, you can discover one of the most exceptional and delectable interpretations of this dish found throughout the country.


At El Anciano Rey de los Vinos, the owner Belén has introduced a delightful modern twist to this traditional Andalusian dish. Following hours of slow cooking, the tender bull tail meat is elegantly wrapped in a savory pastry and garnished with a roasted red pepper. A drizzle of extra sauce adds the perfect finishing touch.


Our recommendations:

Fatigas del Querer €€

El Anciano Rey de los Vinos €€€



Churros con Chocolate


Churros are a popular choice among those enjoying Madrid’s nightlife, especially for partygoers heading home in the early morning hours. For locals who are not night owls, churros served with a cup of thick, hot chocolate are a typical snack during the 6 p.m. merienda, and are sometimes even enjoyed for breakfast!


The go-to spot for a plate of churros or their thicker variation, porras is San Ginés, a place where both locals and tourists have been savoring these fried delights for over a century.


Another recommendation is the delicious homemade porras and churros at Bar Chocolat, located in the Huertas neighbourhood.


Our recommendations:

San Ginés €

 Bar Chocolat €



Flan


Lastly, treating yourself to a perfectly crafted flan is always a great choice. Whether enjoyed as a dessert during lunch at a restaurant or as a comforting snack at home, this classic Spanish treat is a delightful indulgence.

While the original recipe consisted of only eggs and sugar, nowadays there are various flan flavours available, such as coffee, chocolate, caramel, and many others!

You can find it in every restaurant in Madrid.




We have reached the end of this article on What to eat in Madrid. If you’re planning a visit to Spain, be sure to check out our previous blogs for more tips on where to eat, drink, and explore. To continue discovering more hidden gems and captivating destinations, stay tuned for more articles on our website. Follow us @thewalkingparrot to be continuously updated on new releases and join us as we embark on new adventures. We will be back soon with a new article!


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Written by Marta Chamosa

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