When it comes to food, Madrid is a feast for the senses. Known for its rich culinary heritage, the capital of Spain offers everything from traditional tapas to contemporary twists on Spanish classics. Whether you’re a foodie or just curious about Madrid’s gastronomic scene, this guide will introduce you to the must-try dishes, where to find them, and a few insider tips to help you eat like a true Madrileño.
Tapas and Pintxos: A Taste of Spain in Every Bite
Tapas are small dishes served alongside drinks, perfect for sharing and sampling different flavors. In Madrid, enjoying tapas is a social experience as much as a culinary one, with locals hopping from bar to bar to try various specialties. Pintxos, typically from the Basque region, are small bites usually served on bread with a skewer and are also widely popular.
What to Try:
Where to Go: Casa Labra (near Puerta del Sol) is known for its cod croquettes, while El Tigre in Chueca is famous for its generous portions of tapas served with every drink.
The bocadillo de calamares, or fried calamari sandwich, is a must-try street food staple in Madrid. Made with lightly battered and fried calamari rings in a fresh baguette, it’s a simple yet satisfying sandwich that’s surprisingly addictive. You can add a squeeze of lemon or a dollop of mayonnaise to enhance the flavor.
Cocido Madrileño is a hearty chickpea-based stew often considered Madrid’s signature dish. Made with a variety of meats (usually chorizo, pork, and beef), vegetables, and chickpeas, this dish is typically served in three stages: soup, vegetables and chickpeas, and finally the meat.
Huevos rotos means “broken eggs” and consists of fried potatoes topped with soft, runny eggs and often accompanied by cured ham (jamón) or chorizo. The beauty of this dish is in its simplicity, as the yolk from the eggs mixes with the potatoes, creating a rich and satisfying flavor.
Jamón Ibérico is Spain’s prized cured ham, known for its delicate, melt-in-your-mouth texture and rich flavor. This delicacy is often enjoyed thinly sliced, and while it can be pricey, it’s worth trying at least once. Jamón Ibérico de Bellota, made from acorn-fed pigs, is the highest quality and most flavorful.
No food guide to Madrid would be complete without churros and chocolate. This classic treat consists of deep-fried dough sticks (churros) served with a cup of thick, velvety hot chocolate for dipping. It’s a favorite snack, especially for breakfast or late at night after a long evening out.
This traditional Madrid dish might not be for everyone, but if you’re an adventurous eater, give it a try! Callos a la Madrileña is a rich and spicy tripe stew made with beef tripe, blood sausage, chorizo, and paprika. Its robust flavors make it perfect for chilly days, and it’s a staple of Madrid’s old-school taverns.
Similar to churros but thicker, porras are another popular fried treat. They’re served with hot chocolate or coffee and are a popular breakfast item in Madrid. Compared to churros, porras are fluffier on the inside and have a slightly chewier texture.
Though these dishes hail from the nearby region of Castilla, roast lamb (cordero asado) and suckling pig (cochinillo) have become a staple in Madrid’s traditional restaurants. Slow-cooked until tender, these meats are flavorful, succulent, and often served with simple sides.
Tarta de Santiago, originally from Galicia, is a beloved dessert in Madrid. Made with ground almonds, sugar, eggs, and a hint of lemon zest, this gluten-free cake is simple but flavorful. Often dusted with powdered sugar and decorated with the cross of Saint James, it’s a sweet, nutty treat you can enjoy with coffee or a glass of Spanish dessert wine.