Contents
Churros Con Chocolate
Let’s start with one for the sweet-toothed of you. Churros are an infamous Spanish treat, and some of the best can be found in the Churrerías of Madrid.
A piped and deep-fried batter, these delicious doughnut-type long, thin snacks first invented Spanish shepherds are still going strong today.
They are usually tossed in cinnamon and sugar, and you dip them in a thick, rich chocolate sauce to devour them.
Eaten for breakfast or after a long night out; many Churrerías in Madrid stay open until the early hours of the morning. A trip to Madrid wouldn’t be complete without checking out some famous cafes famous for their churros.
Buñuelos Rellenos
While we’re talking sweet, let’s not forget these delectable little sweet treats.
Like a donut, these round little puffed sugary pieces of heaven can be found in just about any Madrid bakery. They are not dissimilar to many of the breakfast pastries you can also find in Argentina.
Look out for them on the street corners, too, as they are found everywhere in the city.
Spanish Omelet
Another infamous dish that has been exported worldwide: Spanish omelet or tortilla española. If you are looking for the real deal, look no further than Madrid.
This delicious egg-based snack is made with potatoes, some onions, and salt. It’s simple cooking at its finest and is served as a main meal and a tapas dish. You may receive small squares of it as a snack to accompany a drink at many bars across the city.
Huevos Rotos
This dish is super simple but extremely delicious. It translates to ‘broken eggs’ and is simply eggs served over fried potatoes.
The thing that makes it exceptional is the quality of the olive oil used to cook the potatoes. The yolks of the eggs are soft and ooze out over the potatoes. The dish is sometimes served with ham or fish.
Here are some ideas for where to find some of the best huevos rotos in the city.
Croquettes
Although croquettes were first made in France in the 17th century, the Spanish made them their own. They are one of the Madrid delicacies you can’t miss; you’ll find some of the country’s best croquettes in the capital.
Croquettes are a tasty snack filled with potato or a creamy bechamel sauce and pork or tuna or prawns or cheese and then deep-fried. There are also vegetarian-friendly croquettes, such as spinach and cheese, which are heavenly.
Cocido Madrileño
One of the more traditional types of food eaten in Madrid, Cocido Madrileño, is a delicious stew made from meat, chickpeas, and vegetables. It’s more of a heavy dish, and you’ll probably find it more on the menu in winter than during the blazing summer heat.
This rich, garlicky stew is traditionally eaten in three courses; first, the broth is served, then the vegetables, followed by the main event: the meat. The meat used in this traditional dish is a staple in most Madrid diets: pork. More specifically, pork knuckle.
The dish dates back to the 15th century after the Spanish Inquisition. Jews who had converted to Catholicism proved their conversion by eating this heavy pork dish.
Callos a la Madrileña
This one isn’t for the faint-hearted. It’s a stew made with tripe (or blood sausage) served Madrid style.
Another ancient recipe, recipes for this stew, have been passed down through the generations. Stewed over many hours, this gives the dish a thick, gelatine-like consistency.
The stew also often contains pigs trotters and snouts as well as vegetables like carrots. Best eaten with a big chunk of crispy bread.
Jamon Iberico
Good ham is part of Spanish heritage, and no self-respecting tapas bar in the country doesn’t have a huge leg of ham on its counter.
The quality of many of the tapas bars in Madrid is exceptional, and you can find some very high-quality cured meats in the city.
Did you know that the ham has such a distinct, rich flavor because the pigs are fed on a specific type of acorn called bellotas?
This delectable Spanish ham is banned in the US, so make the most of it when traveling in Madrid.
Mushrooms
If the above seems a bit meat-heavy, don’t worry; there are plenty of vegetarian delicacies to be found in local food in Madrid too. One of the most delicious foods that you will find in abundance in Madrid is mushrooms.
Fried with ajo (garlic), or breaded and fried or stuffed with cheese; the options for mushroom dishes in Madrid are endless!
Garlic Soup
A very popular dish across the rest of the country, the Madrileños have made it their own.
The ingredients are simple; just oil, garlic, paprika, bread, and water, but the results are delicious.
Different from a creamy French soup, you’ll be blown away by how well the Madrileños have mastered this recipe. There are numerous places across the city where you can try it.
Gambas Ajillo
Another delicious Spanish dish found on just about any tapas menu is gambas allijo. Simply shrimp fried in very garlicky oil served with some chilly flakes.
Served while still sizzling, so be careful not to burn your mouth when you dig in! Delicious as a snack ‘para picar’ or as part of a more extensive spread of taps, you can’t visit Madrid and not try this fishy snack.
Bocadillo de Calamares
Another one for fish lovers, bocadillo de calamari, is a sandwich filled with deep-fried calamari. It’s sold in cafes and makes a great accompaniment to your beer.
A delicious option if you’re looking for a substantial, hearty lunch.
Check out some of the other delicacies to be found in the rest of Spain here.