Top 10 Foods to Try in Madrid Spain
1. PAELLA
Paellas in Madrid
It originated in the Valencia region of Spain but is now enjoyed all over the country, including Madrid. It is a rice dish that is commonly made using saffron, olive oil, chicken, rabbit, and vegetables such as green beans, tomatoes, and peppers.
There are various types of paellas including Seafood paella, made with fish and shellfish which is also a popular variation. In Madrid, you can find paella at many restaurants that specialize in traditional Spanish cuisine.
People usually enjoy it as a comfort food and often served in big portions, perfect for sharing. It is also a popular dish for big events like festivals and parties.
2. TAPAS
Tapas in Madrid
In the Andalusia region of Spain, there is a type of dish that is well-loved by many and it is commonly called Tapas. It is now popular all over Spain such as in Madrid. You can find them placed on small plates of food paired with drinks at bars and restaurants.
You can enjoy them hot or cold and can be made with a variety of ingredients just as seafood, meats, cheeses, and vegetables.
Popular examples of tapas dishes are calamares, croquetas, empanadas, huevos rotos, etc. Diving in with Tapas is an amazing resort to try various dishes that are often shared among loved ones. It is a great way to experience the local culture and traditional cuisine of Madrid.
3. TORTILLA DE PATATAS
Tortilla de patatas in Madrid
Tortilla de patatas is a popular dish in Madrid, Spain, as well as throughout the country. It is often found in tapas bars and cafes, and is a staple of Spanish cuisine. The dish has a rich history and is a staple of Spanish comfort food. Many locals consider it a traditional and essential part of their cuisine. If you are in Madrid, you can try a delicious tortilla de patatas at a local restaurant or cafe.
4. COCIDO MADRILEÑO
Cocido Madrileño in Madrid
Others call it as “Cocido de garbanzos”. It is commonly eaten in Madrid, Spain. It is a very relaxing and enticing dish that is made of the following ingredients:
- Chickpeas
- meat (usually pork)
- Potatoes
- Carrots
- Cabbage.
People usually cook it inside a clay pot or “cazuela” and served it in three parts: first the broth, then the veggies and chickpeas, and lastly the meat. Some variations also include other ingredients such as chorizo and morcilla (blood sausage).
You will be able to encounter it in traditional Spanish restaurants around the vicinity of Madrid. You can eat it as a main course and is considered a comfort food. This dish does not only provide cultural significance for the people of Madrid but is also a great nourishment for the body.
5. BOCADILLO DE CALAMARES
Bocadillo de Calamares in Madrid
Bocadillo de Calamares is a traditional Spanish sandwich that is popular in Madrid. It is made with fried squid and is typically served on a roll with mayonnaise and sometimes accompanied by the aioli. It is a popular street food in Madrid and can be found at many bars and restaurants throughout the city.
6. CHURROS
Churros Con Chocolate in Madrid
It is a traditional Spanish breakfast dish consisting of fried dough pastries (churros) served with a warm chocolate dipping sauce. It is often found in Madrid, Spain, and other Spanish-speaking countries. The dish is typically served in cafes and is popular street food. The churros are typically crisp on the outside and soft on the inside, while the chocolate sauce is rich and thick. The combination of warm, sweet churros and rich chocolate makes for the best breakfast or dessert experience.
7. HUEVOS ROTOS
Huevos Rotos in Madrid
It is a traditional Spanish dish that is popular in Madrid, as well as throughout Spain. It translates to “broken eggs” and is made by serving fried eggs over a bed of fried potatoes. The dish is often topped with cured ham, chorizo, or other ingredients and is commonly served as a main dish. In Madrid, you can find huevos rotos on the menu at many traditional Spanish restaurants and cafes, where it is enjoyed as a hearty and comforting meal.
8. OREJA A LA PLANCHA
Oreja a la plancha in Madrid
Oreja a la plancha or grilled ear is a traditional dish from Madrid, Spain, made from pig’s ear. The ear is sliced thin, grilled on a flat iron griddle (plancha), and then typically seasoned with salt, lemon, and garlic. Oreja a la plancha is often served as a tapa, or small dish, in bars and taverns in Madrid and is considered a local delicacy. If you are looking to try traditional Spanish cuisine while in Madrid, you can find oreja a la plancha on the menu at many restaurants and tapas bars in the city.
9. CROQUETAS
Croquetas in Madrid
Croquetas are a popular snack or appetizer in Spain, especially in Madrid. They are small, deep-fried balls typically filled with ham, cheese, or béchamel sauce. They can be found in many bars, cafes, and restaurants in Madrid, and are often served as a tapa, or small dish to accompany drinks.
10. CALLOS
Callos a la Madrileña in Madrid
It is a hearty stew made with tripe (cow’s stomach), chorizo sausage, blood pudding, and chickpeas, flavored with paprika and other spices. The dish is typically served in a clay pot and is often enjoyed with bread. It is considered a traditional working-class dish and is still popular in Madrid, especially in taverns and casual restaurants.
What’s Next?
There is no doubt that visiting a place is not complete if you will not have a taste of the foods that it has to offer. Just like in Madrid, there are lots of foods to choose from.
Those traditional dishes will give tourists a glimpse of the cultural heritage not only of Madrid but of Spain as well. The next time you visit Madrid, do not forget to indulge yourself with the best dishes that this place could offer. If you got questions, we got you covered, visiting Madrid is one click away, so better be ready.