Top 14 culinary specialities in Madrid

The best way to prepare a typical Madrid speciality menu starts with a trip to the market. Head to the Mercado de San Miguel, located in the heart of the city not far from the Puerta del Sol, to dive headfirst into Spanish gastronomy. In its aisles, you’ll discover the mouth-watering smells and tastes of local produce alongside the creations of world-famous chefs and the best of Madrid’s street food!

It’s a mix of genres and styles to be savoured as you stroll through the stands, the aromas of which will make your mouth water from the outset, amidst the historic monuments.

After the market, head to the Plaza Mayor for a crazy culinary experience. Here you’ll find authentic bars like the Del Diego cocktail bar, cafés and delicious, affordable restaurants serving excellent Spanish cuisine. Between two good, affordable restaurants, you’ll also find Michelin-starred restaurants. It’s the perfect mix to surprise you, fit within your budget and, most importantly, treat yourself to some of the best culinary prowess in Madrid.

What to eat in Madrid Our selection of 14 Madrid specialities

The first thing to do when dining in Madrid is to take a look at the plates at the table next to you. Provided, of course, that the clientele seems to be fairly local! The best advice for eating typical food in Madrid is to follow the locals themselves. They are particularly fond of food and their own specialities. They are therefore the best guides for tasting emblematic dishes and finding the best restaurants.

1 Huevos rotos

It is difficult to trace the exact origins of this simple dish, which has become a culinary speciality in Madrid. Broken eggs” are usually eaten in the morning as breakfast. Practical and inexpensive, the eggs are fried in olive oil and served with chips. They are also served with seafood, chorizo or thin slices of Iberian ham. Yes, and all at the first sign of sunshine!

2. Caracoles a la Madrilena

Snails aren’t just popular in France! The proof is in the eating of this local speciality, simply called ‘snails a la Madrilena’. Little-known (like Christmas snails in the Basque country at Gernika-Lumo) and yet adored within the confines of the capital, you’ll find this traditional dish in Madrid’s typical bars and taverns. Madrid-style snails are served steaming in a clay pot, accompanied by a cold drink.

3. Soldaditos de Pavia

Small but tasty, this breaded speciality will delight visitors when it’s time for tapas. These are fried cod sticks, served with a hint of red pepper. The contrast between the yellow of the breadcrumbs and the red of the pepper is quite striking. It is said to have been inspired by the colours of the uniform of the Spanish soldiers engaged in the Battle of Pavia in 1525. Hence the name ‘Soldats de Pavis’.

4. Gazpacho

During the interminable days of summer, when all souls find themselves reclined in their homes, there’s nothing like a gazpacho to bring the temperature down. This cold soup originated in Andalusia and is very popular in Madrid. This age-old speciality has been modernised with the addition of vegetables such as tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions and peppers. Then, of course, vinegar and olive oil are added, to be enjoyed with a little bread in the shade of the heatwave.

5. Bocadillo de calamares

Discover Madrid’s fast food par excellence. This calamari sandwich is perfect for a quick snack or as a snack on the go. Although the Mediterranean isn’t close by, the locals are big fans of seafood, especially squid. To put you in their shoes – the locals, not the squid – grab this large, popular sandwich!

6. Callos a la madrilena

Be warned, this dish stars tripe! In other words, it’s a speciality that won’t appeal to everyone, and that’s something you should be aware of before you put your nose to the grindstone. It’s a local speciality that combines chickpeas and sun vegetables with different types of meat: beef tripe, black pudding and chorizo. This tripe dish is a favourite at the Sunday dinner table to make family get-togethers last a little longer.

7. Oreja a la Plancha

Don’t be afraid to try grilled pig’s ears prepared in the pure Madrid tradition. Rest assured, the pig’s ears will not be served “as is”, barely cooked on your plate. They will be sliced or cubed and grilled with a drizzle of olive oil. This is the ideal way to preserve the crispy texture on the outside! Some people prefer this speciality in the middle of a tapas table, accompanied by a cold beer. Others will eat it more authentically, with bacon, mushrooms and a little lemon on the side.

8. Cocino Madrileno

This is a hearty meat and chickpea stew typical of Madrid, to be enjoyed on winter evenings like the good old pot au feu from back home. Hard to find when the good weather is in full swing, Cocino Madrileno is often divided into 3 different dishes before serving. The first dish contains fine noodles in a hot broth. The second dish contains chickpeas and vegetables (cabbage, carrots, turnip and potatoes). Finally, in the third dish, there are the beautiful pieces of meat. Try it if you can, it’s quite an experience.

9. Paella

In Madrid, restaurateurs will prepare incredible versions of this iconic Spanish dish. Whether traditional or creative, paella is a warm, generous speciality that will delight all gourmets. Travellers can choose from several variations to suit their needs: seafood, land/sea, squid ink or vegetarian. All are served with fresh vegetables and a touch of saffron. If you can, try them all and choose your favourite.

10. Tapas

Spanish tapas are an integral part of Madrid’s culinary habits. You can try them in a typical café or in a tapas bar. These miniature dishes are always best enjoyed with friends. You’ll be served several varieties to enhance your appetite. “Vamos de tapas” is a favourite moment of the day for lovers of savoury cuisine.

11. Tortilla de patatas

Make the most of your stay in Madrid to try this simple, tasty speciality. This tasty dish can be quickly prepared in the pure Spanish tradition. Made from a simple mixture of potatoes and eggs, onions and olive oil, the tortilla is then shaped into a patty. There’s no specific time of day to enjoy a tortilla de patatas. From breakfast to dinner, choose the moment when it will do you the most good!

12. Churros con chocolate

Fancy a sweet break? Here’s the best snack you’ll find on the streets of Madrid. Churros are a must for any self-respecting sweet tooth. Madrid churros are made from choux pastry and sprinkled with a mixture of sugar and cinnamon. But have you tried them dipped in hot chocolate? You’ll be in for a real treat, and you won’t be able to dream of a better way to recharge your batteries.

13. Sopa de almendra

This surprising almond soup is a speciality of the capital, both sweet and savoury. Traditionally served at festive meals, it is not uncommon to find this speciality as a dessert in many Madrid restaurants. Winter is the perfect time to try this unusual creamy soup with a hint of saffron. However, you can find it in Madrid all year round.

14. Vermu

What to drink with a typical Madrid dish? There’s nothing like a glass of vermouth to wash down a very (over)generously garnished plate. It’s a drink made from wine, absinthe and other bitter, bracing ingredients. You’ll recognise it on the lunch tables, served in a conical glass and garnished with a few fresh fruits.