Madrid, the biggest city in Spain and one of the most interesting capitals of the world, encapsulates a rich culinary tradition mixed with a great sense of contemporaneity. Starting from deep-fried snacks to a variety of stews and more complex dishes, the city hosts the whole essence of Spanish cuisine. Get ready for a flavor discovery adventure!

Specific dishes

Bocadillo de Calamares

To mingle with the locals, you have to get to know the city with a Bocadillo de Calamares in one hand. This iconic sandwich is made of a long piece of Spanish white bread and deep-fried calamari and you can spice it up with a bit of aioli sauce and a squeeze of lemon juice.

Callos a la Madrileña

One of the most famous traditional dishes in Madrid, Callos a la Madrileña is a warm, slow-cooked culinary embrace. This stew is made of tripe, chorizo, ham, and blood sausage (morcilla), all cooked in a tomato sauce enriched with garlic, paprika, and bay leaves. It is often served with bread and consistent enough to keep you running a whole day.

Caracoles a la Madrilena

When in Madrid, you have to try Caracoles a la Madrilena - Madrid-style snails. This simple, yet interesting dish, consists of snails boiled in beef broth and sometimes spicy condiments, served in a clay pot. For the full experience, make sure you pair it with a glass of wine or a pinch of beer.

Churros con Chocolate

Churros con Chocolate is the perfect end of every meal. Churros are made of sweet dough, deep fried in a specific shape, and served with a cup of thick hot chocolate. You can add cinnamon or more sugar or serve them as they are.

What to try

In a capital city as complex as Madrid, you will find whatever you crave for in terms of culinary treats. Make a deep dive into the history and visit the oldest restaurants in the world and their fascinating culinary options. Or treat yourself to traditional foods such as Napolitana de chocolate, leche frita, or the Churros con Chocolate.

Tipping culture

In Madrid, like other Spanish destinations, there is no mandatory tipping culture. As the locals are not huge tippers, nobody expects you to tip. But if you receive high-quality service, you can thank them with a tip - mostly common up to 10%.

What to avoid

When traveling and dining in Madrid, it’s important to keep in mind a few tips to make the most out of it. First, try to keep as far as possible from over-touristy and overpriced eateries, mostly placed close to the main attractions of the city. In these areas, usually, there are also people trying to convince you to dine at their place - keep away from that too. And a menu with a lot of pictures is also a red flag. In such an amazing city, with great culinary diversity, we recommend you avoid generic or international chain restaurants and try to keep your meals as authentic as possible.

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