What to eat in Madrid? Our selection of 14 Madrid specialties

The reflex to have when you sit down to eat in Madrid is to glance at the plates of the neighboring table. Provided the clientele seems rather local, of course! The best advice for eating typical food in Madrid is to follow the locals themselves. They are particularly gourmand and fond of their own specialties. They will therefore be the best guides to taste the emblematic dishes and find the best tables.

1.Huevos rotos

It's difficult to trace the exact origin of this simple dish, which has become a culinary specialty of Madrid. The "broken eggs" are generally consumed in the morning, as breakfast. Practical and inexpensive, the eggs are fried in olive oil and served with fries. It's also found accompanied by seafood, chorizo or thin slices of Iberian ham. Yes, all of this from the first rays of sunshine!

2. Caracoles a la Madrilena

It's not only in France that snails are popular! Proof with this local specialty, simply called "Madrid-style snails". Unknown (like Christmas snails in the Basque country in Gernika-Lumo) and yet adored within the capital, you'll find this traditional dish in typical Madrid bars and taverns. The Madrid-style snails will be served steaming, in the hollow of a clay pot, accompanied by a fresh drink.

3. Soldaditos de Pavia

Small but tasty, this breaded specialty will delight visitors when tapas time arrives. These are fried cod sticks, served with a touch of red pepper. The contrast between the yellow of the breading and the red of the pepper is quite striking. It's said to have been inspired by the colors of the Spanish soldiers' uniform engaged in the Battle of Pavia in 1525. Hence the name "Soldiers of Pavia".

4. Gazpacho

During the endless summer days, when all souls find themselves secluded in their homes, nothing beats a gazpacho to cool down. Indeed, this cold soup originating from Andalusia is highly appreciated in Madrid. It's a centuries-old specialty modernized thanks to the addition of vegetables like tomato, cucumber, red onion or bell pepper. To this, we add vinegar and olive oil of course, to finally be enjoyed with a little bread in the shade of the heat wave.

5. Bocadillo de calamares

Discover Madrid's quintessential fast food. To be enjoyed during your intensive visits or as a snack on the go, this calamari sandwich will come at just the right time. Although the Mediterranean isn't very close, locals are great lovers of seafood, particularly calamari. To put yourself in their shoes - the inhabitants', not the calamari's - quickly grab this popular large sandwich!

6. Callos a la madrilena

Warning, this dish features tripe as its star! In other words, it's a specialty that won't appeal to everyone and that's something worth knowing before having your nose in the plate. It's a local specialty, garnished with chickpeas and sun vegetables with different pieces of meat: beef tripe, blood sausage and chorizo. This tripe dish invites itself to the Sunday table of inhabitants to make family reunions last a little longer.

7. Oreja a la Plancha

Without hesitation, taste the grilled pig ears prepared in the pure Madrid tradition. Rest assured, pig ears won't be served "as is" barely cooked on your plate. They'll be cut into slices or cubes and grilled with a drizzle of olive oil. Ideal cooking to preserve the crispy texture on the outside! Some will prefer this specialty in the middle of a tapas table, accompanied by a cold beer. Others will consume it more authentically, with bacon, mushrooms and a little lemon on the side.

8. Cocino Madrileno

Here's a hearty stew of meat and chickpeas typical of Madrid, to be savored during winter evenings like our good old pot-au-feu back home. Hard to find when the beautiful days are in full swing, the Cocino Madrileno is often divided into 3 different dishes before service. In the first dish, we find thin noodles in a hot broth. In the second dish are arranged the chickpeas and vegetables (cabbage, carrots, turnip and potatoes). Finally, in the third dish, there are the beautiful pieces of meat. Taste it if you can, it's quite an experience.

9. Paella

In Madrid, restaurateurs will prepare incredible versions of this iconic Spanish dish for you. Whether traditional or creative, paella is a hot, generous specialty that will delight all gourmets. Several variants will allow travelers to taste them according to their needs: with seafood, surf and turf, with squid ink or vegetarian. All are accompanied by fresh vegetables and a touch of saffron. If you can, taste them all to choose your favorite.

10. Tapas

No need to introduce them, Spanish tapas are an integral part of culinary habits in Madrid. To be discovered in a typical café or in dedicated tapas bars. These miniature dishes are always enjoyed with friends. Several varieties will be served to enhance the gourmandise. "Vamos de tapas!" signals the favorite time of day for lovers of savory cuisine.

11. Tortilla de patatas

Take advantage of your stay in Madrid to taste this simple and flavorful specialty. This convivial dish is quickly prepared in the pure Spanish tradition. Composed of a simple mix of potatoes and eggs, onions and olive oil, the tortilla will then be arranged in the shape of a pancake. Know that 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

Want a sweet break? Here's the best snack to eat in the streets of Madrid. Churros are unmissable for any self-respecting sweet tooth. Madrid churros are prepared with choux pastry then sprinkled with a mixture of sugar and cinnamon. However, have you tasted them dipped in still-hot chocolate? The indulgence will be at its peak and you couldn't dream of better to refuel with energy.

13. Sopa de almendra

The surprising almond soup is a specialty of the capital that is both sweet and savory. Traditionally served during holiday meals, it's not uncommon to find this specialty as dessert in several Madrid restaurants. The winter period is the ideal time to taste this funny creamy and slightly saffron-flavored soup. Nevertheless, you can find it in Madrid throughout the year.

14. Vermu

What to drink to accompany a typical Madrid dish? Nothing beats a small glass of vermouth to help wash down the very (too) generously garnished plates. It's a wine-based drink, absinthe and other bitter and tonic ingredients. You'll recognize it on lunch tables, served in a conical glass and garnished with some fresh fruit.