Traditional food has shaped different cultures and regions worldwide. Food has been an identity for numerous people, and in Madrid, it has carved a place in the city’s rich culture. Read on to learn the various traditional food in Madrid and how they’re cooked.
Cocido madrileño
The Madrid stew is very popular among the locals in Madrid because of its traditional nature.
The stew is made with legumes and chicken, but some purists will use hen because it’s tender. Others will use bacon, jowl, or a stuffing ball of egg and minced meat.
Callos madrileños
It is a stewed tripe dish cooked slowly for hours over low heat. Some recipes that traditionally used pig or cow have picked up modern trends with lamb or cod. It has different variations, which is one characteristic of traditional foods.
It could also include Serrano ham and morcilla, which are added into a pot and sautéed until it renders fat. A few other steps are included to make a great traditional cuisine. It also makes a great meal for winter and can be served with crusty bread on the side.
Calamari Roll
It’s also known as the bocadillo de calamares, and it is a must-try when visiting Madrid. The calamari bread consists of a bread roll filled with squid rings that are coated in flour and deep fried in olive oil, hence having an explosive taste.
It is one of the most famous food in Madrid because you can find it in bars. After all, it is an excellent snack while having a drink with friends.
Patatas Bravas
It is a classic tapas dish and a native dish in Spain. It is simple and easy to make because the dish consists of white potatoes cut into cubes deep fried in oil and served with other spices. You can find the dish in several bars and restaurants served as a complimentary snack, depending on what you are having.
Churros and Chocolate
Churros with chocolate is a common dish in Madrid but has spread to other Spanish-speaking countries such as Mexico and Argentina. Churros are deep-fried pastry dough rolled in sugar and cinnamon. They are dipped in chocolate to bring the best flavour from this famous traditional dish.
Churros have a rich history because they are said to have been invented by shepherds. It is because they could make it quickly as they sought for pasture.
If you are planning to spend some days in Madrid or you are there at this very moment, do not miss our guide of the ten streets to visit in Madrid.
Where to stay in Madrid
There are plenty of places you could stay in Madrid whilst you enjoy the great traditional cuisines. One of the hotels in Madrid with an outstanding reputation is the Catalonia El Retiro. It is among a chain of hotels belonging to Catalonia Hotels & Resorts.
El Retiro park lends its name to the hotel, and it is only a five-minute walking distance. We precisely talked about this hotel in the blog with the article best parks in Madrid.
The hotel is within the town’s city center and accessible since it has a great connection through the AVE Madrid-Puerta de Atocha station which is just 10 minutes away from the city center which you will reach in 15 minutes.
The hotel’s location makes it a great location for you and your family to enjoy great traditional food within the restaurant.
We hope you liked this article about the various traditional food in Madrid, which will help you synthesize what Madrid represents through how the food is made and what it represents. When in Madrid, don’t waste a second; try all these dishes and learn the stories behind the dishes for a complete Madrid experience.
