Must-try eats in Madrid: Traditional dishes you can’t miss!

Madrid is a city with an incredible gastronomic culture, one that has even crossed borders and turned its typical dishes into a delicacy abroad.

Are you going to spend a few days in the city and wondering what you should eat in Madrid? Let’s take a look at the city’s typical dishes!

The most typical dishes of Madrid’s gastronomy

Next, we will see which are the most typical dishes of its gastronomy. Take note if you don’t want to leave without having tried everything they have to offer!

Cocido madrileño

This list could not start with any other dish from traditional Madrilenian cuisine than its cocido. It is a stew in which chickpeas, vegetables, and lots of pork, hen, chicken and beef are cooked. What stands out most about this dish is that it is eaten in “three turns”, that is, three phases:

• First, the broth with thin noodles is eaten.
• In the second phase, the chickpeas and vegetables are enjoyed, usually a combination of carrot, potato, and cabbage.
• In the final phase, the meat is savored, which may include blood sausage, chorizo, chicken, and pork knuckle, varying slightly depending on the establishment.

It is a very hearty dish, and especially ideal for the winter months.

Callos a la madrileña

Another typical dish of Madrid’s gastronomy, known by different names depending on the country. For example, in Spain, we know them as callos, while in Latin America, they are known as guatita or pancita.

These are prepared with blood sausage, chorizo, and ham, with a sauce that usually includes paprika or chili to give it a spicy touch. Another ideal dish to warm up in winter, and much lighter than cocido.

Lamb and suckling pig

We know what you’re thinking, these two dishes are more commonly associated with Castilian cuisine. And it’s true, but in the past, since fish was a very scarce food in Madrid, the fundamental diet of natives in ancient times was based on meat and legumes.

The meat is roasted to achieve a crispy exterior and a tender interior. While it is not an inexpensive dish, it is a must-try for meat lovers before leaving the city.

Fried cod

As we have already mentioned, fish used to be scarce in the capital, and one of the few that arrived was cod, which was preserved in salt so that it could withstand the long distances between the sea and Madrid.

Being one of the rare fish available, it quickly became a favorite among the locals. How is it typically enjoyed? Sliced and fried in plenty of oil.

Madrilenian offal dishes

Due to the vast distance between Madrid and the sea, where 300 kilometers once took days to traverse, the city primarily focused on meat dishes, including offal, liver, intestines, and other viscera.

Nowadays, although things have changed quite a bit, there are still Madrilenian offal dishes that are highly coveted for their great flavor, such as pig’s ears, torreznos (fried pork belly), or gallinejas (fried lamb intestines).

San Isidro Doughnuts

Did you know that San Isidro is the patron saint of Madrid? On May 15, the city comes alive to celebrate all kinds of events in honor of the saint, including dressing up in traditional chulapo costumes and dancing the chotis. However, what you’re really interested in are the San Isidro doughnuts, an irresistible delicacy available only during the month of May. In total, four types are sold:

• The “listas”, which have a lemon-flavored glaze.
• The “tontas”, which have no filling and a drier texture.
• The “Santa Clara” doughnuts, with a meringue coating.
• The French doughnuts, which use the same dough as the “tontas” but are covered with chopped almonds and sugar.

The Santa Clara doughnuts were created by the nuns of the Monastery of the Visitation in Madrid, while the French ones were made by the royal pastry chef of King Ferdinand VI in the 18th century.

Patatas bravas

Although this is a tapa you can eat anywhere in Spain, there is no place with more tradition in enjoying them than the capital.

A dish served with fried potatoes cut into cubes, accompanied with a slightly spicy sauce that gives them their name, “bravas.” The best part about Madrid is that each spot offers its own unique sauce, so you can explore this tapa, often served as a starter, and discover the one that perfectly matches your taste.

Calamari sandwich

What could possibly top this list of Madrid’s best dishes? Without a doubt, another of its classic delicacies: the calamari sandwich.

The squid is cut into rings, coated in flour, and fried in plenty of oil, then served in a sandwich. These are usually accompanied by a few drops of lemon, mayonnaise, or alioli sauce.

A different culinary experience at EatMyTrip

As you may have noticed, Madrid offers a fantastic culinary scene, allowing you to enjoy many typical dishes.

But are you in the mood for something different? For example, would you like to enjoy a brunch? At EatMyTrip, we have just what you need!

We have several locations in Madrid where you can savor fantastic eggs Benedict, specialty coffees, and a variety of sweet treats perfect for snack time!

If you need a break from so much Madrilenian cuisine and want to try something different, we will be delighted to serve you our dishes!