Typical Madrid cuisine: flavors you must not miss

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TYPICAL MADRID CUISINE: FLAVORS YOU MUST NOT MISS

What ingredients are fundamental in Madrid cuisine?

Madrid cuisine is famous for its variety and the quality of its ingredients. Among the fundamental ingredients are chicpeas in stew, olive oil which is the basis of countless recipes, and meat such as beef and pork which are used in many of its stews and roasts. Fresh vegetables and legumes are also essential, adding flavor and nutrition to dishes such as soups and stews. The importance of using local, seasonal ingredients is an added value that is reflected in the richness of each dish.

The tapas route: What should you try in Madrid?

Madrid is a paradise for tapas lovers. These small portions are the perfect place to make friends and enjoy a culinary tour of the city. Here are some tapas you must try such as the “Broken Eggs” fried eggs on top of potatoes with ham or chorizo, a simple dish but full of flavour; the "Tortilla de patatas", the classic Spanish omelette consisting of fried potatoes and onion mixed with eggs and simmered over low heat until it becomes juicy; or "Croquetas", fried balls with a creamy mixture of bechamel and ham, cod or chicken inside, among other ingredients that are crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside.

Calamari sandwich: classic

When you think about an iconic snack in Madrid, the calamari sandwich is the star of the show. This simple but delicious snack is of fried squid, crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, served in fresh bread and often accompanied by a cold beer or vermouth. El Brillante, located near the Atocha station, is famous for its squid sandwiches and a meeting point for both tourists and locals looking for a typical meal of Madrid. Every bite of this sandwich reveals the essence of Madrid life: fast, but always ready to enjoy life’s simple pleasures.

Potato bravas: How do they prepare them in Madrid?

Potatoes bravas are a tapa that you must not miss on any culinary tour of Madrid. These diced potatoes are fried until they reach a perfect golden color and served with a spicy brava sauce that awakens all the senses. The quality of the potatoes and sauce, the recipe of which varies from one place to another, are decisive in the success of the dish. Casa Dani is famous for its market and home-made cuisine, offering some of the best patatas bravas in the capital of Spain. You must try this tapa in more than one place as each chef adds his own personal touch, making it a unique experience every time you visit.

Madrid sweetbreads: Where should you try them?

Sweetbreads are a dish that may not be to everyone’s taste, but they are certainly an important part of Madrid cuisine. Cooked until tender and then sautéed with garlic, sweetbreads have a texture and flavor that are well worth a try. To find the best sweetbreads in the city, we recommend you visit restaurants that serve a well-prepared cassava and are prepared with all the care and tradition that this delicacy requires. Sweetbreads are an excellent prelude to heartier dishes or enjoyed as a main course, especially in places where they are prepared following recipes handed down from generation to generation.

What is the secret of Madrid-style stew?

Madrid-style stew is one of the main dishes about Madrid cuisine. It is a robust and hearty stew with chicken peas, vegetables, meat and cold cuts as a base. But the real secret lies in the patience and care with which all its ingredients are prepared, allowing the flavors to combine over a slow fire. The dish is traditionally served in three different ways: soup, chicken peas with vegetables and, finally, meat. Each of them creates a unique taste experience, revealing why it is one of the most typical Madrid dishes. To enjoy an authentic Madrid-style stew, look for restaurants with long traditions, such as the iconic Casa Lhardy, where the stew is prepared following recipes that have been passed down from generation to generation.

Where to find the best Madrid-style tripe

Madrid-style tripe is another classic dish in local cuisine. This spicy beef tripe stew with chorizo, black pudding and paprika that gives it a special color and flavour. The best places to try them are those that respect the traditional recipe and use superior quality ingredients. One of the most well-known places to try this delicacy is Zalacaín, a restaurant with many years of history and a reputation that goes beyond the borders of the city. Many bars and taverns in Madrid also include tripe on their menu, allowing you to enjoy tripe in a more informal but equally authentic setting.

a room with a bar and shelves of bottles

How has the history of Madrid influenced your cuisine?

The history of Madrid has left a deep mark on its cuisine. The city’s location as a meeting point and its role as capital have created a melting pot of influences that are reflected in its cuisine. Dishes from different regions of Spain have found a home and a new interpretation in Madrid.

A tradition wrapped in numerous influences

At the same time, the city has always welcomed people from outside the city, meaning that the cuisine has incorporated elements from other countries and cultures to create a diverse and constantly evolving culinary experience. Bear in mind that typical Madrid meals are just one introduction to the city’s vast culinary culture. Every dish is a story, and every bite is a journey through the flavors that have shaped the identity of this vibrant and lively metropolis.

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由Virginia Menacho

Journalist specialized in travel. She studied at the Complutense University of Madrid and since she finished her studies she has dedicated herself to travel and to enjoy one of her great passions, walking on the beach.