Best Eats in Madrid
BY ARIEL TSOU
Madrid is definitely the city to be if you want cheap and amazing food! As the semester has come to an end, I have an endless number of recommendations for food, shopping, and places to see. However, if you’re a big foodie like me, food is the main priority when traveling through Europe! Whether you’re studying abroad in Madrid or traveling there for a week, here are my food recommendations all located in the heart of Madrid :)
Tacos and Guacamole
To start it off, tacos and guacamole are the most basic food to get in Madrid. However, it is the best snack to get after my 5 hours of straight class or a quick meal to grab at 1 am on a Friday night. My favorite place that I highly recommend is Tiki Tacos which has locations all over Madrid. They offer a large variety of different tacos and the best part…they are all $1! Their guacamole has also been some of the best I ever had and it’s one of the cheapest meals to get.
Jamon Ibérico
Jamón Ibérico is a must get! In English, it’s called Iberian Ham, but when you’re in Spain you have to be like the locals and call it Jamón Ibérico. This is a type of cured pork and to me, it tastes similar to prosciutto but better. This dish is a typical starter at a Spanish restaurant and is commonly eaten with olives and beer.
Paella
Before coming to Madrid, all I knew was that I had to get Paella and it’s been one of my favorite meals here. Paella is a dish made of rice and different types of meat mixed in. My favorite types of Paella have been seafood or Valencian. If you get a chance to take a day trip or weekend trip out to Valencia, you must try Valencian Paella. Paella has definitely been some of my nicer meals as it's pricer than a typical meal, but still must cheaper than NYC. My two recommendations in Madrid were La Paella de La Reina and Arrocería El Trato Gastrobar.
Patatas Bravas
Patatas Bravas are one of the most popular tapas in Madrid. It’s a dish made of crispy fried potatoes that are tossed in salsa brava. It sounds as simple as hot sauce and potatoes, but it has become one of my favorite dishes made with potatoes. Some restaurants even add garlic aioli to it to add some more flavor.
Calamari
While Madrid isn’t located near the water, the calamari here is to die for. You can either order fried calamari with lemon or calamari sandwiches (bocadillos de calamares). My favorite place has been Mercado de San Miguel located right next to Plaza Mayor. This market has over 20 stands of different traditional Spanish tapa-styled dishes and the calamari stand always has a line of people. You definitely need to check out this market for some of the best food and dessert in Madrid and it makes a great activity to do with some friends or family!
Tortilla Española
Most commonly called la tortilla española or a Spanish omelet, this dish is typically served as a tapa in Madrid. It’s made from Yukon Gold potatoes, onion, eggs, salt, and olive oil. What’s interesting about this tapa is that it can be served cold or hot depending on the restaurant. I prefer it hot only because cold eggs seem kinda weird to me. The photo might not look the most appetizing, but I promise it’s one of the best local tapas to get. My top two recommendations would be La Musa, a tapas restaurant, and Casa Dani. Definitely go try La Musa because their tapas have been some of the best I’ve had.
Churros y Chocolate
Churros y Chocolate is the most traditional Spanish dessert to get and it does not disappoint! The chocolate here is so rich and it makes a perfect snack for the winter. You can find these at a lot of the winter markets around Madrid or at my two favorite places I’ve been to this semester. My first favorite and it’s very well known to the public is Chocolatería San Ginés. This place specializes in churros y chocolate and typically has a long line for a table on the weekends, but there is a to-go stand. The chocolate here is slightly darker and bitter than in other places so I’d recommend it if you’re a dark chocolate lover. My other favorite is Chocolatería 1902 which has chocolate that is sweeter and more on the milk chocolate side. You have to definitely try either when you’re here!