Taste of Spain: 5 Must Try Foods in Madrid

As in many big cities, Madrid’s food scene is a mish-mash of innovative and traditional, with a good smattering of international cuisine options mixed in. Though meat is a staple of many Spanish dishes, the past few years have also seen an embrace of veganism and vegetarianism, so diets like these are far more catered for than they used to be. Markets like Mercado de San Miguel and Mercado de la Cebada are great places to stock up if you plan to cook. And street food stalls and carts are popular too. If you want a taste of the city’s staple foods, seek out one of the “centenarios” which are restaurants that are more than 100 years old.

Note that locals eat later than most of us are used to, like elsewhere in Spain. Lunch might happen around 2pm and dinner at 9pm or 10pm. Meals are social events and the tapas culture is popular here. You can eat well on a budget too.

Don’t miss these top foods to try while you’re studying abroad in Madrid:  

1. BOCADILLO DE CALAMARES. This crusty baguette filled with deep fried rings of squid is a local favorite in Madrid.

2. COCIDO MADRILEÑO. Mmmm, stew! This one is a traditional dish in Madrid and is made with hearty ingredients like chickpeas, a variety of veggies and meats like chorizo, blood sausage and pork.

3. HUEVOS ROTOS. Broken eggs: Madrid-style over-easy eggs, yolk running over crispy potatoes or fries, serviced with jamón serrano or chorizo.

4. GAMBAS AL AJILLO. These sizzling flavorful garlic prawns are a delicious starter or tapa, made with olive oil, garlic, and chili peppers. Excellent with crusty bread to soak up the juices.

5. CHURROS CON CHOCOLATE. Anyone with a sweet tooth will love the rich and indulgent churros con chocolate – fried dough sticks that you dip into thick hot chocolate. It’s a popular breakfast treat!

There are many other delicious, interesting, and unusual foods to try when you study abroad in Madrid: Tapas of all sorts (croquetas, patatas bravas, jamón ibérico, pimientos de padrón, pinchos morunos), paella, salmorejo (cold tomato soup), tortilla Española (spanish omelette), pig’s ears, pisto manchego (great vegetarian dish),  porras (the fatter, doughier cousin of churros), and flan to name a few.    

Have pics of something you’ve eaten abroad that you can’t easily find at home? Tag us on Instagram at @ASAStudyAbroad or #AwayWithASA. We’d love to see! Buen provecho!