21 Best Madrid Foods To Try in 2025
Madrid food is a melting pot of traditional foods from every region of Spain and beyond. If you are in Madrid, you can't miss out on the food that defines the city's culinary heritage. From bustling markets to charming tapas bars, the Spanish capital offers a tour that's second to none. Whether you're a foodie on the hunt for authentic flavors or a curious traveler eager to savor the essence of Spain, Madrid's robust food scene promises to leave you craving for more.
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Get a Taste of Traditional Madrid Dishes
Go on a food tour in Madrid to experience the amazing selection of traditional dishes that have stood the test of time. These tours take you on an immersive trip where you can soak in the city's culinary history, providing a firsthand exploration of the best traditional foods in Madrid.
21 Traditional Madrid Foods You Should Try
1. Gambas al ajillo
Gambas al ajillo, or garlic shrimp, is a classic tapa that highlights the flavors of fresh seafood and garlic. This Madrid food features shrimp sautéed in olive oil with plenty of garlic, chile peppers and sometimes a splash of sherry. How does it taste? Imagine succulent shrimp, bathed in fragrant olive oil and infused with the piquant allure of garlic and chile peppers, creating a symphony of flavors that dance on the palate, leaving a lingering sensation of pure Madrid bliss.
Traditionally, gambas al ajillo is served sizzling hot in a clay dish, accompanied by crusty bread to soak up the flavorful oil. It's a staple in Madrid tapas bars, with places like La Casa del Abuelo serving some of the best versions in the city.
2. Callos a la madrileña
Callos a la madrileña is a traditional Madrid food featuring beef tripe stewed with chorizo, morcilla and garbanzo beans in a rich spiced sauce. The smoked, mouthwatering stew has been a staple cold-weather dish in Spain's bars and taverns for centuries. Surprisingly, the first documented callos recipes date back to the 16th century! During the winter months, it is available in most taverns and restaurants across the capital city.
Typically, callos a la madrileña is served hot, often accompanied by a slice of crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. You can find authentic versions of this dish in traditional restaurants like Taberna San Mames.
3. Huevos Rotos
Huevos rotos, which means "broken eggs," is a simple, yet satisfying Madrid food. It features fried potatoes topped with perfectly cooked eggs, its yolks running over the crispy potatoes when broken. It’s often garnished with slices of jamón or chorizo, adding a savory dimension to this comforting Madrid food.
This Madrid food specialty is best enjoyed hot, with the egg yolks mixed thoroughly with the potatoes and meat. Many tapas bars in Madrid, such as Casa Lucio, are famous for their huevos rotos, making it a must-try for anyone hoping to sample traditional Madrid dishes.
4. Morcilla
Morcilla, a traditional blood sausage, is a staple in Madrid food culture. Made from pig's blood, rice, onions and spices, this rich, delicious sausage has deep roots in Spanish cuisine. Seasoned with paprika and garlic, it boasts a distinctive taste that’ll make any other sausage you've had seem like child's play.
Traditionally, this authentic Madrid food is enjoyed grilled or fried and served as a tapa. You won't believe how wonderfully well this Madrid food pairs with crusty bread and a glass of red wine. For a more substantial meal, try morcilla with roasted peppers or in a hearty stew. You can find excellent morcilla at local markets and traditional taverns throughout Madrid.
5. Bocadillo de Calamares
Bocadillo de calamares, or calamari sandwich, is a quintessential Madrid food to try. This simple, yet delicious sandwich features crispy fried calamari rings tucked inside a fresh baguette. A squeeze of lemon or a dollop of aioli takes the flavors to a whole new level, but the star is undoubtedly the perfectly fried calamari. For a full experience, wash it down with a cold beer.
Enjoy this Madrid food specialty at Plaza Mayor, where numerous bars like La Campana are renowned for their bocadillo de calamares. This quick, satisfying snack is perfect for a midday bite as you explore the city.
6. Tortilla Española
Tortilla española, or Spanish omelette, is a beloved food in Madrid and across Spain. This thick omelette is cooked slowly with eggs, potatoes and onions to make the inside extra tender and rich with flavor.
Typically served as a tapa, tortilla española can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature. Pair it with a simple salad or enjoy it on a slice of bread for a traditional experience. Casa Dani is a famous restaurant to try this classic Madrid food.
7. Churros con Chocolate
Churros con chocolate is a beloved food in Madrid but popular globally, perfect for breakfast or an afternoon snack. Churros are deep-fried dough pastries, crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, typically dusted with sugar. It's one of the best snacks you'll ever have. They are served with a cup of thick, rich hot chocolate for dipping.
This indulgent treat is best enjoyed fresh from churrerías like San Ginés, an old-time establishment known for its delicious churros con chocolate. Dip each churro into the chocolate and savor the decadent textures and flavors. You haven't had authentic Madrid food if you haven't indulged in this treat.
8. Cocido Madrileño
Cocido madrileño is the epitome of traditional Madrid food. This hearty chickpea-based stew includes a variety of meats such as chorizo, morcilla, pork and beef, along with vegetables like cabbage, carrots and potatoes. Originating from rural Madrid, cocido madrileño has become a beloved comfort food in Madrid for locals and visitors alike.
Typically, cocido madrileño is served in three stages: the soup, the chickpeas and vegetables and the meats. This way you get to savor every component of this rich Madrid food. Enjoy it in cozy, traditional restaurants like La Bola, where the recipe has been perfected over generations.
9. Sopa de Ajo
Sopa de ajo, or garlic soup, is a warming rustic dish made with garlic, bread, paprika and sometimes a poached egg. This simple, yet flavorful soup has been a staple in Spanish cuisine for centuries, particularly in Madrid.
Enjoy sopa de ajo as a comforting starter or a light meal. It’s often served in earthenware bowls, with the poached egg adding a rich, velvety texture to the broth. You can find this traditional Madrid food in old-time eateries like Ponzano.
10. Pimientos de Padrón
Pimientos de padrón are small green peppers fried in olive oil and sprinkled with coarse sea salt. Most are mild, but occasionally you'll bite into a spicy one, adding a cheeky element of surprise that makes this Madrid food a popular delicacy.
These peppers are best enjoyed hot and fresh, often served alongside other tapas. Many tapas bars in Madrid, such as Casa Revuelta, serve this delicious and addictive Madrid food specialty, presenting plenty of options.
11. Rabo de Toro
Imagine succulent oxtail, infused with the essence of red wine and a medley of vegetables and spices, creating a symphony of flavors that leave you drooling and warm the soul. Rabo de toro is a rich and hearty oxtail stew that embodies the tradition and flavor synonymous with Madrid food. Slow-cooked to tender perfection with red wine, vegetables and aromatic spices, this dish tells a tale of culinary mastery and timeless tradition.
This stew is typically enjoyed with a side of potatoes or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. Casa Salvador is a renowned restaurant in the city known to serve a perfect recipe of this traditional Madrid food.
12. Bacalao a la Madrileña
Bacalao a la madrileña features salt cod cooked with tomatoes, onions and peppers in a spicy sauce. This Madrid food showcases the influence of the sea on the city's cuisine, despite its inland location. Think salt cod, carefully prepared with a medley of tomatoes, onions and peppers, all in a savory sauce that reflects the spirit of Madrid's marine connections. That's what you get with this dish, an exquisite harmony of tastes that transcends regional boundaries.
Traditionally, you can enjoy bacalao a la madrileña with a side of potatoes or rice. Taberna del Alabardero is known for its authentic Madrid food recipes, making it a great spot for visitors to try this dish.
13. Oreja a la Plancha
Next on is oreja a la plancha, or grilled pig’s ear. Yes, we said pig's ear, but the very best you will ever have! This traditional Madrid food is a popular tapa in the region. The pig’s ear is marinated, grilled until crispy and seasoned with garlic and parsley. This is a Madrid food you have to try when you are in the city.
This dish is typically enjoyed with a squeeze of lemon and a cold beer. Casa Toni is a well-known place to try oreja a la plancha, offering a true taste of this traditional Madrid food.
14. Soldaditos de Pavía
Soldaditos de Pavía are fried strips of salt cod, named after the soldiers of Pavia due to their golden color. This dish is a popular favorite Madrid food, often served with a slice of roasted red pepper. Picture this: sizzling strips of salt cod, enveloped in a delicate batter, emerge from the bubbling cauldron of hot oil, exuding a tantalizing aroma that beckons food enthusiasts from far and wide. As they reach perfection, their golden hue pays homage to the valiant soldiers of Pavia, offering a feast for the eyes and the palate.
Enjoy soldaditos de Pavía hot and crispy, typically accompanied by a glass of sherry. La Casa del Abuelo is famous for this dish, offering a perfect introduction to this classic Madrid food.
15. Caracoles a la Madrileña
Caracoles a la madrileña, or Madrid-style snails, are cooked in a rich, spicy broth with chorizo, ham and a variety of herbs. This is a popular traditional Madrid dish, especially during the San Isidro festival.
Enjoy caracoles hot, using toothpicks to extract the snails from their shells. Taberna San Mamés is a popular spot to try this unique and flavorful Madrid food.
16. Cazón en Adobo
Cazón en adobo is mainly composed of marinated and fried dogfish, a small shark species. This popular Madrid food is a testament to the city's mastery of seafood delights, with each ingredient adding its unique touch to the blend of taste and textures. The dogfish is served as a tapa with lemon wedges, offering a sensory experience that celebrates the art of flavor and texture. With every bite, you'll be partaking in Madrid’s food heritage, where tradition meets innovation and where every flavor tells a story.
Enjoy cazón en adobo hot, typically served as a tapa with lemon wedges. Many tapas bars in Madrid, such as Bar Santurce, serve this crunchy Madrid specialty. Prepare to savor fish like no other!
17. Leche Merengada
Leche merengada is a refreshing, frothy milk drink flavored with cinnamon and lemon zest. This sweet treat is particularly popular during the hot summer months in Madrid when a glass of its richness can send your taste buds to heaven. If you are in the city exploring the vibrant world of Madrid food, this drink is a must-try.
You’ll typically enjoy this beverage cold, and it often comes crowned with a sprinkle of cinnamon. It offers a refreshing escape from the heat, inviting drinkers to indulge in a moment of pure refreshment and delight. Gran Café de la Luz is known for its delicious leche merengada.
18. Albóndigas
Albóndigas, or meatballs, are a popular food in Madrid, typically made from a mixture of beef and pork and cooked in a rich tomato sauce. The aroma of simmering tomato sauce and savory meatballs will have you drooling before you even set eyes on the food, and as you savor every bite, you'll be partaking in a celebration of authentic Madrid food, a testament to the city's love for comforting cuisine.
Enjoy albóndigas with a side of crusty bread or as part of a tapas spread. Casa Lucio is renowned for its delicious albóndigas, offering a taste of traditional Madrid comfort food.
19. Torrijas
Torrijas are the Spanish version of French toast, made by soaking bread in milk and eggs, then frying it and sprinkling it with sugar and cinnamon. This sweet treat is particularly popular during Holy Week, a religious holiday and the perfect time to enjoy the rich milky goodness with family and friends. It is a beloved part of Madrid's food traditions, enjoyed by locals and visitors alike.
Enjoy torrijas warm with a drizzle of honey. La Mallorquina is a historic pastry shop in Madrid known for its excellent torrijas, making it a must-visit for anyone exploring the Madrid food scene.
20. Rosquillas de San Isidro
During the San Isidro celebrations, the streets of Madrid come alive with the aroma of these festive treats. Many bakeries around the city, such as Horno La Santiaguesa, showcase their finest rosquillas, offering both locals and visitors the chance to indulge in this culinary tradition and an opportunity to savor one of the best sweet Madrid foods. The festival atmosphere, combined with the delicious taste of rosquillas, creates a memorable experience that highlights the rich cultural heritage of Madrid.
Enjoy rosquillas fresh, often paired with a cup of coffee or hot chocolate. During the San Isidro celebrations, many bakeries around Madrid, such as La Santiaguesa, offer these festive treats, inviting everyone to partake in this delicious tradition.
21. Empanadillas
Empanadillas are small turnovers filled with a variety of ingredients, such as tuna, beef or vegetables. With each bite, Empanadillas become a celebration of Madrid's charming food heritage, where every filling tells a story and every pastry reflects the city's mastery of the art of cooking.
Enjoy empanadillas hot or at room temperature, often accompanied by a salad or as part of a tapas spread. La Cocina de San Antón offers a variety of delicious empanadillas, perfect for getting a taste of the different flavors served.
There you have it! As you wander through the streets of the city, exploring all the best Madrid food as you go, let your taste for good food be your guide. From the savory bites of empanadillas to the sweet indulgence of rosquillas, food in Madrid is bound to leave you craving more.
Whether you're a seasoned food lover curious about the most traditional Madrid food to try on your next visit or are a local hoping to capitalize on your home-city’s culinary heritage, Madrid's unique food culture provides the most incredible experience. Indulging in these authentic Madrid foods will give you a deeper appreciation for the city's rich food heritage, so grab a fork, raise your glass of sangria and toast to the endless feast that is Madrid. ¡Buen provecho!
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