Eating in Madrid

Since Philip II made Madrid the capital of Spain, numerous recipes and influences from all the regions of Spain, and even outside the country, entered in its kitchen. Today, it is not easy to differentiate between original dishes and imported ones. Madrid has enriched its gastronomy with the contributions of the Andalusians, Galicians, Asturians and other immigrants who have settled here. These days, Madrid offers more a Spanish than a regional kitchen. In fact, international restaurants also abound and you can take your pick from a variety of European, Latin American, North African, and Asian eating spots.

Several dishes and recipes can be considered typical of Madrid. Among them, the Cocido Madrileño must be mentioned; Callos or tripe is another of the typical dishes. Sopa de Ajo (garlic soup), Caracoles (snails), Tortilla de patatas (potato omelette), the famous recipe of Besugo al horno (baked bream). In the same way, Madrid's sweet tradition can be appreciated through its dessert; from torrijas (a type of French toast), to the barquillos (rolled wafers), bartolillos con crema (a type of small pie with custard) the buñuelos (a type of fritter filled with custard whipped cream, etc.).