Olala Homes has officially launched in Madrid, and we are so excited about it! The Spanish capital is famous for its numerous cultural sites, museums, history, and delicious cuisine. If you’re wondering what to eat in Madrid, use this quick checklist to be sure to try some of the best local dishes. Exploring Spanish cuisine is one of the most exciting things to do when you’re in Madrid!
Bocadillo de Calamares
A bocadillo de calamares is a fresh, crusty roll filled with golden-fried squid rings and topped off with sea salt and lemon juice. The locals usually put a bit of mayo on the bun as well for an extra bit of flavor. While this sandwich might sound strange, the locals swear by it. Bocadillos are available all over Madrid, but be sure to grab one when you visit Plaza Mayor. There are several kiosks nearby that sell this tasty sandwich for only a few euros. Casa Rúa and La Campana are great choices for seriously good sandwiches. Pair yours with an ice-cold beer and you’ll be eating like a local in no time!
Casa Rúa:
Address: Calle de Cdad. Rodrigo, 3
Opening hours: 10:00-23:00 every day
Phone: +34 915 42 70 74
La Campana:
Address: Calle Botoneras, 6
Opening hours: Sun.-Thu. 9:30-23:00; Fri.-Sat. 9:30-00:00
Phone: +34 913 64 29 84
Callos
Callos is a stew of beef tripe, garbanzo beans, morcilla (blood sausage), and peppers. Stewed low and slow, the meat becomes super tender and full of flavor. While the ingredients might put you off at first, you really can’t leave Madrid without trying at least a spoonful of callos! It’s definitely one of the most traditional and important dishes in madrileño cuisine, a favorite that you can find at tapas bars or in Spanish homes.
Tortilla de Patatas
Tortilla de patatas is one of Spain’s most famous dishes, and nowhere does it better than the Spanish capital. When you eat in Madrid, be sure to try a pincho or tapa of Spanish omelette at a tapas bar or food market. This simple dish consists of only 5 ingredients but delivers big flavor and is one of the ultimate comfort foods in Spain. Tortilla de patatas is so versatile since it’s great hot or cold, on a sandwich or by itself, and perfect any time of day.
Huevos Rotos
Huevos rotos, which translates to “broken eggs,” is another insanely simple dish that is simply irresistible. It starts with a pile of potatoes fried in olive oil, topped with fried eggs and bits of Spanish ham and chorizo. Cut the eggs open so that the golden yolk covers the potatoes for the full effect. Huevos rotos can be found in most tapas bars in Madrid, so you definitely won’t have a problem finding a delicious platter of fried eggs and potatoes. However, it’s rumored that the best ones can be found at the legendary Casa Lucio in La Latina.
Casa Lucio
Address: Cava Bajo, 35
Opening hours: 13:00-16:00; 20:30-00:00
Phone: +34 913 65 32 52
Cocido Madrileño
Cocido madrileño is probably the star of Madrid’s traditional cuisine, a hearty stew that will warm you up on a chilly winter day. Packed with proteins like chickpeas, pork, chorizo, beef, and Spanish ham and loaded with veggies, cocido is just the thing to fill you up. All the ingredients are cooked together, which results in a hearty broth. The meat and veggies are usually then separated and the broth is eaten separately, sometimes with noodles. This dish is quite heavy, so it’s best to have it for mid-day lunch and not at dinnertime. Try it at Malactin, where the locals swear by their cocido madrileño.
Malactin
Address: Calle de la Ruda, 5
Opening hours: 11:00-17:30 (Mon.-Sat.) & 20:00-23:00 (Wed.-Sat.)
Phone: +34 913 65 52 41
Churros con Chocolate
And of course, who can forget the sweets? Churros con chocolate are a famous Spanish treat that are famous in Madrid. Light, crispy, and fried to golden perfection and then dunked in thick, delicious chocolate, they are sinfully good. Churros are a tasty breakfast to eat in Madrid, and are a go-to after a long night out to pick you back up. The locals love to sprinkle a bit of sugar on top of their churros to make them a little extra sweeter. Try the churros at Chocolatería San Ginés, Madrid’s most famous churro shop since 1894, to taste the best of the best.
Chocolatería San Ginés
Address: Pasadizo de San Ginés, 5
Opening hours: Open 24 hours
Phone: +34 913 65 65 46
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If you’re ready to eat your way around Madrid, do so in style and stay with us at Olala Homes! Our cozy and elegant apartments are the perfect place to relax after a full day in the Spanish capital!
