This fall I have had the pleasure of spending a semester abroad in Spain's wonderful capital city Madrid. Situated right smack dab in the middle of the Iberian Peninsula, Madrid is home to a wide variety of people and customs. That being said, it's like living in a Spanish New York City. and I am constantly surprised by what can be found.
However, one of the things I was worried about when I came here was the food. It's not like I'm in Italy and can swap between pasta and paninis all week long. So when friends or family ask about what there is to eat here, it makes sense because Spain is not necessarily known for its gastronomy.
Of course you have your standard conception of paella and tapas, but Madrid - and Spain in general - has so much more to offer. You will find a lot of seafood and meat. Fresh vegetables and fruit can be found in markets, the most famous being El Mercado de San Miguel and El Mercado de San Anton. Chorros con chocolate and capuchinos make a fine desert if you are on the go, but if your host mom is a good baker, ask for some tarta de manaza or flan.
1. Tapas
First off, a "tapa" is not limited to one specific type of food, and "going to get tapas" is a social activity based on sharing plates and chatting with friends. Tapas are basically your appetizer, but you can order anything and everything you want in tapa size.
2. Patatas Bravas
Like heaven in your mouth and better than the best french fries you've ever had, except they usually come with some type of hot sauce to add a little zest.
3. Croquetas de jamon
After four of these little guys, you will feel full for the rest of the night. They are the perfect starter, with a bread crumb outside and a buttery, floury interior surrounding bits of ham.
3. Tortilla española
This is not your typical Latin American tortilla. Instead, it includes thinly sliced potatoes, a little bit of onion and possibly some ham, solidified with an egg covering. It is my favorite dish in Spain.
4. Queso Manchego
This is Spanish sheep cheese and made famous for being mentioned in the famous novel "Don Quijote de la Manca" by Miguel Cervantes. It is delicious and pairs fabulously with Spanish jamon or bacon.
5. Carne: jamon iberico, chorizo
The Spanish love their meat. If you walk through the San Miguel market you will see pork legs hanging from the ceiling, and jamon is just that. It is simply ham carved off the cured legs of pork and served in thin slices. Chorizo is red and white, looks a lot like pepperoni, and is known for its spicy undertones.
6. Pulpo a la gallega
In other words, octopus from Galicia, the northern region of Spain. It is fantastic, served with Spanish olive oil, salt, and paprika. It is to die for and a must have when traveling in Santiago de Compostela or Finisterre in the North.
7. Paella
Rice, veggies, fish or meat and you're set. If you are visiting the Spanish coast, perhaps in Valencia, this is a must have. Madrid boasts some pretty great paella as well, especially if you peruse the Plaza Mayor.
8. Empanada
Cooked in the oven or fried, empanadas are good for lunch or on the go. With bread on the outside, there can be anything from vegetables, dark or light meat, fish, or fruit on the inside.
9. Churros con chocolate
Ask a Spaniard where the best churrería in Madrid is and they will send you over to La Chocolatería San Gines - two minutes from Sol. Touristy, but it has a great atmosphere and plenty of room to dip your churros in cups of chocolate.
10. Sangria and Tinto de Verano
Too much is never enough. Nothing is better than sitting at a table outside with a pitcher of sangria and a couple of friends. Sweet and sophisticated, you could sip on it for days. If you want something lighter, order a glass of tinto de verano, which is simply a lighter sangria with a splash of wine.
Madrid sports thousands of tiny family-owned restaurants and bars that won't be found on your Google Maps. I know, that's WILD. Nonetheless it is a living, breathing city with plenty of zest to go around and is best experienced by those with an eye for adventure.
