Five ‘Great’ Dishes To Try in Madrid
A beautiful city with stunning architecture, a lively nightlife, and a rich history, Madrid’s food scene only enhances its already stellar travel experience. In between exploring the Royal Palace, cheering on the legendary Real Madrid at Santiago Bernabeu Stadium, and taking in the dozens of museums, make sure you stop to savor these five ‘Great’ dishes - aka dishes that you’d be happy to order again and again.
Ensalada de Sandia | Fayer
The perfect choice before a heavier entree, this watermelon salad features crumbled feta, loads of dill, cherry tomatoes, and some pieces of olive and olive juice. The combination of dill and watermelon creates an exquisite flavor pairing, while the salad as a whole provides a refreshing way to kick off your meal at Fayer. Even those who dislike olives have expressed their enjoyment of this summery appetizer. It’s a dish that this Argentinian Israeli restaurant definitely does right.
Leeks (Puerros) | Roostiq
Are you coming to this trendy, upscale farm-to-table restaurant in the heart of Madrid for its leeks? Probably not, but when you do visit Roostiq, make sure to save some room for them. The leeks – or ‘puerros’ – taste fresh and flavorful, with plenty of oil and salt as well as a silky texture. The portions are generous, so the half portion is definitely big enough for one person. For a restaurant that prides itself on growing its own produce, Roostiq’s puerros are unsurprisingly delicious.
The Rolex | Sala de Despiece 2
Come for the presentation, stay for the taste. “The Rolex” is an egg yolk wrapped in pancetta that is cooked at the table with a tiny flame torch. Despite its small size - it is usually eaten in one bite - this dish packs a lot of flavor. It is the perfect way to kick off your meal at the vibrant Sala de Despiece 2, which alone is worth checking out for its unique, butchering room-inspired interior.
Bacalao | Bodega de la Ardosa
Bacalao may be a Portuguese word but this legendary Madrid restaurant does the dried cod dish very well. The salted fish with garlic and olive oil is served on a crispy flatbread with smashed tomato and it did not disappoint. Think lox, but with a combination of salty, acidic, and savory flavors. This is an excellent option for fish lovers but there’s plenty more on the menu at Bodega de la Ardosa which was once the gathering place for Spain’s top bullfighters.
Chocolate with 6 Churros | Chocolatería San Ginés
Never had hot chocolate and churros? Now is the time. The Spanish staple can be found all throughout Madrid, but the iconic Chocolatería San Ginés has been serving it since 1894, making it one of Madrid’s must-visit eateries. Spanish churros are lighter and less sweet than their Mexican counterparts, but they can be dipped in the hot chocolate to satisfy a sweet tooth. Open 24 hours from Thursday to Sunday, you literally have no excuse not to visit!
Whether you are looking for a filling meal to fuel your Madrid adventures, or a quick dessert after a night out, you can’t go wrong with any of these dishes. ¡Disfruta!
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Gabe Kamins contributed to this article.