Explore dining on-the-go in Madrid, as recommended by Rick Steves: Eat Out with Your Smartphone in Spain's Capital City
Madrid, the vibrant capital city of Spain, is a must-visit food destination in Europe, renowned for its rich cuisine. Among the many delicacies on offer, tapas take centre stage, providing a perfect way to sample a variety of flavours while soaking up the city's atmosphere.
One popular tapa in Madrid is Tortilla Española, a potato and onion omelet that is another staple in the city's tapas scene. Another favourite is Gambas al ajillo, shrimp sauteed in garlic, which makes for a delicious bar snack. For those who prefer seafood, Bocadillo de calamares, a squid sandwich, is another option worth trying.
For a memorable tapas crawl, some highly recommended dishes to order include Patatas bravas, Padrón peppers, Spanish omelette (Tortilla Española), Iberian ham (Jamón Ibérico), ham croquettes, tender calamari, fried chorizo, Manchego cheese, and infused olives.
While enjoying these culinary delights, don't forget to sample some local drinks. Light reds, dry whites, Sherry, Cava, or cold suds are recommended to pair with the tapas. Spanish beers like Mahou or Estrella are commonly enjoyed, while Rioja red wine offers a robust flavour that complements rich tapas. Sangria, a fruity, refreshing wine-based cocktail, and Vermouth, a fortified, aromatized wine traditionally enjoyed as an aperitif, are also popular choices.
Ordering a beer in Spain is straightforward. To ask for a small draft beer, say "una caña," and for a larger or bottled beer, use "una cerveza." Bars often serve cañas as the standard beer size for tapas.
Some excellent places to explore these dishes and drinks in an atmospheric setting include Casa Toni, El Tigre, and the historical Mercado de San Miguel, which offers over 20 food stalls for tapas grazing. Calle de Cava Baja, a 0.2-mile street, has over 50 tapas tabernas, making it another hotspot for tapas lovers.
The neighbourhood along Calle de Jesús is a popular spot for casual sightseeing and authentic local cuisine. Rick Steves recommends participating in a local tradition called tapeo in Madrid, which involves bar-hopping and multi-venue grazing to get a good sense of what makes tapas in Madrid special.
In the summer, many city establishments in Madrid's core offer cold beer, wine, and tapas, making it the perfect time to embark on a tapas crawl. And with 29 Michelin-star restaurants in the city, Madrid is not just about casual dining—it's a food destination that caters to all tastes.
So, whether you're a food enthusiast or simply looking to immerse yourself in local culture, a Madrid tapas crawl is an experience not to be missed. Buena suerte y ¡provecho!
| Tapas | Recommended Drinks | |--------------------------|--------------------------| | Patatas bravas | Caña (small draft beer) | | Padrón peppers | Rioja red wine | | Spanish omelette | Sangria | | Iberian ham and ham croquettes | Vermouth | | Manchego cheese and olives| Local beer (Mahou) | | Tender calamari and fried chorizo | |
[1] Rick Steves' Europe: Madrid - https://www.ricksteves.com/europe/spain/madrid [2] Madrid Food Tour: The Ultimate Guide - https://www.foodtourmadrid.com/madrid-food-guide/
During a Madrid tapas crawl, one might savor iconic dishes such as patatas bravas, paired with a small draft beer (una caña). Or, indulge in Padrón peppers, best enjoyed with a glass of robust Rioja red wine. For a taste of local tradition, tapas lovers can embark on a tapeo, bar-hopping to experience the unique flavors of Madrid's cuisine, perhaps washing it all down with a glass of sangria or vermouth.
