A Flavor Fiesta: The Best Foods I Ate In Madrid Spain

By Alexandra Cuoco

My recent trip to Madrid, Spain for Thanksgiving was a foodie’s dream come true. Exploring the city felt like a flavor-packed adventure, with every bite telling a delicious story. From the lively streets to the cultural wonders, Madrid’s food scene left a lasting impression on me.  From traditional Spanish dishes to twists on plates from other countries, I was in heaven. Let’s dive into the best bites I discovered and relive the tasty moments from my culinary journey through the charming streets of Madrid.

  1.  Tapas!!
  • One of the best parts about Spanish cuisine must be Tapas! Tapas is the idea of small plates, which I love due to being able to try everything! Here can be seen my family and I Indulging in the vibrant tapestry of Spanish flavors. Seen below is thin potato slices topped with a velvety aioli and sprinkled with black salt, a colorful medley of tomato, feta cheese, avocado, and Kalamata olives, the heat of Padrón peppers, savory pulled pork empanadas accompanied by chipotle mayonnaise, and the irresistible crunch of three-cheese Iberian ham croquettes. Each bite painted a delicious portrait, capturing the essence of Spain’s diverse and mouth watering tapas culture!
  1. Churros!
  • Nothing beats the delicious taste of crispy fried dough coated in cinnamon sugar dipped in chocolate. Churros con chocolate is always a family favorite in my household!
  1. Olives Galore!
  • One of my favorite foods in the whole world must be olives, so when my dad and I saw this assortment of olives at San Mercado San Miguel in Madrid, we were in heaven! Our favorite was the olive skewer with sundried tomatoes and cheese!
  1. Turkish Eggs!
  • These Turkish style eggs were absolutely delish! Made with poached eggs, yogurt, fresh dill, spices and lime juice, this is a breakfast you must try if you’re a savory lover like me!
  1. A brioche ice cream sandwich!
  • This sweet delicious bite was made by melting two pieces of brioche together with an ice cream of my choice. I chose chocolate with pieces of chocolate cookie inside!
  1. Burrata with walnut pesto and spiced walnut granola.
  • This appetizer was incredible. The smoky flavors of the nuts paired with the milky cheese was a to die for match! As a burrata enthusiast, I approve of this message.
  1. Chorizo and Pulled Pork Bao Buns
  • This entire cart at San Mercado San Miguel was filled with different filled Bao Buns from fresh fish to fried.
  1. Burrata, Mozzarella and Stracciatella Toasts
  • Each toast at this stand of San Mercado San Miguel had different sweet or savory options of toast. My families favorite was roasted red pepper jam with Stracciatella and crispy onions. 
  1. Asparagus and Shrimp Tempura Roll with Spicy Mayo and Cucumber
  • If you are a sushi lover like me, you would love this roll! It tasted incredible!
  1. Traditional Spanish Ham and Cured Meats!
  • Last but not least, we have Iberian Ham and sausage. A traditional taste of Spain, I will definitely miss this the most. 

As I bid adios to the captivating city of Madrid, a profound sense of gratitude during this holiday season fills my heart for the amazing gastronomic journey that unfolded in its vibrant streets and culinary treats. From the dynamic energy of bustling markets to the intimate ambiance of cozy tapas bars, each gastronomic exploration provided a glimpse into the soul of this remarkable city. Madrid, with its history and exceptionally diverse flavors, Madrid never fails to undeniably etch an enduring impression upon my travel experiences and my taste buds!

Leave a comment