FOOD IN MADRID

Madrid's food scene clearly brims with dishes representing both traditional and international  flavors.  The capital's own gastronomy has been a product of influence from the Andalusians, Galicians, Asturians as well as other immigrants who have settled in Madrid throughout the history.

Cocido Madrileño is often recommended as one of the most typical Madrid's dish.  It is a hotpot which stews chickpeas and several kinds of vegetables together with (often smoked) garbanzos, pork, black sausage, and chicken.  The broth is served as a first course, then the vegetables, and finally the meat.  Another local menu frequently found in well-established restaurants throughout Madrid is Callos or tripe stew enlivened with smoked pork and a smidgen of wine and brandy.  Not to be forgotten is the garlic soup or Sopa de Ajo, a simple but delicious Spanish delicacy found especially in and around Madrid.  The soup's ingredients include water, cured ham, egg, bread, oil, garlic, and paprika.  The Sopa de Pescado is a fish soup which can be prepared in myriad countless ways.  Highly exotic is Gazpacho, a cold blend of bread, vegetables, tomatoes, garlic and water.  Other dishes worth tasting are the wholesome potato omelette (Tortilla de patatas), the emblematic roasted baby lamb and suckling pig, and the renowned baked bream (Besugo al horno) which are commonly served in Madrid's eateries.  Cod (bacalao) is also widely consumed in the capital.  In fact, despite its geographical distance from the sea, Madrid is one of the world's top-five biggest fish markets.  

The realm of Spanish dessert expand to cover many recipes that can be considered common of Madrid, including the famous springtime snack torrijas (a kind of French toast), the rolled wafers (barquillos), a custard pie (bartolillos con crema), and a delicious fritter filled with custard and whipped cream filling (bunuelos).  The anise-flavored donuts called rosquillas de anis are often passed around during the festival of San Isidro, Madrid's own patron saint.  Christmas is also a time of celebration where sweets such as the mazapán (marzipan) and turrón (soft and hard nougat) help mark the season's fiestas.           

Tapa is a typical Spanish tradition which is refered to a variety of appetizers the Spaniards enjoy throughout the day in between primary meals.  Many restaurants are specialized in just the tapas which are often served with beer or wine.  As a capital of the country, Madrid also offers a large selection of fine wines to choose from.