I always find a coffee house. It’s a tradition. It gives me something to do. I get to know the coffee house, its patrons, and the workers. It’s also fun to see a slice of life in the city you’re staying in. Although I should mention this time around, I didn’t find one sole coffee house. Instead, I found Madrid’s food around every corner, and I wanted to consume it all.
One thing you should know about me is I don’t usually play by the rules. I don’t believe in those…Rules, I mean. They’re a figment of our imagination, and it kills our creativity. Therefore, I ate anywhere and everywhere.
1) Churros and Chocolate
Many people told me to eat Churros con Chocolate. I did. I also recommend them. However, as a Latin male born and raised in Los Angeles, churros and chocolate is just another day with the same dish. Although it is absolutely delicious, I also grew up eating them. This makes them a low priority on my list. Should you try them? Oh yes! For sure.
2) Try Everything
As I continued to explore the city, I came across a perfectly delightful Asian place called Wok 4 You III. It’s located two doors down from Room007 Chueca Hostel. They make the best noodle dishes and stir fry. I ate here about three times during this trip. I recommend getting the Korean-style stir fry. It’s tasty. So, it’s not Spanish food… It’s not the end of the world… relax.
3) Calamari Sandwich or Cafe con Leche?
I found a restaurant with great options for coffee and desserts. I came here a couple of times, but it wasn’t my go-to coffee house.
The place is Delisco, located in a square in the main shopping district. If you’re interested in going, it’s at Calle de Fuencarral, 43, 28004 Madrid, Spain. They have plenty of outdoor seating, which people love. Another thing you should know about me is how annoyed I get when there are other people at the restaurant. I rather eat alone. So, I sat inside because no one wants to be inside on a beautiful sunny day.
It’s basic on the inside, with many tables to choose from. A word of advice for
my American readers… The restaurant service is different in Spain. Usually, you seat yourself and flag down a waiter for the menu. Once you decide, flag them down again or they’ll take 30 minutes to come back to the table. I should mention not all restaurants are like this.
I always got a cafe con leche which is coffee and milk. A staple growing up Latino. Coffee is something I drink two to four times a day.
I get my cafe con leche and order a calamari bocadillo. I thought it was a calamari sandwich which is something Madrid is known for. Although they don’t have calamari sandwiches on the menu, the waitress specially ordered a calamari sandwich. It was so nice of her. That sole act puts this restaurant on my list. You definitely need to try Delisco. Also, the calamari sandwich is FANTASTIC. I did not expect that.
Delisco’s Website: http://www.delisco.es/index.php/es/
4) Madrid’s Food Includes Great Turkish Food
Although, you’re in the heart of Spain, the cuisine comes from all over the world. I ate a lot of Turkish food while in Madrid. It’s not a tradition of mine but it might as well be. Bosforos, a Turkish restaurant serving great donor kababs and skewer dishes into the night.
Another great thing about Bosforors is its location. It’s in the heart of Chueca right off Gran Via.
Gran Via is a gorgeous main boulevard. Put Gran Via on your tourist list. It’s a beautiful boulevard with incredible architecture. Just watch out for gypsies… No, really.
5) Gelato and/or Ice Cream Realness
Walking back to my hostel I passed by a lady giving samples of ice cream. It was so good I had to buy some. Be careful, gypsies do the same thing. One tried to scam me. I thought it was another free sample of something.
Anyway, if you get the time, check out Mistura. It’s as delightful as it is cute. I had their pistachio ice cream on two different occasions.
Mistura Ice Cream Shop is located at Calle de Augusto Figueroa, 5, 28004 Madrid, Spain. This place is also around the corner from my hostel.
It’s a little place but their employees are delightful and it gets full.
This is their website: http://misturaicecream.com/
6) Cava
If you’re into liquid diets make sure to have some Cava. Cava is Spain’s sparkling wine or champagne as I like to call it. It’s a travel tradition of mine to get champagne wherever I go. Although, you can’t go wrong in Spain. Most of their Cava’s are delicious and may I say dirt cheap. This also goes for their wine selection. At one recent point, their wine was cheaper than buying bottled water.
Back home I always buy Cava. It’s something I’ve adopted from my travels. Although, the Champagne snobs always turn their noses because it’s not Cristal… What those people may not know is how to enjoy champagne. Champagne is one of those things that doesn’t improve with price. That’s all hype and snobbery. Anyway, let the Champagne flow like water.
7) Something Extra
There are many other things you need to try in Madrid. Try the Paella. Have some Catalan toast, or as they call it Glassed Bread. Catalan toast is toasted bread with the essence of garlic (otherwise known as so little garlic you might miss it) and some tomato squeezed on top… It’s a great snack.
There is so much more on this list but I didn’t try everything… Maybe next time, I’ll eat more!
I also ate at a restaurant called Dingo, its chic, Instagram worthy but most importantly, the food is great.
Let Me Break It Down For You:
Try everything… Try the Asian food… Check out the hole in the wall places. I ate at Woke 4 You III, Bosforos Turkish food, Mistura Ice Cream Shop, Delisco Cafe to name a few.
Mistura Ice Cream’s website: http://misturaicecream.com/
Delisco’s Website: http://www.delisco.es/index.php/es/
The calamari sandwich is so tasty it’s surprising.
Always drink Cava and cafe con leche.
The churros and chocolate are great if it’s something you’ve never tried before.
Pick and choose from this list or create your own.
I’d love to hear what hidden gems you recommend in the comments.
To share is to care said the prolific writer once upon a time ago!
PIN ME ON PINTEREST
