Madrid’s culinary scene is constantly evolving, and there’s no better guide to the city’s food than Joy, a tour guide and Instagram star who has spent years exploring its markets, restaurants, and tapas bars. I recently interviewed her for my podcast, which you can listen to below but if you’re short on time, here’s a roundup of the top food spots and trends that you need to know about, based on her experiences and recommendations.
Food Trends Shaping Madrid Today
Certain food crazes come and go in Madrid, and right now, one of the hottest trends is smash burgers. “They’re kind of having a moment in Madrid,” Joy explains, “everywhere feels like they’re doing their own version of a smash burger.” These burgers, characterized by their thin, crispy patties, have been popping up all over the city.
Another trend Joy has noticed is the rise of Middle Eastern cuisine, especially Lebanese food. “There are a few restaurants I’ve been to in the last year. Mune is one which is higher-end Middle Eastern food,” she says. “It’s nice to see Spaniards as a whole becoming more interested in other cuisines because I think the traditional old school thought here would be, ‘Well, why would you want anything other than Spanish food? It’s the best food in the world!’ And you’re like, look, I love Spanish food, but I also love Japanese and Mexican and all the other stuff. So nice to see them embracing that a little bit more.”
Must-Try Dishes and Where to Find Them
Joy, of course, adores Spanish food too and is the perfect person to ask about where to an authentic meal.
1. Cocido Madrileño
This traditional slow-cooked stew is a staple of Madrid’s cuisine. As Joy describes, “It’s a slow-cooked stew that has beef, pork, chicken, chickpeas, potatoes, usually cabbage, maybe some other veg, but it’s a multi-course meal because the very first thing you’re going to be served is the broth that all of those things are cooked in, cooked together in with some angel hair noodles.”
Joy’s top recommendations for cocido are:
- Malacatín in La Latina: “One of the oldest restaurants in Madrid… Very hard to get into because as soon as the weather becomes vaguely cocido appropriate, it books up. You have to call and reserve in advance, but it’s highly, highly, highly worth it in my opinion.”
- Los Galayos on Plaza Mayor: “I am usually a massive sceptic of eating anything on the Plaza Mayor but Los Galayos do a really, really good cocido.”
2. Bocadillo de Calamares (Fried Calamari Sandwich)
A beloved Madrid dish, the fried calamari sandwich is simple yet delicious. Joy emphasizes, “Madrid does such fabulous seafood. It’s literally just fried calamari and bread and like a squeeze of lemon. Nothing else going on, but the calamari is so good.” For a true taste of this local speciality, try:
- La Campana and La Ideal, located just off the Plaza Mayor. Both spots are popular for their calamari sandwiches, often with lines out the door.
3. Spanish Vermouth
Vermouth, a fortified wine with herbs and spices, is a classic aperitif in Madrid. Joy explains, “Vermouth exists on sort of a spectrum of very sweet and very bitter. I tend to like the middle ground leaning towards the sweeter side.” Enjoy it at a traditional bar before a meal, as it’s commonly served in Spain.”
For good vermouth, Joy is fond of Hermanos Vinagre, which has two locations in the city. “I really like the little one off the Plaza de Chueca or the newer one on Calle Cardenal Cisneros. Amazing vermut selection!” she says.
Exploring Madrid’s Food Markets
Madrid’s markets have transformed into culinary hubs where you can enjoy various flavors. Here are a few must-visit markets:
- Mercado de Antón Martín: Joy recommends this market because “it has done a really good job of staying traditional and modernizing… Anton Martín has a little bit of everything. There’s Mexican, there’s Japanese, there’s a really famous Japanese place inside there called Yokoloka.”
- Mercado de Vallehermoso: Known for its craft beer, spicy Asian food, and standout restaurants like Tripea, where “you have to wait for like the minute that their reservation system opens to jump on getting a booking.”
- Tirso de Molina Market: This red brick market is perfect for a more local atmosphere. Joy says, “It’s just got really good… vibes. It just feels very homey and like everybody’s welcome.”
Top Foodie Souvenirs
Joy has some tips for foodie souvenirs to bring a taste of Spain back with you:
- Saffron: “It’s so lovely, such good quality here and so much more affordable than back home.”
- Olive Oil: Spain’s olive oil is world-renowned. Joy recommends exploring different varieties, saying, “I like introducing people to different kinds of olive oil that they might not have had before.”
- Jamon Iberico: Although not technically allowed to be brought into the U.S., Joy jokes, “If I want to stay in my parents’ Manhattan apartment, I better bring them ham!”
Madrid’s food scene offers something for every palate, whether you’re a fan of traditional dishes or excited to explore new culinary trends. Make sure to sample some of these recommendations during your next visit! Better yet, book a tour with Joy.
