Exploring Madrid Cuisines

Spanish culture and good food are almost synonymous, just as it is linked to all forms of social entertainment. Madrid is considered to be a melting pot for cuisines from around the world. If you plan to visit restaurants in Madrid, skip the burgers and pizzas and experiment with new culinary delights and experiences. Food options in Madrid offer variety so don’t miss the opportunity to enjoy varied dishes. As George Bernard Shaw aptly said, "I dislike feeling at home when I am abroad."

Madrid Food: Timings and Courses
Across the world, breakfast is considered to be the 'most important' meal of the day but Spaniards prefer small breakfasts. This may be due to the fact that they are not early risers. Most eating joints in Madrid begin functioning only after 8 a.m. so breakfast is generally served around 9.30 a.m.

Traditional breakfast items are:
* Magdalenas: Also known as ‘Maria’ crackers, these round shaped crackers (biscuit) are sweet.
* Churros: They are lightly fried and garnished with honey or sugar. They resemble large French fries and are considered to be the Spanish version of doughnuts.
* Torrijas: This is a form of pudding generally made of white bread and served with cinnamon and sugar or honey. Though it is a popular breakfast recipe, it is also served as dessert. 

A Spanish lunch is the largest meal of the day and it is called 'La Comida.' Restaurants in Madrid generally served lunch between 2.00 and 3.00 p.m with a number of courses such as:

Appetizers or Entrantes: Popular appetizer in Madrid is 'tapas.' These are finger foods, made of a variety of ingredients such as:
* Meat
* Ham
* Olives
* Cheese which are served on toothpicks.

Main course: A main course could include vegetable and/or meat dishes. The vegetarian dishes in Madrid consist of a mixture of fresh vegetables, spices and sauces. Beans, asparagus and garlic are popular ingredients in these dishes. Seafood items such as fish, clams and shrimp are also very popular in Madrid. Some famous seafood dishes are:
* Bacalao con Tomate (cod fish served with tomato sauce)
* Sardinas a la Santanderina (fried and sautéed sardines)
* Meat items such as beef, lamb and pork dishes are also popularly served in the main course. Some popular meat dishes are Cochifrito (potted lamb in lemon) and Cochinillo Asado (roast pig).

Dessert or Postre: This comprises different types of ice cream and custard. A dessert is also generally served with an espresso coffee. A well known dessert dish is Flan, which is a vanilla egg custard, garnished with caramel sauce.

A Spanish dinner is known as ‘La Cena.’ Dinner is generally consumed after 9.00 p.m. Most restaurants in Madrid offer their lunch specials during dinner as well.

Those who love good food must visit restaurants in Madrid. Madrid food is a mixture of conventional and unusual ingredients. So, get ready to explore Madrid food options and acquire a brand new ‘appetite’ for life.