Madrid Cuisine
Madrid is home to many citizens who have moved to the city from different areas of Spain, giving it an amazingly diverse cuisine. The food here is flavorful and varied, with dishes featuring anything from meats, seafood, rice and fresh vegetables. Food connoisseurs often argue as to whether Madrid actually has a cuisine all of its own or not, since it exists mostly as fusions of other region's staples.

A common way to dine in Madrid is by going to a restaurant that serves a Menu del Dia, or Menu of the Day. This is a set-price menu in which diners receive a drink (usually wine, beer or a soft drink) and bread, and can pick an appetizer, entree and dessert from a number of different options. This is a good way to try different foods, and is usually very reasonable. Another great way to sample various foods is to go to a Tapas bar. Tapas are small appetizers that are ordered with drinks, and are perfect for a light meal or a snack.

One thing to keep in mind while dining in Madrid, or anywhere in Spain for that matter: the locals tend to eat late, sometimes waiting until 11pm to begin their nighttime meal. Most restaurants don't open until 8 or 9 pm, so be sure to have a late snack in the afternoon to hold yourself over!

Cocido Madrileno is a common Madrid dish, which is a stew combining chickpeas with chicken, beef and pork, and a wide array of vegetables. This makes for a hearty, if huge, meal. Tortilla de Patatas is a potato omelet that can be commonly found in restaurants. They also make Tortilla de Patatas to go as a sandwich in a hot, crusty bun. These delicious sandwiches can be bought at convenience stores, cafes and food stands.

Madrid's menus are packed with various seafood dishes, despite the fact that the city is nowhere near the ocean. Tapas often include treats from the sea such as squid, prawns and snails. A common main dish is Bacalao or cod, which can be served many ways.

For dessert, a delicious treat is Churros, a deep-fried donut that is ordered with a thick, sweet hot chocolate for dipping. Flan, a type of egg custard, is also popular, as are Barquillos, a type of rolled wafer. Turron is a soft and hard nougat served around Christmastime, and Rosquillas de Anis are anise-flavored donuts that are made during the festival of San Isidro.