Madrid is a culinary jewel and if you wanted to sample a traditional meal you have many delights ahead of you. Madrid regional cuisine is of course typically Spanish. THeir food has history all its own and If you were to enjoy a strictly traditional "Madrilenos" meal you would probably be partaking of many of the following:

Sopa de ajo: A typical Spanish garlic soup that was originally considered a peasant dish since it is made with the most basic of ingredients, garlic, bread and water. Traditional additions to the soup would be ham and poached eggs. This soup is favored in the Castilla-Leon region and is beloved as a tasty treat during the cold winters.

Cocido Madrileno: A stew combining chick peas with vegetables most often potatoes, but cabbage carrots and turnips can be added as well. The meat is normally pork, fresh sausage, beef shank and chicken. Ham bone and beef spine are normally added to enrich the broth. Finally a mix of ground beef, bread crumbs, parsley and other spices are added. Traditionally the ingredients are served separately. Each course is known as ‘vuelco’ or ‘overturn’ since the pot must be overturned to separate each course. The first course is the broth, the second is the chickpeas and the vegetables and the third is the meat. It is a hearty meal favored mostly in the winter, but served all year round.

Tortilla de Patatas: This potato omelet is a Spanish breakfast favorite. Ingredients are normally potatoes, eggs, and onions, though many different foods can be added. Though it is often a breakfast dish, Tortilla de patatas is also served in bars as tapas and can be eaten hot or cold. This is a very traditional and especially delicious dish.

Besugo al Horno: Baked Bream fish is a much loved recipe in Madrid. Traditionally this meal is served on Christmas eve. Though not a coastal city, Madrid receives shipments of fresh ingredients daily from all over the country. This dish has a long history in Madrid and guarantees not to disappoint. It is most often served with roasted potatoes, tomatoes and onions.

Tapas: These savory morsels come in a great variety and are served as appetizers. There are all kinds of tapas made with all kinds of ingredients including, shrimp, dried cured ham, eggs, potatoes, sausage, the list goes on and on. A delightful part of Spanish culture, paired with a glass of wine this tradition is highly recommended.

Desserts and Sweets

Madrid loves its sweets and the best way to appreciate these delectable delights is to try them yourself. If you are in Madrid you must try these traditional desserts.

Barquillos: Made of flour, sugar and milk these thin tubes taste similar to ice cream cones and can be stuffed with powdered milk to make them flavorful. You can find these for sale from street vendors during festivals and celebrations throughout Spain.

Torrijas: Traditionally eaten at Easter time these sweet treats resemble French toast. Made with slices of bread dunked in a milk and egg mixture, the slices are fired in olive oil and typically eaten as a breakfast food. Torrijas can be dipped in syrup, wine, and honey or eaten with a sprinkling of sugar.

Turron: There are two types of this old Moorish treat. Turron Duro is hard almond nougat much like peanut brittle. The second type is turron blando, a soft, smoother version much like the consistency of peanut butter. This treat is normally enjoyed at Christmas, but can be purchased throughout the year.

Mazapan: Otherwise known as marzipan, this tasty little treat is made with almonds and sugar and is popular all over the world including Madrid.

Rosquillas de Anis: These anise flavored donuts and are very popular during the festival of San Isidro and have a very traditional taste. Rosquillas de anis has a strong licorice flavor but is well worth a try.

Now that you know a little more about true Madrileno meals and desserts you can learn about the wonderful wines and liquors available in the Madrid region. In Spain wine is a daily indulgence normally at lunch and dinner. There is no ceremony when it comes to drinking wine in the Spanish world. Bottles of wine grace the table everyday for anyone who wishes to partake. Teens are sometimes served a mix of wine and sparking water to symbolize their nearing adulthood. Good wine is not difficult to come by anywhere in Spain. Red, white and rose wines are popular across Spain and the traditional wine based drink of Sangria is an old stand-by. If you wanted to finish a meal in Madrid in a completely typical way you'd likely have a glass of Anisado de Chinchon. This popular liqueur is made in the village of Chinchon just outside Madrid. Other popular drinks include:

Orujo: Liquor whose key ingredient is the residue left over from making wine. It is normally clear in color, but turns a yellow shade when aged. This alcohol is popular in northern Spain.

Licor 43: Is vanilla flavored and is supposedly an ancient recipe dating back thousands of years. It tends to be a before dinner aperitif.

Madrid is the heart of Spain and the soul of Spanish food. The history of Madrid's culinary past is as rich and textured as its many dishes. The foods listed above will give you a taste of a traditional Madrid meal and a sense of the true Madrileno culinary culture.