The 5 Best Typical Products of Madrid

Madrid’s specialities are not only on restaurant menus — they are in the markets, the century-old sweet shops and the bars locals actually use. This is what hosts point guests toward.

The 5 most popular of 9 typical picks our hosts recommend — a calamari sandwich and a vermouth to taste, violet candies and madroño liqueur to carry home.

Calamari sandwich

In Madrid, the Calamari Sandwich is a classic must-try.

This delicious sandwich, filled with crunchy fried calamari, is a delicacy that reflects the culinary essence of Madrid.

You can enjoy the most famous calamari sandwiches in Madrid at "Bar La Ideal", "Bar El Brillante" or "Cervecería La Campana".

It is the perfect snack to enjoy during a walk through the lively streets of the Spanish capital.

Sabor a España

You can't leave Madrid without visiting Sabor a España! Here you will find a selection of traditional Spanish products of the highest quality, ranging from turrones to guirlaches, garrapiñadas and more nuts and dried fruits.

Opening hours are every day of the week from 10:00 am to 10:00 pm.

Enjoy the tasting experience of products with a detailed explanation that will let you know the history and elaboration behind each Spanish delicacy.

It is especially recommended to try the garrapiñados that they prepare on the spot. They are really delicious and an experience not to be missed!

More information

Cocido madrileño (stew)

Discover the delicious taste of "cocido madrileño" on your visit to Madrid!

This traditional stew, made with garbanzo beans as the star ingredient, along with vegetables, meats, and pork belly, is a true gem of local gastronomy.

Originally from the humble cuisine, "cocido madrileño" has conquered the palates of all social classes and is an essential dish on the menus of the city's restaurants.

Enjoy its classic presentation, with three servings that separate the ingredients cooked firstly in broth, then chickpeas with vegetables and potatoes, and finally the meats, for a unique gastronomic experience in Madrid.

Don't miss out this historic dish during your visit!

Vermuth

A well-poured beer is great, and wine is always welcome, but vermouth takes the art of tapas to another level. Enjoying vermouth is understanding how to navigate Madrid, especially before a meal.

Vermouth, or as the Madrileños pronounce it, "vermú", is wine macerated with herbs like wormwood, which is what gives it its name, because this plant in German is called wemut.

Visit the classic vermouth bars in Madrid, such as Bodega de la Ardosa, Vermutería Chipén or Casa Camacho, where you can taste vermouth in its most authentic form and enjoy the traditional atmosphere.

Violet candies

Discover the iconic Violet candies, a delicious and emblematic sweet typical of Madrid.

These candies, made with natural essence of violet, are a real treat for the palate and a unique experience you can't miss during your visit to the Spanish capital.

Find them in specialized stores and traditional confectioneries in Madrid, such as La Violeta, next to Puerta del Sol.

They are a perfect gift to take to family and friends.

Sweeten your Madrid experience with them!