Every time I think of Spain, the first picture that comes to my mind is a group of cheerful, vivacious people having a good time and enjoying some delicious food & Sangria. Unless you try what the locals eat, the experience of the place is incomplete.Tapas, I feel are synonymous to Spanish cuisine.They are referred to as pintxos in the northern region. They maybe small portions but they are big on taste. You can call them appetizers, starters or snacks, but for somebody who likes variety, a combination of different tapas can form a perfect meal. They can be cold or hot, cooked or uncooked, vegan or vegetarian. The list is long.
#1 MADRID –
#TAPAS Puerta de Sol
Located in the heart of the city, this famous square is lined with restaurants, bars, cafes, ham & cheese shops. Bustling with tourists, its charming and alive. The most fascinating are the cave bars each famous for a particular tapas and some also serve a variety.
TIP: Cave Hopping – Visit different caves and try their specialty with Sangria
Delectable Mushrooms served with a Big Smile
Sangria is served in earthen jugs
Pimientos de Padròn (Spicy peppers) – Another superstar from the caves
Finest ham in the world. It has a delicious nutty flavorAn Endless Variety of Ham can be found in Ham
#TIP: Vacuum packed ham is an ideal thing to take back from Spain.
#MARKETS : Mercado de San Miguel
The oldest and the most beautiful food markets in Madrid. Even if you don’t want to buy anything, its a market which should be experienced, just for its lovely sights and smells. This market is serious competition to London’s Borough Market. A must visit in Madrid.
#Paella – The showstopper in Madrid
This stunning dish is a concoction of vegetables, chicken and seafood. It can be customized as per one’s choice.It is eaten with aioli (garlic mayonnaise). It can be eaten as whole meal or as a starter. Most tapas bars serve Paella as a tapa. Paella may have humble roots, but this wholesome dish is definitely the king of all dishes.
Paella at the L’Albufera restaurant at the Melià hotel
#2 TOLEDO
The city of 3 cultures – There was a time when muslims, jews and christians lived here in harmony. This timeless city is a UNESCO world heritage site. It is just an hours drive from Madrid.
Spend some time strolling in the city. You will cross many souvenir shops selling medieval swords in all sizes. It is a great souvenir take back home. While walking you will spot many cafes and bars. Grab a seat and enjoy some local specialties.
Gambas al ajillo (Garlic Prawns)
The aroma was so heavenly, that I was in love with the them before eating them. Cooking with the shell elevates the taste. Slightly messy, but definitely worth it.
Patatas Bravas (Fried Potatoes with Spicy sauce)
They are fried potatoes, served with a spicy tomato sauce called Brava. Also sometimes, accompanied by aioli (garlic mayonnaise).
#3 SEVILLE
A city so stunning, you will fall in love on first sight. The charm of the city lies in its architecture which is a unique combination of moorish, gothic and Renaissance styles.
Just lose yourself in the maze of alleys in the old quarter. There are many cafes and bars. Sample traditional dishes with some beer or Sangria.
#TIP- To fully experience the old city, book a hotel around the cathedral.
Pisto Con Huevo (Spanish style Ratatouille)
Fresh vegetables stewed in tomato sauce served with egg. Delicoso!
Pimiento Rojo en aceite de oliva (Grilled Red Peppers in olive oil)
Smoky and sweet, served with tuna. Scrumptious!
Seville is a great city to wake up to. I suggest, walk up to the nearest cafe. Enjoy some Spanish breakfast before starting your day in this wonderful city.
Cafè con Leche (Coffee with milk)
Coffee may not be the best but the vibe is awesome
Have some bread and jam or churros with chocolate sauce or just a croissant.
Mansi is bitten by the travel bug, when she is not travelling, she is usually planning her next trip.The world is enormous.There are endless possibilities and she wants to see every corner of it. Food is an important part of her life and also her travels
Empty Rucksack travelers is an attempt to bring together many wonderful stories of career breaks, long term vacations and great travel destinations together at one place. The posts authored by Empty Rucksack Travelers are put together by Vikram and Ishwinder, an Indian couple out on a long term travel to find that perfect place in the world where they may want to stay forever.
Guys, you have got a few things wrong. Paella in Madrid is nothing extraordinary, it is a Valencian dish. Also, the photograph of a cappucino has been labeled cafe con leche. And Patatas Bravas is a Madrid special thing, not Toledo. I could list out a few places if you want. Asking the locals for the best places and dishes around is the best bet.
I guess you can have best of paella in Madrid, even if, it’s a speciality from Valencia. It’s like best of pizza is available in North America. This is a good guide form a visitor who went to few places in Spain and tried the local food. Pictures are attractive and mouth-watering. The most important thing is the effort to write and remember the names and places and share the experience.
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Guys, you have got a few things wrong. Paella in Madrid is nothing extraordinary, it is a Valencian dish. Also, the photograph of a cappucino has been labeled cafe con leche. And Patatas Bravas is a Madrid special thing, not Toledo. I could list out a few places if you want. Asking the locals for the best places and dishes around is the best bet.
I guess you can have best of paella in Madrid, even if, it’s a speciality from Valencia. It’s like best of pizza is available in North America. This is a good guide form a visitor who went to few places in Spain and tried the local food. Pictures are attractive and mouth-watering. The most important thing is the effort to write and remember the names and places and share the experience.