As the capital of one of the healthiest countries in the world, you\u2019re spoiled for choice when it comes to grocery stores in Madrid.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

There are supermarkets, indoor and outdoor markets, fishmongers, charcuteries, butchers, bakeries, and delis everywhere. You can find everything you want just by stepping outside your front door and going for a stroll through the barrio <\/em>on a sunny day. <\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

But how do you go about deciding where to get the good stuff? For starters, it\u2019s time to discard what you thought you knew about grocery shopping, and learn to think like a local. <\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

In most cases, that means saying goodbye to getting everything in one place. Forget supermarkets\u2014instead, think individual shops and market stalls that specialize in just one thing, and sell the highest-quality versions of it.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Here\u2019s how to navigate the different options for grocery stores in Madrid, and ensure you get the best of the best. <\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Types of Food Shops in Spain<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Before we get into where to buy groceries in Spain, it helps to have a brief overview of what the different types of shops are called. Here are some words used for common types of food establishments in Spain. You may see these at food markets, as standalone shops on a street, or even as sections in a large grocery store.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

• Fruter\u00eda<\/em><\/strong>: Greengrocer<\/li>
• Carnicer\u00eda<\/em><\/strong>: Butcher (in Madrid, this often doesn’t include poultry, though carnicer\u00edas<\/em> in other parts of Spain usually do)<\/li>
• Charcuter\u00eda<\/em><\/strong>: Deli <\/li>
• Poller\u00eda<\/em><\/strong>: Poultry shop<\/li>
• Pescader\u00eda<\/em><\/strong>: Fishmonger<\/li>
• Panader\u00eda<\/em><\/strong>: Bakery that makes bread and rolls<\/li>
• Pasteler\u00eda<\/em><\/strong>: Bakery that makes pastries and sweets<\/li><\/ul>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

  Indoor Food Markets<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

  Every neighborhood has its own indoor market, and shopping there is an integral part of Spanish culture. Many locals are on a first-name basis with vendors, who probably already know what many of their customers want out of habit. That\u2019s pretty impressive for such a large capital city\u2014each neighborhood<\/a> is like a village.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

  Most markets in Madrid<\/a> will have a bar or even a restaurant, and it\u2019s perfectly normal to have a quick drink, a cup of coffee, or even a full meal before or after picking up your goods. <\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

  What to Buy at an Indoor Food Market in Madrid<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

  • Produce<\/strong>. Here\u2019s the key equation for getting fruit and vegetables: seasonal plus local equals better tasting produce and more sustainable agriculture. Find out what\u2019s in season<\/a>, make sure it\u2019s grown locally and go for that. <\/li>
  • Cured meats and cheeses<\/strong>. Look for delis and charcuteries, then brace yourself for some major indecision. Acorn-fed Iberian ham, cecina <\/em>(dried and salted beef) from Le\u00f3n, Asturian blue cheese, Spain\u2019s famed Manchego\u2014you name it, any deli stand worth its salt will have it. <\/li>
  • Seafood<\/strong>! Wait, what? Madrid doesn\u2019t have a sea. True. But as the capital of a country surrounded by the Mediterranean and the Atlantic, the freshest and best quality seafood is shipped to Madrid first thing every morning. <\/li>
  • Beef, pork and poultry at the butcher<\/strong> (often in separate stalls). On the other hand, sometimes you\u2019ll find the butcher sharing the same stall with those selling cheeses and cured meats. <\/li><\/ul>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n