\r\n<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
One of the best parts of discovering a new city is tasting local delights! Madrid does not disappoint with tons of hidden treasures for food lovers.<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
With restaurants featuring classic Madrid cooking, regional Spanish cuisine, and plenty of tapas, there’s something for everyone. With our tips, you’ll learn all the secrets for how to eat like a local in Madrid!<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
![\"There](\"http:\/\/assets.devourtours.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/eat-like-a-local-in-Madrid-1.png\")
<\/figure><\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n1. Know that Tapas are More than Small Plates<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Dinner in Madrid means tapas! And how do we eat tapas in Madrid? Here in the capital, “tapas” is more a style of eating than the size of the plates. The most common way to do tapas in Madrid is by ordering large plates called raciones,<\/em> and sharing them among the group.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Madrile\u00f1os<\/em>, or people from Madrid, swarm tapas bars and order a variety of plates to be enjoyed among friends. This is not a sit-down, steak-and-two-sides kind of deal. It’s a feast for the senses with plates of cured meats, grilled seafood, salads, cheese plates and more coming out of furious kitchens to hungry diners.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Insider’s Tip:<\/strong> For a great tapas-style meal, order a few plates at a time and try going to several places, grabbing something at each place. You can always order more, so start small and build as you eat like a local in Madrid!<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n One of the most important parts of enjoying a great meal in Madrid is knowing when to go. Kitchens in Spanish restaurants usually have very specific hours. Here’s a quick cheat sheet:<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n 8 am:<\/strong> Have a coffee before leaving the house Eating in Madrid is tied to the seasons. During the winter months look for cocido madrile\u00f1o<\/em><\/a>, Madrid’s hearty stew made with garbanzo beans, meats, and vegetables. In the hot summer months, cold soups are king. Gazpacho<\/em> and its silkier cousin salmorejo<\/a><\/em> are menu musts!<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n One of the best ways to start your day and eat like a local in Madrid is with a nice cup of coffee and tostada con tomate <\/em>(toast with fresh tomato puree). <\/em>This classic breakfast combination consists of a small toasted baguette served with a little bowl of freshly-pureed tomato.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n You spoon the tomato over the bread and then drizzle it with olive oil and sprinkle with salt. It’s like sunshine on bread! If you’re feeling like a little protein kick, you can add on some cured Spanish ham! For help on how to order your coffee in Spanish, check out our Spanish coffee ordering guide<\/a> or take a look at the video below.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n![\"If](\"http:\/\/madridfoodtour.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/06\/sharing-tapas-white-wine.jpg\")
2. Know the Timetable<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
\r\n11 am:<\/strong> Have breakfast; either a toasted baguette with fresh tomato and olive oil, churros
\r\ncon chocolate, or a pastry
\r\n2 pm-3 pm:<\/strong> Have lunch; this is the biggest meal of the day
\r\n6 pm-7 pm:<\/strong> Have your afternoon snack, which is called a merienda<\/em>
\r\n9 pm and on:<\/strong> Have dinner<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n3. Go Seasonal<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
![\"A](\"http:\/\/assets.devourtours.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/IMG_6028-1.jpg\")
<\/a>4. Try a Typical Breakfast<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
![\"The](\"http:\/\/madridfoodtour.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/06\/toast-tostada-olive-oil-tomato.jpg\")