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Try the finest tapas that Spain can offer in some of the liveliest tapas bars going. Madrid, with its thousands of small atmospheric tabernas serving food, is truly the epicentre of the world's tapa scene. But what is a tapa exactly? Let's call it a very tasty bite of almost anything, usually scoffed with an excellent wine or beers, allowing you to keep on drinking but not on an empty stomach. Getting hungry?
Our tapas tour of Old Madrid is designed to let you try a broad range of these delicious morsels, so that you can truly say you have "done" the best tapas in the world in Madrid. |
Madrileņos are reputed to be "cats" - addicted to fish, and some of the tastiest fishy morsels are to be had - try the boquerones (fried whitebait), bacalao (cod) or the amazing gambas (shrimp) done in wicked amounts of garlic and chilli. Oh, and the calamares (squid) and pulpo (octopus).
Patatas bravas was what made Hemmingway's bell toll when he went out on the razz in Madrid. He also munched on pigs ears and certainly didn't find the intestines or brains too offal. And no serious tapa taster would overlook the delicious Serrano Ham that literally hangs around all over (especially the Ham Museums!).
You'll also try some of the great Spanish cheeses - maybe a manchego, or if you're a sucker for cheesy punishment, ask for the ultra-tangy cabrales (sort of super-charged Roquefort). All of course washed down with copious vino tinto or a sparkling caņa of tasty local beer, just to keep the palate fresh. |
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And don't forget that Northern Spain does a great line in cider - some of the best natural ciders come from the Asturias region, and again the capital-dwellers love to slurp down a cider or three with a good crusty loaf and a chunk of cheese! Just follow our guide who will make sure you see the best (and not always easiest to find). All in you should finish the tour asking the perennial question: "Why have we nothing as civilised as this back home?"
