Madrid Gastronomy
Since Felipe II made Madrid the capital of
Spain, numerous recipes and influences from all the regions of
the country entered in its kitchen. Today it is practically impossible
to say which dishes are original, and which are imported. The
dishes that are called "madrileño" in Spain are
mainly hotpots, such as the well-known Cocido Madrileño
with chick-peas. Among regional specialities have to be named
the delicious Croquetas de Pollo y Jamón (chicken and ham
croquettes), asparagus from Aranjuez, and the very typical Sopa
de Ajo, a soup made of garlic. There are many dishes of lamb and
veal, but - perhaps a bit surprising considering its geographic
location - Madrid is a real paradise for the lovers of any kind
of fish. It has the second biggest fish market in the world (behind
Tokyo), and as well in shops as in many restaurants you will find
an ample selection and extraordinary quality. Traditional sweets
are the Roscos de Santo, which are made specially for for the
Festival of San Isidro.