Tortilla de patatas. Patatas bravas. Gazpacho. Croquetas. Spanish food is one of the most recognizable cuisines in the world, known for its simplicity, bold flavors and regional diversity. From olive oil and garlic to fresh vegetables, seafood and cured meats, traditional Spanish food is built on high-quality ingredients and straightforward techniques.
If you’re spending time in Madrid – whether visiting or joining the IE Summer School – you’re in one of the best places to experience traditional Spanish dishes properly. To help you navigate it, we’ve put together a guide to some of the most famous Spanish foods.
1. Tortilla de patatas
One of the most typical Spanish dishes, tortilla de patatas is a staple in homes and bars across the country. Made with eggs, potatoes and often onion, it’s simple – but difficult to perfect.
You’ll find it everywhere in Madrid, served as a tapa or a full portion. The key is texture: soft in the center, never dry. Expect strong opinions on whether onion belongs.
2. Patatas bravas
Few dishes define Spanish tapas culture like patatas bravas. These fried potatoes are served with a spicy tomato-based sauce and often garlic aioli.
Despite their simplicity, they’re one of the most popular Spanish dishes, and one of the easiest ways to judge a bar’s quality. In Madrid, every place does them slightly differently.
3. Gazpacho
Gazpacho is a cold tomato soup from southern Spain, made with peppers, cucumber, garlic and olive oil. It might sound unusual, but in the Spanish heat it makes perfect sense.
Light, refreshing and packed with flavor, it’s a staple in summer. Especially relevant if you’re in Madrid during the IE Summer School and need to cool down in the warm weather.
4. Croquetas
Croquetas are one of the most beloved traditional Spanish foods. These small, fried bites are filled with creamy béchamel and ingredients like jamón, cod or cheese.
They’re everywhere – from casual bars to high-end restaurants – and are a key part of Spanish food culture. Homemade ones are usually uneven in shape, which is how you know they’re worth ordering.
5. Paella
Paella is probably the most famous Spanish dish internationally, originally from Valencia. It’s a rice dish cooked in a wide, shallow pan, traditionally with rabbit, chicken or seafood.
While not native to Madrid, it’s widely available. Look out for the socarrat, the crispy rice at the bottom, which many consider the best part.
6. Pimientos de Padrón
These small green peppers from Galicia are fried and sprinkled with salt. Most are mild, but occasionally one is unexpectedly spicy.
That unpredictability is part of the appeal, and why pimientos de Padrón become a staple of tapas menus across Spain.
7. Pulpo a la gallega
Pulpo a la gallega (Galician-style octopus) is a standout seafood dish. It’s typically served sliced over potatoes with paprika, olive oil and salt.
It’s simple, but very distinctive – one of the more traditional Spanish dishes you’ll come across.
8. Migas
Migas is a traditional Spanish food with humble origins. Made from fried breadcrumbs, garlic and meats like chorizo, it was originally a way to use leftover bread.
Today, it’s both comfort food and a regional specialty you’ll still find across Spain.
9. Churros
Churros are one of the most popular Spanish foods when it comes to desserts. Fried dough, coated in sugar and dipped in thick hot chocolate – it’s a classic.
In Madrid, it’s common to have churros for breakfast or late at night.
10. Leche frita
Leche frita, or “fried milk,” is a lesser-known but traditional Spanish dessert. It’s made by setting a milk-based mixture, coating it in batter and frying it.
Crispy on the outside and soft inside, it’s a good example of how inventive Spanish cuisine can be.
Why try traditional Spanish food in Madrid?
Madrid brings together Spanish dishes from every region, making it one of the best places to explore typical Spanish food in Spain in a short time.
If you’re joining the IE Summer School, this becomes part of the experience. You’ll be living in one of Europe’s most dynamic food cultures, where everyday meals reflect history, geography and lifestyle.
A list of 10 dishes could never hope to cover all the delights of Spanish gastronomy, but these examples should give you some tasty ideas to try while you study at IE University. ¡Buen provecho!
