Foods to Eat in Spain - Madrid

- Bocadillo de Calamares -

Sometimes the best things in life, are the simple things and there are few things more simple than Bocadillo de Calamares, succulent breaded squid rings sandwiched by a warm toasty baguette which goes especially well with a cold beer (or two). What is there not to like?

This sandwich is very popular in Madrid as it is cheap and easy to eat on the go and you will often smell its aroma when there a shops selling it, especially dotted around the Plaza Major, however, a word of warning is that to be careful of some of the restaurants directly on (facing) the concourse. While you certainly won't be unhappy with the taste of the food, the value for money isn't as good as the price is often much higher than normal (in some cases, double the amount) due to the abundance of tourists in the area coupled with higher rent. Therefore I would recommend you to instead go to Bar la Campana, which is just behind Plaza Major, tucked in one of the many side streets where one Bocadillo de Calamares only costs 2.70 euros (and is indeed the cost for any Bocadillo with your choice of meat filling).

Another place is Casa María which is on the Plaza Major concourse (gasp) but it serves well made Bocadillo's with reasonable prices (2.90-3.50 euros depending on size). It's convenient location means that it might not be as much of a trek to get there, compared to some other, more hole-in-the-wall-esque restaurants.

There is also a variation of the Bocadillo de Calamares found in Zaragoza where a spicy tomato and garlic mayonnaise sauce is added which complements the fried squid particularly well as it cuts through some of the oiliness. When all is said and done, the best features of this dish lie in its simplicity and the contrasting textures of crusty bread, crunchy bread coating and chewy squid. In my opinion, I think it tastes best as is, however, many of my friends swear by the spicy mayonnaise and a few prefer it with a squeeze of lemon juice. Whatever your opinion, it is safe to say that you won't be disappointed.