Castilian Culinary Heritage Food Hopping Tour

Discover why Castilians are proud of their cuisine and incredible fresh products. Follow your guide to the most popular taverns, family-run shops, and extraordinary venues of Madrid, as you savor selected specialties of the Spanish capital.

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Highlights

Discover hidden restaurants, delicatessens, and markets
Meet local food and wine experts on a guided walking tour
Taste authentic cuisine as you enjoy amusing anecdotes
Visit 2 very different market halls and witness the local produce

Description

The traditional cuisine of central Spain is characterized by the dry and harsh climate of the Castilian highlands. Simple farmer’s and shepherd's dishes are popular, especially stews with pulses, or grilled pork and lamb. The locals love to enhance the natural taste of the fresh produce with just a dash of full-bodied olive oil. Embark on a 4-hour guided walking tour through the city center as you discover these incredible fresh flavors and traditions. Begin the tour at a local delicatessen, where paper-thin meat slices are carved by the master cutter with his razor-sharp knife. Sample cured products from the Spanish meseta in a lively atmosphere. Then head over to one of the most famous restaurants in Madrid, where greats such as the former King of Spain Juan Carlos, Bill Clinton, Penelope Cruz or Madrid's football celebrities come to enjoy the simple traditional country cooking. Enjoy the tasty 'scrambled' house specialty, a hearty, rustic dish. Next, continue on to a typical covered market hall with small stands and fresh produce, where the locals still shop for their everyday needs. Just around the corner, long queues form in front of Esther and Susana’s simple stall. At their must-visit destination for insiders, they prepare typical home-cooked Spanish meals based on family recipes, arousing memories of childhood and lunch at home for numerous Madrilenans. Your taste buds, too, will be delighted by this Spanish comfort food. At the other stops, reverently sip a cava inside a culinary cathedral. Nibble fresh gambas al abuelo – grandpa-style prawns. Savor the flavors of an original cocido madrileño stew at a century-old tavern overlooked by a matador’s trophy bull’s head. Taste amazing local wines at Vincentes Deli, where aristocrats and bohemians once shopped in the Literary Quarter, and relive a childhood dream by picking flowery sweets, and much, much more.

Includes

12+ delicious tastings
Local guide
4-hour walking tour
Pick up or drop-off at your accommodation
Additional food or drink
Gratuities (optional)

Important Information

Children under 18 years old must be accompanied by an adult
Children under 7 years old go free but no tastings or drinks are included
Children between 7 and 17 years old will have their own tastings and non-alcoholic drinks
Please advise us when booking of any dietary requirements
It is recommended to wear comfortable shoes because a moderate amount of walking is involved
This tour operates in all weather conditions so please dress appropriately
The maximum number of people for the tour is 12