🇪🇸 Madrid | Just Had the BEST Paella of My Life 🥘

A food roundup from Madrid’s city center. Though I only visited Madrid and Barcelona this time, both cities totally delivered in taste! Madrid has so many small, traditional spots focusing on signature dishes — simple, authentic, and full of flavor. 🍴 El Cucurucho del Mar 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 The paella of my dreams — I’ll be back! Perfectly cooked — not underdone, not overly salty — already beats most places. Every grain of rice was soaked in rich seafood broth. Loads of fresh seafood + we added a European lobster (tasted like Maine lobster tbh 😆). €23 per person + €20 for the lobster = crazy good value! Also tried their fried peppers — delicious and not too salty. Highly recommend! 🍫 Chocolatería San Ginés 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 This place redefined churros for me! Crispy outside, chewy and soft inside — not oily or heavy. A must-try 24-hour classic! 🍖 Casa Ciriaco 🌟🌟🌟🌟 Opened in 1897 — right near the Royal Palace and perfect before/after visiting Mercado de San Miguel. Stewed tripe: Tender and flavorful (but a bit salty) Garlic fried sweetbreads: Crispy outside, creamy inside — no weird smell! Not greasy at all. 🦐 La Casa del Abuelo 🌟🌟🌟 A tapas chain with a simple menu. Must-order: sizzling garlic shrimp + lemon beer. Also tried fried shrimp and mushroom croquettes — soft inside, crispy outside — pretty similar though. 🍻 La Oreja de Jaime Tiny, crowded, authentic bar vibe — one hardworking server runs the whole place! ⚠️ Warning: Everything is SALTY here 😅 Fried pig’s ear: Cheesy and crispy (but salty) Mussels: Over-salted Fried peppers: Well-cooked but heavily salted Grilled mushrooms with shrimp: The only non-salty dish — juicy and tasty! #MadridFood #TravelSpain #PaellaLover #FoodDiary