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Madrid’s iconic tapas scene is the stuff of legends. Of the various drool-worthy snacking plates related to this communal-style eating expertise, croquetas, or croquettes, need to be my favourite.

These deep-fried delights are at all times stand-outs on my Madrid meals excursions, as their crunchy exterior and creamy filling make for the right pairing. What’s extra, the flavour combos are seemingly countless, that means there are croquetas in Madrid for each palate.

On this article, I’ll run you thru my picks for the place to safe the Spanish capital’s tastiest croquetas!

The Historical past and Significance of Croquetas in Spain

Croquetas is perhaps a staple in Spanish delicacies, however they’re really a French creation. Many credit score chef Antonin Carême with inventing croquettes à la royale in 18th-century France, who first ready these snacks utilizing leftover meals.

They arrived in Spain within the following century, and the recipes diversified over time. The French tended to stay to potato-based fillings, whereas béchamel sauce, ham, and cheese turned standard amongst Spaniards.

Totally different Varieties of Croquetas in Madrid

One thing I really like about croquetas in Madrid is the sheer quantity of fillings and taste combos obtainable, making them a terrific tapas dish whatever the dietary choices you’re on the lookout for.

Conventional Croquetas: Traditional components embrace ham, typically the Iberian selection, rooster, and salted cod. These meats had been usually teamed with béchamel sauce or varied varieties of cheese.

Trendy and Connoisseur Croquetas: Because the years glided by, cooks turned more and more revolutionary with their selection of fillings. Modern eateries supply all the things from squid and black truffles to chorizo and oxtail croquetas.

Vegetarian & Vegan Croquetas: Plant-based foodies can discover croquettes with vegan béchamel sauce and cheeses combined with stuffings like mushrooms, leeks, spinach, and pine nuts.

Greatest Locations to Eat Croquetas in Madrid

Casa Labra

Photograph credit score: Casa Labra

It’s typically the standard, no-frills eateries that serve the best meals, which is undoubtedly true for Casa Labra within the Sol neighborhood. This cozy tavern has been round because the 1860s and is among the greatest eating places in Madrid for croquettes.

Having by no means visited earlier than, I, after all, needed to strive their much-loved cod croquetas. Fortuitously, they had been simply as scrumptious as I hoped they’d be. Whereas the golden breadcrumbs had been completely crisp, it was the flaky, calmly salted cod that made these croquettes so memorable.

Casa Labra – 28013 Madrid – Open each Monday to Saturday from 1:15 pm to 4:00 pm and from 8:15 pm to 10:00 pm, closed each Sunday.

Pez Tortilla

Photograph credit score: Pez Tortilla

Pez Tortilla is a shiny, homely tapas bar with areas everywhere in the metropolis, and I grew particularly keen on the La Latina department. It was tightly packed inside, however the sensational meals made it value braving the crowded eating space!

I discovered a number of the most delectable croquetas in Madrid right here, however the mushroom and truffle cream selection was on one other stage. Wealthy, velvety, and earthy, each chew was even higher than the final.

Pez Tortilla – 28005 Madrid – Open each Monday to Wednesday from 6:00 pm to 12:00 am, Thursday to Saturday from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm, and each Sunday from 12:00 pm to 12:00 am.

El Minibar

El Minibar close to Plaza Mayor got here extremely beneficial as a must-try restaurant for croquettes, and I used to be shortly charmed by the quirky and colourful decor.

I ordered the croqueta choice, my favourite of which was the ham and cheese. There’s simply one thing in regards to the mixture of savory ham, gooey cheese, and crackling breadcrumbs that I’ll by no means tire of.

El Minibar – 28013 Madrid – Open each Monday to Thursday and Sunday from 10:00 am to 2:00 am and each Friday and Saturday from 10:00 am to 2:30 am.

Velarde 13

Near Plaza del Dos de Mayo is Velarde 13, a contemporary tapas joint with excessive ceilings and uncovered brick characteristic that boasts a number of the greatest croquetas in Madrid.

Ever since I ate right here, I’ve been dreaming about their Iberian ham and béchamel sauce croquettes. As filling as they had been, I couldn’t assist however end every morsel of juicy ham and silky sauce. The beer choice right here was additionally fairly nice, and I teamed my croquettes with a chilly glass of malty Turia.

Velarde 13 – 28004 Madrid – Closed each Monday and Tuesday, open Wednesday and Thursday from 8:00 pm to 12:30 am, Friday and Saturday from 1:00 pm to five:00 pm, and from 8:00 pm to 2:30 am, and each Sunday from 1:00 pm to five:30 pm.

B13 Bar

A good friend of mine launched me to B13 Bar, a vegan eatery only a few minutes stroll from the well-known Gran By way of buying road. Regardless of its trendy, plant-based idea, B13 Bar is as laidback and rustic as any old-school restaurant within the metropolis.

These guys concentrate on creating veggie takes on Spanish delicacies and have nailed the traits of croquette. I took an opportunity on the pumpkin and leek model. Despite the fact that I used to be somewhat uncertain about what to anticipate, the candy flavors and creamy filling had been comforting and hearty.

B13 Bar – 28004 Madrid – Closed each Monday, open Tuesday to Thursday and Sunday from 1:30 pm to five:30 pm and from 8:30 pm to 12:00 am, and each Friday and Saturday from 1:30 pm to five:30 pm and from 8:30 pm to 1:00 am.

How one can Order and Get pleasure from Croquetas Like a Native

• The very best drink pairings for croquettes will rely primarily on the kind of fillings you select. You’ll typically discover locals having fun with meat-based varieties with crimson wines like tempranillo, refreshing lagers, or vermouth.
• Croquetas and different tapas dishes are available at any time of day, however early afternoon or after 8:00 pm are usually the preferred occasions amongst locals.
• When you’re desirous to strive genuine croquetas in Madrid, select tapas bars and eating places in neighborhoods like La Latina and Barrio de las Letras. Look out for particular presents and menus of the day, which can characteristic varied croquette types.

Sources:

Consuming Europe. (n.d.). Madrid meals excursions & experiences. Consuming Europe. Retrieved March 14, 2025, from https://www.eatingeurope.com/madrid/

Consuming Europe. (n.d.). Greatest eating places in Madrid: A neighborhood’s information to eating within the metropolis. Consuming Europe. Retrieved March 14, 2025, from https://www.eatingeurope.com/weblog/best-restaurants-in-madrid/

Casa Labra. (n.d.). Casa Labra Madrid – Official web site. Retrieved March 14, 2025, from http://www.casalabra.es/en/

Pez Tortilla. (n.d.). Pez Tortilla official web site. Retrieved March 14, 2025, from https://peztortilla.com/

TripAdvisor. (n.d.). El miniBAR – Restaurant opinions. Retrieved March 14, 2025, from https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Restaurant_Review-g187514-d3688138-Opinions-El_miniBAR-Madrid.html

Velarde13. (n.d.). Velarde13 – Official web site. Retrieved March 14, 2025, from https://www.velarde13.com/?utm_source=gmb&utm_medium=gmb&utm_id=net

TripAdvisor. (n.d.). B13 – Restaurant opinions. Retrieved March 14, 2025, from https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Restaurant_Review-g187514-d3836807-Opinions-B13-Madrid.html