Mercado Little Spain

Churros con Chocolate

Crisp, ridged churros dusted in sugar and served with thick, dark drinking chocolate for dipping — consistently the most-praised item in the hall

Jamón Ibérico de Bellota

Hand-carved acorn-fed jamón ibérico at the dedicated station — silky, intensely nutty, and deeply marbled; the emotional center of the market

Croquetas de Jamón

Molten, béchamel-filled croquettes with jamón threaded throughout — crisp shell giving way to a rich, salty interior

Pan con Tomate

Grilled bread rubbed with ripe tomato and finished with olive oil and salt — deceptively simple, executed with quality ingredients

Tortilla Española

Classic potato and egg omelette, served at room temperature in the traditional style — custardy center, firm edges

Patatas Bravas

Fried potato cubes with a smoky bravas sauce and aioli — properly spiced, not the timid American version

Gambas al Ajillo

Shell-on shrimp swimming in garlicky, slightly spicy olive oil — best eaten with bread to soak up every drop of the sauce

Paella

Served at the sit-down section; the socarrat (crispy bottom layer) is the draw — mixed quality reports, better at off-peak hours when not rushed

Bocadillo de Calamares

Fried squid on a crusty roll — a Madrid street-food classic done straight; simple, satisfying, easy to eat while standing at the counter

Huevos Rotos