Spain: Aidan Riehl (Food in Madrid)

Program: WIP Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Academic Year

Food in Madrid has been one of the best parts of living here. What stands out the most to me is how delicious the traditional Spanish cuisine is. No matter where you go, you can find something simple but incredibly well done. My personal favorite has easily been croquetas. They seem basic at first, but when they’re made well, they’re perfect—crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside, with so much flavor packed into each bite. I’ve tried many different kinds, but the classic ones are still the best.

At the same time, Madrid isn’t just about traditional food. The international food scene is just as impressive. You can find food from all over the world—Latin American, Asian, Middle Eastern—and all of it is done really well. It doesn’t feel like an afterthought. Instead, it feels like these cuisines are part of the city, with markets around every corner.

What I like most is the contrast. One day you can sit in a local bar eating croquetas and tortilla, and the next you can try something completely different from another part of the world. It makes eating in Madrid feel varied and never boring.

Overall, the food here reflects the city itself: rooted in tradition, but open and constantly evolving.