Of all the sandwiches, tapas and street foods of Madrid, few are as beloved as Bocadillo de Calamares. As simple as this deep-fried calamari sandwich might seem, it has layers of flavor and complexity that you can’t find anywhere else in Western Europe.
Not only is bocadillo de calamares deeply ingrained in Madrid’s small plates tapas culture. It’s also served as a street food and even a casual lunch in sit-down restaurants. So, I thought I’d take a closer look at all the different ways you can enjoy this must-try sandwich in your next Madrid food tour.
What is a Bocadillo de Calamares?
Bocadillo de calamares is a quintessential Madrid delicacy that’s deeply rooted in the city’s culinary heritage. This beloved sandwich started in Madrid and is thought to have gained popularity due to the abundance of affordable squid imported from coastal regions. It quickly became a working-class staple that tabernas and street food vendors offered to feed the hungry masses.
A classic bocadillo de calamares seems simple at first glance. It’s lightly breaded, crispy fried calamari squid rings, nestled within a crusty bread roll. It’s typically served plain or with a squeeze of lemon for brightness. However, a lot of tabernas, restaurants, and tapas bars will also include sauces like garlic aioli or spicy brava sauce to punch up the flavor.
The traditional bread is a crusty loaf with a soft, absorbent interior, similar to a baguette. Yet you can find bocadillo de calamares served on all kinds of rolls and artisan breads. Especially in popular tapas bars that try to find creative ways to simultaneously down-size the sandwich, while elevating its flavor.
The Cultural Significance of the Bocadillo de Calamares
Bocadillo de calamares significance goes beyond simply being an ingrained part of Madrid’s food culture. It also holds a special place in Madrid’s culinary heritage, as it represents the simplicity and warmth of the city’s cultural roots.
Nowhere in Madrid is the bocadillo de calamares more celebrated than near Plaza Mayor, the heart of the city’s historic center. The square is surrounded by small eateries, tapas bars, and tabernas which have served this classic sandwich for decades.
Much like churros are a morning indulgence, and jamon is Madrid’s beloved artisanal ham, the bocadillo de calamares captures the essence of Madrid’s street food scene. It’s unpretentious, flavorful, and deeply rooted in tradition.
Best Places to Eat Calamari Sandwich in Madrid
There are too many tapas bars, taberna, street food stalls, and top restaurants in Madrid serving bocadillo de calamares to mention in one article. The following are just some of my favorite picks and well-known hotspots in the city.
Bar La Campana
Photo credit: Bar La Campana
You’ll find Bar La Campana near Madrid’s iconic Plaza Mayor where it’s become a staple for locals and tourists who are seeking an authentic taste of Spanish food. It has a lively yet casual vibe that’s perfect for picking up a quick bite.
Bar La Campana is celebrated for its signature bocadillo de calamares. The squid rings are exceptionally tender and fried to a perfect golden brown before they’re nestled in a crusty baguette roll.
Purists will tell you that their bocadillo de calamares is best when served plain, as it allows the quality of the calamari to shine. However, I think it’s even better with a tender squeeze of lemon and just a touch of garlicky aioli painted on the top of the bun.
I also appreciate that the bocadillo de calamares at Bar La Campana is affordably priced at around €4. Then you can choose any sides and a drink for a little bit extra.
Bar La Campana (€4–10) – C. de Botoneras, 6, Centro, 28012 Madrid, Spain.
Los Bocadillos
Los Bocadillos has several great locations in Madrid, but the one found in Calle del Marqués de Urquijo in Madrid’s Argüelles neighborhood is arguably the most popular. The area is known for its vibrant atmosphere and closeness to the Temple of Debod and Parque del Oeste.
The bocadillo de calamares at Los Bocadillos is a true standout. You can get this iconic sandwich with the classical lightly battered and fried calamari rings served in a fresh baguette. Portion sizes are generous, and they often offer house specialty sauces for you to explore the squid sandwich’s flavor potential. The menu also includes other options such as bocadillos with meat and fish fillings, catering to diverse tastes.
I also appreciate the affordable pricing, with the bocadillo de calamares only costing around €4. Making it a great way to fill up without breaking the budget.
Los Bocadillos (€4–10) – C. del Marqués de Urquijo, 1, Moncloa – Aravaca, 28008 Madrid, Spain.
Mercado de San Ildefonso
Photo credit: Mercado de San Ildefonso
Mercado de San Ildefonso is known for its trendy food stalls, making it a top culinary hotspot for Madrid’s modern street food scene. Several vendors offer unique takes on the bocadillo de calamares, with creative twists on the classic, such as flavored aiolis, creative garnishes, and optional gourmet sauces.
This market has an especially lively, and modern ambiance, spread across three different floors. While it doesn’t have a traditional food court, the Mercado de San Ildefonso has ample seating.
Mercado de San Ildefonso offers a staggering array of culinary offerings and international dishes, the bocadillo de calamares is one of the most popular. There are tons of vendors offering their own creative twists on the sandwich as well as sides, sauces, and artisanal buns. It’s a great place to enjoy the creative potential of the calamari sandwich while picking up ingredients to use in your vacation rental kitchen.
Mercado de San Ildefonso (€5–15) – Calle de Fuencarral, 57, Centro, 28004 Madrid, Spain.
How Much Does a Bocadillo de Calamares Cost?
The average cost for a bocadillo de calamares in Madrid typically ranges from €3 to €8, depending on the location and the portion size. Street food stalls and casual eateries are likely to offer a full-size version of the sandwich for around €4 to €8. Whereas upscale tapas bars restaurants or gourmet eateries might charge as much as €10 to €15 or more.
Sources:
Eating Europe. (n.d.). Madrid. Retrieved December 5, 2024, from https://www.eatingeurope.com/madrid/
Eating Europe. (n.d.). Best restaurants in Madrid. Retrieved December 5, 2024, from https://www.eatingeurope.com/blog/best-restaurants-in-madrid/
Mercado de San Ildefonso. (n.d.). Retrieved December 5, 2024, from http://www.mercadodesanildefonso.com/
Instagram. (n.d.). Bar Los Bocadillos. Retrieved December 5, 2024, from https://www.instagram.com/explore/locations/520093/bar-los-bocadillos/
Instagram. (n.d.). La Campana. Retrieved December 5, 2024, from https://www.instagram.com/lacampana.oficial/?hl=es
- Daily
- 3.5 Hours
- Small Group
