Bocadillo de Calamares: Spain’s Best-Kept Culinary Secret
Looking to learn what on earth is bocadillo de calamares?! You’ve come to the right place!
While Spain is world-renowned for its culinary marvels—think paella in Valencia, pintxos in San Sebastián, and jamón ibérico just about everywhere—there’s one humble dish that locals hold close to their hearts, and that most tourists tragically overlook: the bocadillo de calamares.
A deceptively simple sandwich of crispy, deep-fried squid rings nestled in a fresh, crusty baguette, this Madrid favorite is the ultimate comfort food—and perhaps, as one of my most passionate foodie friends puts it, “the best thing that happened to humanity since the Vitruvian Man.”
What On Earth Is a Bocadillo de Calamares?
At its core, the bocadillo de calamares is exactly what it sounds like: a fried calamari sandwich. But don’t let the simplicity fool you. The magic lies in the contrast. Tender squid with a light, golden crunch, tucked into bread that’s both chewy and crisp.
Sometimes, it’s served with a touch of aioli, a squeeze of lemon, or a dab of brava sauce. Though purists will tell you that the real artistry lies in the bare essentials: calamari and bread.
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It’s comfort food in its purest form. Satisfying, unpretentious, and made to be devoured with one hand and a cold beer in the other.
The Soul of Madrid Street Food
Though you can find variations of this dish all over Spain—from seaside towns to bustling cities—Madrid is arguably its spiritual home. It might seem strange that a landlocked city would be famous for squid, but therein lies the delicious paradox.
Thanks to Madrid’s historical role as the capital, and its obsession with fresh seafood (daily shipments arrive from the coast), it has perfected the bocadillo de calamares like nowhere else.
And if you’re searching for the quintessential experience, look no further than Cervecería La Campana, just off Plaza Mayor.
Yes, Plaza Mayor—that postcard-perfect main square where guidebooks usually warn you never to eat. And yes, La Campana is packed with tourists and locals alike. But this place is an exception to the main European food travel rule.
The lines that snake out the door are a testament to the quality: fast, affordable, and unapologetically authentic. The bread is always fresh, the squid never chewy, and the fried coating perfectly crisped without being greasy.
The Ultimate Pairing: Beer and Bocadillo
No bocadillo de calamares is complete without a cold caña. That’s simply a small draft beer that perfectly balances the salty crunch of the calamari. It’s not just a drink pairing; it’s a ritual.
Order like a local. Stand at the bar, keep your napkin crumpled on the counter, and savor every bite with a sip of beer and a view of the square.
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Bocadillo de Calamares: A Secret Worth Sharing
So while the bocadillo de calamares may not have the Michelin-star glitz of other Spanish dishes, it holds something even more valuable. A deep, unshakeable place in the hearts (and stomachs) of the people who eat it every day. It’s the working-class soul of Spanish cuisine, tucked between two halves of a baguette.
And now that the secret’s out, you know what to do next time you’re in Madrid. Head to Plaza Mayor, ignore the tourist trap warnings, and join the line at Cervecería La Campana.
Grab a sandwich, a side of potato salad, a beer, and a sunny spot—and discover why this may just be Spain’s most underrated culinary treasure. Buen provecho!
Have you tried bocadillo de calamares? What did you think? Let us know in the comments or tag eightyflavors on socials!
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