Madrid has a growing international food scene. This guide lists the best areas and restaurants to find foreign cuisines in the city.
While traditional Spanish food is popular, you can find authentic global dishes in specific neighborhoods.
East Asian cuisine in Madrid
You can find excellent Chinese, Japanese, and Korean restaurants across the city.
The best spots range from cheap street food to formal dining rooms.
Usera (Chinatown)
The southern district of Usera is the main hub for authentic Chinese food in Madrid.
You must travel there if you want traditional dishes rather than adapted western versions.
Popular options include Sichuan hot pot, Cantonese roasted duck, and handmade noodles.
The restaurants are located around Calle de Dolores Barranco.
Plaza de España
The streets behind Plaza de España host many Chinese restaurants.
You can find cheap noodle bars on Calle de Silva and Calle de San Bernardino.
One popular spot is Zhou Yulong, which started as a small stall inside the metro station corridor.
They serve handmade wheat noodles and spicy pork dumplings.
Japanese and Korean dining
Japanese ramen has become popular in Madrid over the last decade.
Visit Chuka Ramen Bar on Calle de Echegaray for Japanese-style noodles.
For Korean food, check the area around Calle de San Bernardo.
Seoul Alimentos sells take-away Korean snacks and ingredients.
Where to buy foreign cooking ingredients in Madrid
Latin American food in Madrid
Madrid has close historical ties to Latin America.
Because of this, you can find highly authentic Latin American cuisines in almost every district.
Mexican taquerías
Authentic Mexican food is easy to find in Madrid.
Avoid large Tex-Mex chains and look for local taquerías (taco shops).
Taquería Mi Ciudad is a popular option with multiple locations in the city center.
They sell cheap tacos with fillings like cochinita pibil and chicken tinga.
Venezuelan areperas
Venezuelan food is widely available due to a large expat community.
The most popular dish is the arepa (cornmeal cake filled with meat and cheese).
Arepa Olé is a well-known chain with several shops.
Independent shops in the Malasaña neighborhood also sell high-quality arepas.
Peruvian cevicherías
Peruvian cuisine has gained popularity in Madrid.
You can find high-end restaurants in the Salamanca district.
For a cheap option, visit the food stalls inside Mercado de Mostenses.
They serve fresh ceviche and lomo saltado at low prices.
Middle Eastern and South Asian cuisine
For curries, kebabs, and falafel, you should visit the multicultural neighborhood of Lavapiés.
The district has many family-run restaurants serving food from India, Bangladesh, and Morocco.
Indian restaurants in Lavapiés
Calle de Lavapiés and Calle de Ave María are lined with Indian restaurants.
They offer cheap lunch menus called menú del día (menu of the day).
Restaurante Shapla is a long-standing favorite for curry.
Be prepared for promoters outside trying to invite you into their restaurants.
Middle Eastern falafel and kebab
You can buy cheap falafel wraps and shawarma across Lavapiés.
Shops use fresh flatbreads and house-made garlic sauces.
Most options are halal and offer good value for money.
Western and European dining
If you want familiar western food, Madrid has several options.
You can find American-style burgers and British pub food easily.
American-style burgers
The burger scene in Madrid is highly competitive.
Goiko is a famous Spanish burger chain started by a Venezuelan doctor.
They have shops in almost every neighborhood.
Their burgers are large and include creative toppings like goat cheese and bananas.
British and Irish pub food
For a traditional Sunday roast or fish and chips, visit an Irish pub.
The James Joyce Irish Pub near Plaza de Cibeles is popular with expats.
They show live sports and serve traditional British and Irish meals.
Comparison of international food areas
This table shows the best neighborhoods for different cuisines.
| Neighborhood | Main Cuisine | Price Level | Vibe |
|---|---|---|---|
| Usera | Chinese | Low | Authentic, local |
| Lavapiés | Indian, Moroccan | Low | Multicultural, casual |
| Plaza de España | Chinese, Japanese | Low to Medium | Busy, student-friendly |
| Malasaña | Venezuelan, Mexican | Medium | Trendy, youthful |
| Salamanca | Peruvian, Fusion | High | Upscale, formal |
Checklist for dining out in Madrid
Follow these tips when planning your meal:
- Check the opening hours : Many traditional restaurants close between 16:30 and 20:00.
- Make a reservation : Popular international spots fill up quickly on Friday and Saturday nights.
- Verify the spice level : Spanish food is not spicy, so local chefs often lower the spice level in foreign dishes. Ask for extra spicy if you prefer it.
- Look for lunch menus : Many places offer a cheap menú del día on weekdays.
- Carry some cash : Some small eateries in Usera and Lavapiés do not accept cards for small amounts.
Questions and answers
Is international food expensive in Madrid?
No. Many international restaurants are cheaper than traditional Spanish venues. This is especially true for Chinese restaurants in Usera and Indian spots in Lavapiés.
Can I find authentic spicy food in Madrid?
Yes, but you must ask for it. Spanish people generally avoid spicy food. You must tell the waiter that you want your food authentic, not adapted for local tastes.
Do restaurants include service charges in the bill?
Yes. The menu prices must include tax and service charges by law. Tipping is optional and not expected, though you can leave a small tip if the service was good.
Can I find vegetarian international food?
Yes. Indian and Middle Eastern restaurants in Lavapiés offer many vegetarian options. Traditional Spanish places have few vegetarian options, so international restaurants are a good alternative.
Where can I find the best international food markets?
In municipal markets. Markets like Mercado de Mostenses and Mercado de San Fernando have international food stalls. You can eat cheap meals there while locals buy groceries.
Do waiters in international restaurants speak English?
Maybe. Staff in trendy neighborhoods like Malasaña usually speak English. Waiters in local shops in Usera or Lavapiés may only speak Spanish or their native language.
Can I get international food delivered to my home?
Yes. Delivery apps like Glovo, Uber Eats, and Just Eat operate across Madrid. You can order from hundreds of international restaurants using these services.
