7 types of tapas to try at Mercado de San Miguel
![Mercado San Miguel](https://thetravellingsquid.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/IMG_8002.jpg)
The Mercado de San Miguel is walking distance from the popular Plaza Mayor in Madrid. It’s popular with tourists on the lookout for an affordable selection of tapas. I found this market to be significantly less congested compared to La Boqueria in Barcelona. That being said, this market comprises only edible-food stalls. In addition, Mercado de San Miguel did not have a signature tapas stall like El Quim in La Boqueria, which carried well-known tapas dishes such as Escalivada and Butifarra sausages.
Sitting arrangements
![Mercado San Miguel sitting](https://thetravellingsquid.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/IMG_8015.jpg)
Most of the tapas stalls operate on the basis of shared sitting. My advice would be to reserve a seat before making your order. It was pretty busy when we were there at 1pm in the afternoon, and we had to wait for some time for a seat.
7 tapas to try at Mercado de San Miguel:
1. Croquettes
![Mercado San Miguel croquettes](https://thetravellingsquid.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/IMG_8005.jpg)
The staple of Spanish tapas, Croquettes come in all flavours and sizes. Some with cheese and others with Spanish ham – there’s a wide selection to choose from.
2. Smoked Salmon Bruschetta – €3
![Mercado San Miguel bruschetta](https://thetravellingsquid.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/IMG_8011.jpg)
Apart from smoked salmon, I found the avocado spread on the baguette to be a nice touch. The tapas stalls sell other types of delectable bruschettas as well, such as those peppered with fresh red tomatoes, anchovies and sprouts.
![Mercado San Miguel fish](https://thetravellingsquid.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/IMG_8009.jpg)
![Mercado San Miguel bruschetta](https://thetravellingsquid.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/IMG_8010.jpg)
3. Churros in Chocolate Sauce – €3
![Churros chocolate sauce Mercado San Miguel](https://thetravellingsquid.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/IMG_8025.jpg)
There’s no better place and time for an afternoon snack, than at the Mercado Saint Miguel chomping on Churros. I found the bread to be light and crisp. The chocolate sauce was not too sweet – of the right consistency and not cloying.
![Mercado San Miguel churros](https://thetravellingsquid.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/IMG_8003.jpg)
4. Sangria – €2.50
![sangria mercado saint miguel](https://thetravellingsquid.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/IMG_8029.jpg)
The sangria to me, was too expensive given the amount of alcohol in that glass. I would have preferred a glass of wine instead. That being said, if you find that a glass of wine is too much for an afternoon rendezvous, a sangria makes for a light and refreshing option.
5. Glass of White Wine – €3.50
![Mercado San Miguel wine](https://thetravellingsquid.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/IMG_8014.jpg)
The wine offerings are wide and the shops carry a decent selection.
6. Bruschetta with Gurla – €2.50
![Mercado San Miguel gulas bruschetta](https://thetravellingsquid.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/IMG_8035.jpg)
I absolutely adore Gulas – a silver eel-like type of fish. It was my first time trying that out. Similar to anchovies but smaller, it tasted super soft and melts in your mouth. Yum.
7. Oysters – €2.50/ pc
![Mercado San Miguel oysters](https://thetravellingsquid.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/IMG_8031.jpg)
Oysters ain’t a typical tapas dish, but these were very fresh and worth a try. The price for each piece varies according to size. If you’re into other types of seafood such as mussels and clams, do give them a shot.
![Mercado San Miguel seafood](https://thetravellingsquid.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/IMG_80121.jpg)
*Prices accurate as of Aug 2014.
The Travelling Squid’s Take
If you’re new to Madrid and are looking for a place to try a variety of tapas, the Mercado de San Miguel offers a wide selection at reasonable prices. Although it’s a tad touristy, it’s worth a short walk from the city centre of Plaza Mayor – a great place to hide from the elements. To get a seat easily, avoid visiting during peak hours.
Please click on the link to access the full list of stalls.
Website: http://www.mercadodesanmiguel.es/en/puestos/
Opening hours:
- Mo-Tu-We-Su:
from 10:00 to 24:00 - Th-Fr-Sa:
from 10:00 to 2:00
Have you tried tapas at Mercado de San Miguel? If so, do drop a comment below. Thanks!