The Spanish are well known all over the world for their food and drinks, from their tapas and paellas to their cava (the Spanish equivalent to champagne) and sangria. If you’re like me, you’ll want to try everything before going back home, and if you’re like me, you can’t leave without tasting what there is to offer at one of Madrid’s famous chocolate spots, Chocolatería San Ginés.
Nestled on a side street called Pasadizo San Gines to the west of Puerta del Sol in central Madrid, this café has been known for its combination of creamy hot chocolate and fluffy churros (a traditional Spanish fried dough pastry) for over a hundred years. Locals wander the city streets at all hours for this tasty treat – literally at all hours, since this café is open 24 hours a day. It is perfect for those partygoers looking for an end-of-the-night snack.
As a hot chocolate lover myself, one of the first things I learned when I came to Europe was the difference between European hot chocolate and American hot chocolate. European hot chocolate is basically a melted chocolate bar; thick, creamy, and insanely concentrated – if you’re really into chocolate, you’ll have found nirvana.
The hot chocolate in the Chocolatería San Ginés is exactly like this, though I found it to be a little less sweet compared to the hot chocolates I’ve had in Florence. This works perfectly when you combined it with the churros! Slightly crispy on the outside and light and fluffy once you bite into them, you’ll feel like you are in heaven. Dip them into the hot chocolate and you’ll have found your new favorite dessert – I know I did!
Know any other must-visit spots in Madrid? Leave a comment below and share!
