The Best Places For Churros In Madrid

Churros are one of Spain’s best loved sweets, popular as a mid-morning snack (merienda), a festival treat, an after clubbing pick-me-up or a warming indulgence on a cold winter’s day. Long thin fingers of fried dough with distinctive ridges, they are crispy on the outside and spongey in the middle. Churros are best eaten hot, straight from the fryer and dipped in a cup of thick hot chocolate. Hot chocolate in Spain is different from the warming drink you may be used to; here it’s as thick as custard or pudding and needs to be eaten with a spoon. Read our top tips on where to enjoy chocolate con churros in the capital, Madrid.

1. Chocolatería San Ginés

Bar, Cafe, Restaurant, Dessert Shop, Candy Store, Spanish, Dessert

Madrid’s most famous spot for churros is tucked down a tiny side street, just off the majestic Plaza Mayor. Tables are packed in down the small alleyway or inside the café itself. Dating back to 1894, the chocolatería is reminiscent of a 19th century establishment with white marble tables, old lamps and mirrored walls. It may be busy and there may even be queues, but the sweet, thick hot chocolate and crispy fingers of churros are worth the wait.

2. Chocolatería Valor

Cafe, Spanish, Dessert, Coffee

Valor is Spain’s best loved chocolate brand – the equivalent of Cadbury’s in the UK or Hershey’s in the US, so you can’t go wrong with a trip here. In fact they have a few different establishments dotted around the city, so you’re bound to find yourself near one of them. Sit at the bar to watch them being made, or outside to people-watch along the street. They also have an attached chocolate shop selling handmade bonbons.

3. Churreria Siglo XIX

Cafe, Spanish

A modern and bright café, this small business has been open since the 19th century, with three generations of the same family having worked here over the years. While they specialise in making churros and porras (fat, spongey churros), they also serve pastries, toast, freshly squeezed orange juice and coffee, making it an excellent spot for breakfast.

5. La Antigua Churrería

Cafe, Spanish, Dessert

Dating back to 1913, La Antigua Churrería now has two branches in the city offering crunchy tear-shaped churros and fat thick porras. Inside, the café is cute with stylish décor and old photos of the churro shops decorating the walls. They also serve ice cream and churros filled with cream, chocolate or dulce de leche (a kind of caramelised milk syrup).

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