One of my favourite things to do when travelling through Europe, probably induced by my almost 24-hour need to eat, is to check out the local markets. Sometimes it can be an underwhelming experience that makes you question the well-held assumption that Europeans do fresh food best.

On other occasions it can be amazing and make you realize just how behind the ‘New World’ can be in terms of transforming great produce into simple yet delicious dishes. The Mercado San Miguel in Madrid is most definitely in the latter category.

Having only recently re-opened last year after a huge renovation, perhaps my vision was slightly skewed by the airy, glassy and shininess of the place. It’s divided into a myriad departments - cheese, wine, meats, vegetables, seafood as any good market should be.

What sets it slightly apart is of course, being Spain, the delightful range of small tapas dishes that accompany most stalls. It seemed like a great place to meet up for a glass of wine and hors-d’oeuvres.

On one of our marathon walks around Madrid, the atmosphere of the place really did give you that little energize moment. That and making you wonder, with a tinge of sadness, whether we could ever really hope to replicate something back home…

1 & 2. El Mercardo de San Miguel
3. Tortillas
4. Beans and more Beans
5. Olive-based tapas delights
6. Iberican Ham

El Mercado de San Miguel
3 Plaza de Oriente, Madrid