I definitely have a sweet tooth; so when, on a recent trip to Madrid, my friend recommended churros and chocolate, I made sure I sampled the best of the best. A quick Google search (and a recommendation from a local foodie) led me to Chocolateria San Ginés, famous for churros con chocolate since 1894. Open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, there’s always a crowd in and outside of the shop, tucked into an alleyway off the Puerta del Sol.

I grew fond of the mid-afternoon tradition of a sweet and a coffee during my trip to Spain, and I used that opportunity to sneak in my Chocolateria San Ginés visit. I was not disappointed. The thick, rich hot chocolate was perfect for dipping my crunchy, fried, but not greasy churros into, but was too much for me to drink on my own. Together, their marriage is one of those perfect culinary unions. I was hooked.

The Government of Spain recognized San Ginés as an important city and historic landmark. Churros are prepared using the traditional al hombro method where the churro maker cranks a specialized tool that pushes the batter out. The shaped dough is then fried to perfection.

This was the perfect afternoon pick-me-up and a must-see on any visit to Madrid — it’s an institution, and to taste and appreciate is to understand a little bit more of Madrid. 

— Kim Krol, managing editor