Whether sprinkled with sugar or coated with a topping of your own choice, few things are more Spanish than chocolate con churros – a cup of thick hot chocolate served with a sweet fried dough snack.
There are different stories as to how churros came to be. Our favourite is about how they were invented by Spanish shepherds who, living in the mountains, had no access to bakeries and so started cooking the churros over an open fire. The name ‘Churros’ is said to come from a likeness in shape to the horns of the Churra sheep, so maybe there is something in it.
Hot chocolate and churros is best known as a classic Madrid breakfast treat, the younger crowds have them at early hours in the morning before going to bed after a night out, but as often happens when something becomes popular, today churros can be eaten all over the country – and at almost any time of the day.
But where would you go to get the best churros? In Madrid, Chocolatería San Ginés, in business since 1894, is renowned for being the most famous of its kind. Hidden away in a tiny street near the Opera metro station, its antique interior with beautiful ceramic tiles and marble ornaments creates the perfect setting for a yummy churros session. In Salamanca, Spain’s university town par excellence, Churrería Valor near the famous Plaza Mayor serves some of the best churros in town accompanied by a delicious mug of chocolate. Both cities can be explored on our magnificent Madrid and the Heritage Cities Tour that takes in the best of five fascinating cities, each with the status of UNESCO World Heritage City.
If you’re staying in one of our luxury villas or charming cottages in beautiful Galicia, then Churrería La Bola de Oro in Ferrol is not to be missed. Ranked as the best on many review sites, this place has recently been taken over by new owners, but the excellent standard of the churros hasn’t changed a bit.
If none of the above suggestions work for you, don’t despair – all bigger towns in Spain have their own churrería(s) and street vendors, easily found by following the smell of hot oil and frying dough!
Have we whetted your appetite? Give us a call and see how we can help you book yourself a treat!
