If there is something typical and characteristic of Spanish culture is its gastronomy: typical, varied, tasty and worldwide recognized for being beneficial to health. The Mediterranean diet is a pillar of our culture; each region has though, its own subtleties, conferring personality to every Spanish corner.
Alcalá de Henares’s gastronomy is plenty of typical dishes of Castilla-la Mancha cuisine alluding archetypal Don Quixote’s meals such as: garlic soup, fried breadcrumbs with chorizo or fried eggs, and a great variety of dishes made with fresh Vega del Henares vegetables; besides the tastiest roast lamb or kid, or several baked fishes such as sea bream or bass.
Some deep-rooted customs are still maintained today in Alcalá, like chocolate-based evening meals. The Hostería del Estudiante—the most well-known and traditional establishment of the city that belongs to the National Network of Paradores— offers delights such as chocolate with breadcrumbs and fried bread.
In the matter of confectionery, Costrada, Almonds of Alcalá, Tejas of Alcalá and the excellent Rosquillas of Alcalá are highly recommended, but just some of the many specialties you can taste.
Some of those recipes can be founded in the city’s main restaurants guide. Even though, it is in the two annual gastronomical events, the Gastronomic Week and the Cervantes Gastronomical Days, when the visitor has plenty of opportunities to taste recipes such as “the island kid”, “Dorotea’s stewed meat”, “quails in old wine” or “pastoral rabbit”. Additionally, products such as Iberian cold meat or sheep cheeses with a glass of wine can be savored in the city’s bars.