Churros & Chocolate: Calling all Chocolate Lovers

Golden, greasy, crunchy pieces of goodness dunked in hot, thick chocolate; the perfect combination.

Quick Churro Facts:

Churros are traditionally Spanish, yet have spread to several South American countries and North America during the last 100 years
Churros are long sticks of fried dough that are meant to be dunked into very thick, hot, pudding-like, chocolate
Despite common beliefs, churros do NOT come with cinnamon! (Taco Bell just does that for us Americans who think everything tastes better deep-fried and smothered in sugar)
Churros = refer to the long thin pieces
Porras = thicker churros
Chocolate a la taza = the cup of chocolate to dunk your churros/ porras in
Where: You can find churros at churrerías, chocolaterías, and most cafeterías
When: Breakfast/ Snack/ Late-night treat

Chocolateria San Ginés

Metro: Sol Address: Pasadizo de San Ginés 5, Madrid, 28012 Hours: Open 24 hours Prices: 3.70€ for 1 cup of chocolate and 6 pieces of churros/ or 4 porras (thick, shorter pieces)

Madrid’s most famous churros bar – where the early risers and the late-night partiers unite over their craving of San Ginés’ churros and thick hot chocolate.

San Ginés, located smack in the center of Madrid, has been in business for over 100 years (since 1894).

Customers constantly rave about San Ginés saying that it’s an absolute must-do, and well-worth the wait.

The process at San Gines is a bit backwards. You need to enter, order at the counter, and get a ticket to be able to sit at a table… but often, it’s difficult to snatch a table after ordering your food. If you’re in a group of 2+, I advise one person scout out a table while the other orders at the counter inside and gets a ticket.

Only cash is accepted; no cards. If they see a card, the people working there all freak-out and chant in unison, “no cards, no cards, no cards.”

Unfortunately, San Gines has become mainly a tourist spot due to its fame. You will rarely find locals eating here.

Sitting on the terrace is a very pleasant area to relax, people watch, and listen to performers.

Take a look inside the churreria as well; there are photographs on display of all of the celebrities who have eaten at San Ginés.

Valor

Valor is the Willie Wonka Factory equivalent of churros con chocolate. They have been experts in chocolate making since 1881. They are especially famous for their chocolate bars, candies (bombones), and drinking chocolates.

On their website you can follow their chocolate-making process with a virtual tour. They claim that their factory “is equipped with state-of-the-art technology and precision machinery” (or the work of thousands of Spanish Oompa Loompas).

At Valor, you can find an extensive menu with varieties of chocolate a la taza flavors including: milk, dark, white, cinnamon, banana, orange.

Valor also serves: ice-cream, milkshakes, coffees & teas, chocolate candies, chocolate fondues, and pastries.

Valor’s atmosphere is slightly more upscale. And their prices, a bit higher compared to other cafes in the area; but it’s definitely worth it.

The churros at Valor (pictured below) do not have the usual “gear-shape” like the first photo shown above. They also seem a bit heavier and greasier in comparison. However, personally, I like the chocolate better at Valor than at San Ginés (GASP!) The chocolate is a bit sweeter.

Madrid Locations:

Metro: Callao| Calle Postigo de San Martín 7, 28013
Metro: Ibiza| Calle Ibiza 33, 28009
Metro: Lista| Calle Conde Peñalver 43, 28006
Metro: Acacias| Calle Ceiba 2, 28005

Hours: Monday- Friday 9am-10:30pm| Saturday 9am-1am| Sunday 9am-12am

Website: http://www.valor.es/valor.asp

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