El Escorial’s cuisine is a reflection of traditional Castilian cooking, with hearty, rustic dishes that showcase the region’s agricultural bounty. One of the most popular local dishes is “cochinillo asado,” or roasted suckling pig, a delicacy that is slow-cooked to perfection and served with crispy skin. Another favorite is “judiones de la Granja,” a hearty bean stew typically made with large white beans, chorizo, and ham. The town also offers a variety of cured meats, cheeses, and olive oils, which are staples of Spanish cuisine.
Local drinks include wines from the nearby Madrid region, known for producing rich red wines and crisp whites. Visitors can enjoy these local flavors in the many traditional taverns and restaurants that line the streets of El Escorial. Popular spots include Mesón de El Escorial and Restaurante Charolés, both of which serve authentic Spanish dishes in a cozy, welcoming atmosphere.
For dessert, visitors can indulge in traditional sweets like “rosquillas,” a type of fried doughnut, and “torrijas,” a Spanish version of French toast typically served during Easter. El Escorial’s food markets, such as the weekly farmers’ market, offer a chance to sample and purchase fresh, local ingredients, making it a great destination for food lovers.