It’s really hard to find good Asian food in Madrid, however if you’re looking for Latin American treats, you’ll be spoilt for choice!
My father was the one to stumble upon this very unassuming Colombian place, and ever since it has been one of our favourite haunts. From the outside La Fogata looks like any other Spanish restaurant, labelled only ‘restaurante – asador’. Situated on the very busy Glorieta Puente de Segovia, it’s easy to walk right past it without looking twice. However, if you were to enter, walk through the small and dimly lit bar and climb up to the restaurant on the 1st floor you’ll be transported to that far away country in an unparalleled sensory experience.
To start I recommend getting a fresh fruit milkshake or juice, you’ll need to ask specifically for the juice menu as they don’t give it to everyone! They have every tropical fruit you could ever wish for – guanabana (soursop), maracuya (passionfruit), lulo (I don’t think this has an English translation), piña (pineapple), mango and many, many more. My personal favourite is the soursop!
La Fogata serves both Spanish and Colombian food which I think is a sensible move, however the Colombian food is the reason this restaurant stands out. All the food is good, however our favourite dishes are all starters.
Empanadas de Carne – delightful golden crescents filled with the tastiest shredded beef you’ll ever have. I honestly don’t know what they put in them, but I always want more! €2.50 each.
Patacón relleno – deep fried plaintain pancake cups filled with juicy shredded pork in a tangy tomato sauce. This is my personal favourite, I could eat 10 in one go – also €2.50 each.
Papas criollas – tiny round potatoes, served only with a little salt. They are soft, golden, and crumbly inside. €4.50 for the dish (see photo below).
Every table is given two salsas at the beginning – salsa picante (spicy) and a salsa hogao (homemade tomato sauce). By the time we leave the restaurant, we have usually made our way through 3 more sauce refills – it’s honestly that good!
You can read the full menu here.
You won’t regret trying this little place out, I promise!
January 3, 2014
You sold me with the first picture. I will be visiting Madrid in a few weeks, and I haven’t been there in a few years. I will be sure to check out this spot while I am there -the food looks absolutely DELICIOUS.
January 10, 2014
Yes, I thought it looks totally scrumptious too – but very teasing since I’m nowhere near Madrid! Hm. You’ve filled my taste buds with longing.
January 10, 2014
Apologies for that Trish! However this may throw Madrid into the mix for your next holiday destination? I’m somewhat ashamed to say I plan most of my holidays around the local cuisines 🙂
January 10, 2014
sounds a wise move to me; isn’t it one of the best bits of travelling?