It's quite obvious that HT couple is crazy about Spain. And it's our favorite foodie place in Europe as of date!
This time, we visited Casa Mingo, the oldest cider house in Madrid. I'll be honest that we're not really fans of ciders but this place has more to offer so it's worth a visit.
When we, HT couple and our indian friends, got to the place there was a long queue. As foodies, any queue is worth waiting for. Well, that was what we're hoping for but since this place started 1888 (casamingo.es) and is still up and running by now...we took the chance.
We waited for about 30 minutes and got a table for four.
Here's our recommendation on what you must get:
Pollo Asado (Roasted Chicken) - 10.50 euros (table) - they have lower price (~8 euros) if taken in the bar (standing) or take away - the difference in price is quite common in Spain and Italy among others.
Chorizo a la Sidra (Chorizo cooked in cider) - ~ 3 euros (mesa)
Sidra Avilesina - ~ 6 euros for a bottle. We tried two ciders but we like this one better.
We got some desserts - which were pre-packed so we're not sure if they got them from the supermarket. Nevertheless, they were good. I can't remember which is which but we got the arroz con leche and the flan (which is Philippines' national dessert - i would say - thanks to the Spanish influence) - ranges from ~3-5 euros
Our foodie friends did a good research and planned this food trip in Madrid really well. On another day we went back to Casa Mingo but this time, we went to the upper part of the restaurant. Take note that the only way to get there is to walk outside the restaurant and look on the left where you see stairs. It's totally separated but if you get lost, feel free to ask the waiters - but make sure to learn the key words in Spanish so you'll be directed to the right way.
This place doesn't serve anything other than the Cocido Madrileño (Madrid Stew) ~15 euros (it was on the high side and we did ask if we can share, but we didn't know if they said no or they didn't understand us).
We didn't know what to expect and finally the first dish came. We got a bowl of soup with noodles (it was like watery misua) but it was tasty. I read that the soup is the broth of where the meat and chickpeas were boiled. And they're willing to give another serving if your tummy is asking for more.
We were waiting for the meat and veggies to arrive having the thought that it should be eaten at the same time with the soup. After noticing the waiter was checking on us if we have finished our bowls, we assumed that it would be served thereafter.
And yes, we got this plate consisting of chick peas, chorizo, pork fats, bone marrow, potatoes, carrots and a bed of stewed cabbage. Not your usual type of stew, but it is...here in Madrid . We did ask for more chorizo and each of us got a small piece extra.
We got this dumpling on the side but I didn't figure out what it's made of. I've read online that after the soup this is usually served before the big plate.
