Chocolate con churros is Madrid’s classic sweet: fried dough sticks dipped into a cup of thick, hot chocolate. Madrileños eat it for breakfast, as an afternoon snack, or at the end of a long night out. The most famous place is Chocolatería San Ginés near Puerta del Sol, open since 1894. A cup of chocolate with a portion of churros costs roughly €5–€8 in 2026.
| Quick facts | Details |
|---|---|
| What it is | Fried choux-style dough, dipped in thick drinking chocolate |
| Churros vs porras | Churros are thin and ridged; porras are thicker and fluffier |
| When locals eat it | Breakfast, merienda (afternoon snack) or very late at night |
| Typical price | About €5–€8 for chocolate and a portion of churros |
| Most famous spot | Chocolatería San Ginés, Pasadizo de San Ginés |
Churros or porras?
In Madrid you will often be asked which you want. Churros are thin, star-shaped and crisp. Porras are made from a slightly different, looser dough, are thicker and softer inside, and are especially popular in Madrid. If you cannot decide, many places sell a mixed portion.
The chocolate is not like hot chocolate at home. Spanish chocolate a la taza is thickened so it clings to the churro; it is meant for dipping, although plenty of people finish it with a spoon.
Where to eat chocolate con churros in Madrid
- Chocolatería San Ginés – in a passage off Calle del Arenal, a short walk from Puerta del Sol. It has been serving chocolate con churros since 1894 and keeps long hours. Expect a queue at busy times; it moves quickly.
- Traditional churrerías in residential neighbourhoods – many bars and cafés make churros in the morning. They are often cheaper and quieter than the famous names.
- Morning cafés – look for a sign saying churros or porras and locals dipping them into coffee as well as chocolate.
Opening hours change, so check before making a special trip.
How to order
| Say | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Un chocolate con churros, por favor | Hot chocolate with churros, please |
| Una ración de porras | A portion of porras |
| Para compartir | To share |
| Un café con leche | A white coffee (also good with churros) |
Local tip: one cup of chocolate and one portion of churros is easily enough for two people as a snack. Order another portion if you are still hungry.
When to go
Weekday mornings are the quietest. Weekend afternoons and the early hours of Saturday and Sunday are the busiest, when people stop in after a night out. Chocolate con churros is also a winter favourite and a tradition on New Year’s morning.
Frequently asked questions
Where are the best churros in Madrid?
Chocolatería San Ginés is the most famous. Many locals prefer their own neighbourhood churrería, where churros are made fresh each morning.
How much do churros cost in Madrid?
About €5–€8 for a cup of chocolate and a portion of churros in 2026, less in neighbourhood cafés.
Are churros a breakfast food in Spain?
Yes, often with coffee. They are also eaten as an afternoon snack and late at night.
Are churros vegan?
The churros themselves are usually just flour, water and salt fried in oil, but the chocolate normally contains milk. Ask if you avoid dairy.
More in Spain: pintxos in San Sebastián, horchata in Valencia and Catalan calçotada. Browse all Spain food guides.
In summer, Spain’s other great sweet ritual is in Valencia: see horchata and fartons in Valencia.
