Churros. This is the name of a traditional Spanish fried pastry made from dough based on flour, water, and salt. The dough is pressed through a special nozzle into hot oil, where it is fried until golden. The result is long, curly sticks with a crispy exterior and a soft, fluffy interior. After frying, the churros are drained to remove excess oil.
Churros are traditionally served with a cup of hot chocolate for dipping, though some prefer to enjoy them on their own or with dulce de leche, a sweet sauce similar to caramel. Some also like them coated in sugar and cinnamon.
Spanish Churros
History of Churros
There are several theories about the origin of churros. One suggests that churros were first made by Spanish shepherds in the mountains. They were looking for an easy way to prepare a sweet dish with limited ingredients. Another theory claims that churros were brought to Spain by the Portuguese, who were inspired by the Chinese fried food “youtiao.” Churros quickly became an integral part of Spanish gastronomy and culture.
In the 19th century, specialized chocolateries began to appear in Madrid, famous for their churros and hot chocolate. These establishments, like the renowned Chocolateria San Ginés, became popular gathering spots for locals and tourists alike. Today, churros, along with tapas, paella, and sangria, are among the most famous Spanish foods in the world.
🇪🇸 Tip: For football fans ⚽, I recommend a tour of the Real Madrid stadium (I enjoyed it too, and I actually prefer hockey 😉). A visit to the Prado Museum or the Royal Palace is also fantastic. Be sure to buy tickets in advance and avoid waiting in line.
Where to Eat Churros
Specialized establishments focused on the production and sale of churros are usually called “churrería.” The word “churrería” is derived from the word “churro,” and the suffix “-ería” in Spanish indicates a place where something is made or sold. In churrerías, you’ll often find hot chocolate for dipping churros or other specialties like “porras” (thicker churros) or “buñuelos” (fried dough balls).
I had the honor of tasting authentic churros at the famous Chocolateria San Ginés in Madrid (see Where to Eat in Madrid). This chocolate café was founded back in 1894 and is open 24 hours a day. A portion of freshly made churros with a cup of thick chocolate here cost 4.50 EUR. During my travels in Spain, I tasted many churros, but these were the best. In the Basque city of San Sebastian, you can taste excellent churros, for example, at the Churrería Santa Lucia (open since 1956).
When to Eat Churros
In Spain, churros are traditionally served for breakfast, especially on weekends and holidays. Many people enjoy churros with hot chocolate as a late-night snack or early breakfast after a night out. Churros are also often served at festivals, markets, and other festive occasions.
Churros are not a traditional Spanish dessert. Therefore, if you find churros on a restaurant menu among the desserts, it’s better to leave quickly.
Interesting Facts about Churros
- The name “churros” probably comes from the breed of sheep called Churra, whose horns resemble the shape of this pastry.
- In Spain, several festivals dedicated to churros are held annually, such as the Feria del Churro in Madrid.
- Churros have also become popular in Latin America, where they are often filled with dulce de leche (caramelized milk), chocolate, or various pastes.
- In 2019, a record-length churro of 58.8 meters was made in the Texas city of San Antonio.
- The term “churro” is sometimes used metaphorically to describe something “superficial, hollow.” For example, “ese argumento es un churro” means “that argument is worthless.”
Churros Alternatives Around the World
Churros have similar counterparts in various cuisines around the world:
- Youtiao (China) – fried dough of a similar shape, served savory. In China, I enjoyed it as a breakfast side dish.
- Quẩy (Vietnam) – Quẩy is often served as a side dish with pho soup, in which it is dipped. Its crunchy texture contrasts with the soft rice noodles, adding an interesting flavor dimension to the soup. You can easily taste Quẩy in Prague’s Sapa market.
Bon appétit!
🇪🇸 Tip: After a great Spanish meal, go for a wine tasting or a vineyard tour, which you can find throughout Spain. It is worth it! 🍷
