In Spain, the culture of eating is very unique and special. A lot of shops and restuarants close down at 2:00 p.m and re-open at 5:00 p.m. This period of time (14:00-17:00) is what is called a siesta. In Madrid, during the siesta, establishments close down so that their proprietors are able to take an afternnon nap or rest. Siestas are more common during the summer time, when the weather is warm and the sun is hottest! Many small businesses are closed during siesta hours, re-open after 5:00 in the afternoon and then stay open until midnight! People in Spain eat dinner later on in the day, typically around 9:00 p.m at night or even 10:00 p.m., and it is normally a huge dinner! While waiting for dinner, in order to not be hungry, people here often enjoy tapas, which are small portions of food you can share with friends and family in between meals!
I am still on the search for the best tapas in Madrid, but have tried what is typically ordered. A tapas menu typically includes tosta options. Tostadas refers to small, bite-sized sandwiches. You can order a tostada with brie con tomates (brie and tomatos), tostada de gulas con alioli (baby eels and aoli) or tostada con tomate (tomato toast). I ordered a tostada con tomate, since it is the most common tosta I see Spaniards order.
