Which Madrid tapa is a crusty sandwich filled with fried squid rings?

The Madrid tapa made from a crusty sandwich filled with fried squid rings is the bocadillo de calamares.

Its name literally means “squid sandwich”: bocadillo refers to a Spanish bread roll or sandwich, while calamares means squid. The squid is commonly cut into rings, coated in flour or batter, fried, and placed inside a simple crusty roll. It may be served with lemon, mayonnaise, or another sauce, but the fried squid and bread are the essential elements.

The sandwich is especially associated with Madrid, despite the city being inland. Its popularity reflects the capital’s historic access to seafood through transport networks and its lively central food districts. Bars around Plaza Mayor are particularly famous for serving it.

It is different from a calamari tapa served on a plate: the defining feature here is the sandwich format. Portions are generally informal and inexpensive, making the bocadillo a classic street-style Madrid bite.