This spring, Madrid will host an event that could change the way many locals view haute cuisine. For the first time, dishes from renowned chefs awarded prestigious Michelin stars will be available without long waits or strict dress codes. This format could become a new trend for gastronomic events in Spain, bringing elite cuisine closer to ordinary people.
Gastronomy Without Borders
For two days, on March 21 and 22, the Railway Museum (Museo del Ferrocarril) in the Arganzuela district will transform into the venue for Madrid Food Fest. According to El Confidencial, chefs whose restaurants usually require advance booking and significant spending will gather here. Now, their signature dishes can be enjoyed in a street food format—no waiters, no white tablecloths—right among historic trains and industrial lights.
Participants include Roberto Martínez Foronda (Tripea), Coco Montes (Pabú), Rafa Bergamo (Kuoco 360), and Juan D’Onofrio (Chispa Bistró). Agus and Genaro from Insurgente will also join the lineup. Normally, their kitchens are small, sought-after venues that are hard to get into. Now, anyone can appreciate their skills simply by purchasing a festival ticket.
A New Format for Food Lovers
Entry starts at €12.50, after which each guest chooses which dishes to sample. You can create your own menu from a variety of snacks, with no time limits or formalities. Organizers promise complete freedom of choice and the option to revisit your favorite flavors as often as you like.
The program includes ‘Next Level Tasting’ sessions, ‘Like a Pro’ master classes with guest chefs, as well as workshops on signature mixology and coffee. For those interested in more than just tasting, educational sessions are available. In addition, the festival will feature live podcasts, music performances, and a market showcasing products from local artisans.
Every guest’s vote
A unique feature of the event is the public’s involvement in choosing the best dishes. Each visitor can vote for their favorites and feel like a member of the jury. This approach makes the festival not only gastronomic but also interactive, engaging guests in the process and creating the atmosphere of a true celebration of taste.
Organizers emphasize that the goal of the event is to break down the barriers between haute cuisine and the general public. There’s no room for excessive formality here: dishes are served in a convenient format, and the atmosphere encourages conversation and new discoveries. According to El Confidencial, the Madrid Food Fest is a great excuse for a stroll among vintage trains, meeting talented chefs, and rethinking the meaning of gastronomic pleasure.
Context and Trends
In recent years, festivals that bring haute cuisine beyond the restaurant walls have gained popularity in Spain. Similar events have already taken place in Barcelona and Valencia, drawing thousands of visitors and spotlighting new names in the culinary world. The street food format featuring star chefs not only broadens the audience but also supports local producers. These initiatives are often accompanied by educational programs and master classes, making them especially appealing to families and young people. In 2025, a similar festival in Seville sparked great interest and became one of the most talked-about events of the spring.
