Superchulo

When I think of Spanish food, what typically comes to mind are things like chorizo, jamón, calamari – not the most appealing cuisine for a vegan. So when I went to visit my friend living in Madrid, I didn’t have the highest of hopes for what was on offer. Luckily my obsession with food usually takes a bit of a backseat when I travel, and I tend to accept whatever is available, even if it is just patatas bravas (minus the bravas).

But on this visit to Spain, I was more than pleasantly surprised to see Oatly adverts on the metro, vegan options on menus and in supermarkets and just a general increase in understanding. Its always so encouraging to see a growth in veganism, especially in places that have entire shops for ham.

My friend and I went to a vegetarian restaurant called Superchulo, located in Malasaña – the Shoreditch of Madrid and a neighbourhood definitely worth visiting. The interior of Superchulo reflects its bohemian surroundings, with plants hanging from the ceiling, exposed brick, wooden furnishings and soft lighting, its a millennial haven. And the food. Oh the food!

I ordered the “Chulisima” Burger, made with beef-style soya and topped with tomato, cucumber and caramelised onion and sandwiched in a soft sesame seed bun. It came with a side of roasted rosemary wedges and homemade tomato salsa. On the menu it comes with cheese but I ordered it “sin queso” and repeatedly stated “soy vegana” (my Spanish is limited). 

My friend ordered the Thai Buddha Bowl, already vegan-friendly on the menu, and included courgetti, firm tofu, peanuts, asparagus, sesame crackers and miso sauce. Thankfully for our friendship, I find it easier to share food when both meals are equally delicious. 

It was enough food to make eating dessert a struggle, which is a bit of a conundrum for me, but both meals were worth it. The staff were so friendly and helpful, and they made it so easy to change vegetarian orders to vegan ones. I would recommend this place to anyone, whatever your diet requirements. All the pictures are taken on my phone, so excuse the low quality, but I am impressed with myself for remembering to actually stop and take pictures of the food at all before demolishing it.