Churros at the Calle Cinco Spanish tapas pop-up restaurant. (Photo by Travis Mitchell)

Dish of the week: Churros
Where to find it: La Puerta Verde, Calle Cinco, El Techo, Estadio, Boqueria

To most Americans, churros are a sweet staple of county fairs and amusement parks. Unfortunately, that means they’re also often served out of a warming machine after sitting out for hours. And a stale, room temperature churro is nothing compared with one that’s been freshly fried for a hot, light and airy bite of cinnamon sugar-laced fried dough.

The churro, essentially a cylindrical fried dough pastry, originated in the countries of Spain and Portugual where they are still a common dessert or postre choice. They’re often served alongside a dish of chocolate sauce for dipping. Churros also became popularized in Latin America countries.

When prepared well, churros are an irresistible handheld treat. In D.C, you can enjoy them at many Spanish, Latin American, and Mexican restaurants. And not just for dessert, either.

For a traditional interpretation, start with Spanish-inspired kitchens. Get an order from Calle Cinco (465 K St. NW), a Spanish pop-up restaurant in NoMa. Pastry chef Alex Levin, who also heads up dessert menus at spots like Tico and The Riggsby, enlisted the input of kitchen staff to perfect his churro’s texture and taste. They’re dusted with cinnamon sugar and served up with a side of rich, thick warm melted dark chocolate for dipping. The preparation is similarly straightforward at Estadio (1520 14th St. NW) in Logan Circle.

For a spin on the original, head to Boqueria (1837 M St. NW), where churros are also served several unique ways. The stuffed “relleno” variations come filled with Nutella or dulce de leche (a creamy caramel sauce). Or opt for a churro ice cream sandwich, a churro s’more, or even a churro ice cream sundae.

Moving away from Spain, you’ll find churros at a number of Latin American-focused restaurants. And if dessert is too much to handle after a long meal, the dish is popping up on some new brunch menus around D.C. There on the recently launched brunch at La Puerta Verde (2001 Fenwick St. NE). And rooftop oasis El Techo (606 Florida Ave. NW) is plating up a savory twist of churros and fried chicken during weekend brunch, all topped with a spicy sausage gravy.

Previously On Dish Of The Week:
A Roast Chicken For The Table
Eggs In Purgatory
Chirashi Sushi
Greek Fries
Local Hard Cider