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Eating our way through Chinese New Year — Countdown to the Year of the Goat
February 19, 2015 - February 20, 2015
February 19th marks the beginning of the Year of the Goat and many days of celebration. This Spring festival is very popular here in Madrid, as parts of the center get dressed up in red and adorned with lanterns and arts and crafts stands. In past years, the Chinese Business Association and other cultural groups have organized activities, markets and parades that go from Puerta del Sol to Plaza de España via Calle Arenal and the Royal Palace. The city has also celebrated with outdoor festivities in Lavapies. We expect nothing different for this year. So be sure to head downtown in the afternoon on Thursday 19 and Friday 20, and don’t forget to dress in the lucky color red!
And then we eat.
A typical way to celebrate the new year is by indulging in traditional Chinese food with friends and family – so here are two great options where you can always spot Chinese diners (which for me is the greatest sign of authenticity).
1) Restaurante Buen Gusto
First we have Restaurante Buen Gusto, an authentic food experience just south of Atocha. They offer a variety of over 100 dishes and you can trust the friendly staff to help you pick the right ones to share with family and friends. For the vegetarians out there, their dumplings and tofu dishes are delicious!
Web Where: Paseo de Santa María de la Cabeza, 60 Phone: 91 530 50 62 / 692 007 066 (we recommend making a reservation)Hours: open every day for lunch from 12:00 – 16:30 and dinner from 19:30 – 01:00
Metro: Palos de la Frontera, Delicias, Embajadores
2) Restaurante Zhou Yulong
Then we have Restaurante Zhou Yulong, the infamous underground restaurant at Plaza de España. An original access through the entrance to the underground parking lot of Plaza de España leads to this popular restuarant which offers low budget food. All dishes cost between 3-7€ and the place is always packed with a line out the door. Here you should try their demanded hot soups and fried rice and noodles, and eat it all very quickly. Don’t expect to have a long sobremesa.
Given its proximity to Plaza de España, where many of the New Years festivities take place, it will surely be a popular choice. Ordering take-away might be a good idea!
Web
Where: Plaza de España, (in the underground parking lot)
Phone: 915 48 21 03 – but they do not take resrevations
Hours: open everyday 10:00 am – 1:00 am
Metro: Plaza de España
