Tomorrow begins the Chinese New Year, which this 2024 brings with it the strength of the dragon, a mythological being that symbolizes supreme spiritual power. In the Asian country they will celebrate it around the table with Niángāo (glutinous rice cake), Tāngyuán (sweet rice balls) and longevity noodles; but since China is a little far away we want to give you some directions to also celebrate it in Barcelona.
Lovers of imperial sophistication will surely enjoy the offering from China Crown (Casp, 48), which prepares what many consider the best lacquered duck in the city. They serve it with a meticulous butchering ritual, distributing the precious crispy skin, which has become quite a ceremony in this house.
At Kao Dim Sum (Bisbe Sivilla, 48), flagship of the Kao group - its founder, José María Kao, was a pioneer in bringing to Barcelona the best of the cuisine of his country of origin, China -, you will find dim sum that borders on perfection. The beauty of these farcellets is the pasta they use, made by hand, and the fillings that are so elaborate that they elevate this restaurant to the category of modern cuisine.
It is also worth visiting La Olla de Sichuan (Doctor Letamendi, 11), famous for its hot pot, a specialty from the Sichuan region that is increasingly gaining ground in the city.
Or Mikan (Aribau, 158), a small place in Eixample where tapas from the northeast of this Asian country and natural wines come together.
If you want a total immersion in Chinese gastronomy without having to dig deep into your pocket, head to Eixample Dreta. At the Yue Li restaurant (Sant Pere, 45), for example, you can taste an infinite number of authentic dishes and flavors at a good price. You will see that it is indeed authentic because many of the customers who frequent it are originally from this Asian country.
