Like on a street in Hong Kong.
The 70s in the city of Hong Kong. That is the inspiration behind the decoration of the new Hong Kong 70. The name already gave some clue. And in case it wasn't clear: the old newspapers hanging on the walls, the tables made from pieces of the classic mahjong game, the red velvet stools and the open kitchen behind a window as if it were an authentic restaurant there.
Although in recent years we are finally getting to know the authentic gastronomy of the different parts of China, Hong Kong 70 wants to stand out among so many new offers in Madrid. Not only pamper the kitchen but also the appearance. “This is authentic traditional Cantonese cuisine, made by chefs originally from Hong Kong”, remarks Paloma Fang, manager of the new restaurant, located a few meters from the Plaza Mayor and Ninja Ramen's Little Brother, one of the pioneers of the very popular Japanese soup in Madrid.
“Many of the dishes are made by hand with a lot of work behind it. Unlike other Chinese cuisine venues [in Madrid], we have taken great care with the decoration with a very particular style inspired by the 70s and creating different environments in the same space”.
Scallops in the shell and spicy wontons.
These different spaces are divided into two floors. The first, more street style. Even with a small bar located just in front of the kitchen. In the one below, the atmosphere becomes more intimate, more colonial between wicker, neon lights and burgundy velvets... Chinese sophistication that explodes in the booth locked in a gilded cage.
DUCK 'HONG KONG STYLE'
On the menu, dishes known to those just initiated into Chinese cuisine: such as spring rolls, dim sums... But also recipes that will only be familiar to the very expert in this gastronomy of the world.
The decor is 70's Hong Kong style.
"Cantonese cuisine is practiced in the southern part of China," explains Paloma Fang. “The main difference is that it is a much healthier and lighter gastronomy. It is cooked much more steamed and the oil is not used as much. In the case of roast meat, for example, no oil is used to make it, only the meat's own fat."
Vegetables, in fact, have their own chapter on the menu, in only vegetarian dishes, such as pak choy and shittake wok or Chinese vegetables sautéed with soy pate; and in combinations with meat, such as Chinese cabbage with pancetta in the hot pot.
Chinese cabbage with pancetta in the hot pot.
And yet are the meats “the most representative” of the restaurant, as confirmed by Paloma Fang. From the Hong Kong style roast duck (whole, half or quarter can be ordered) to honey roasted ribs or crispy roasted bacon, a kind of Hong Kong-style torrezno.
The best option is to try one of their dishes that combine several of the meats, so try, decide on the favorite (for the next one). And accompany it, as Chinese cuisine dictates, with a dish of rice or noodles.
Yes, park here and eat in peace.
WHY GO
For its meats and dim sums, "also typical of Cantonese cuisine," says Fang. The pork and prawn siu mai, the duck pie with foie, cannelloni stuffed with caramelized chasiu…
ADDITIONAL FEATURES
The dessert mochis, Some infiltrators in a menu of authentic Cantonese cuisine, which will remain so. "In principle, it will not be extended to other kitchens because it would distort the concept of the restaurant," says Fang. “We only change the fresh vegetables originating in China, what we offer out of letter seasonally".
The different roasted meats are their specialty.
Address: Calle de Toledo, 28 See map
Telephone: 91 059 83 78
Schedule: From Tuesday to Sunday from 1:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. and from 8:00 p.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Half price: €20