Hidden in the depths of a dingy, underground parking garage lies one of Madrid’s best-kept secrets… some of the best Chinese food you can find in the city, and on a budget.
Because who doesn’t want to eat Chinese food in a subterranean parking garage?
Informally known as “The Underground Chino” (since it’s official name “Zhou Yulong” is forgotten by… literally everyone) you can find this little gem in Plaza de España near Gran Via.
Here is elegant entrance that gives absolutely no indication that there’s a restaurant below. That’s the beauty of these hidden gems; you will only find locals and the occasional well-informed tourist eating here.
{Although that last person I circled very well might be a poster}
And while “The Underground Chino” may easily be one of the most aesthetically unpleasing restaurants in Madrid, what they lack in decor, they make up through their amazing dishes.
Menu:
Food Recommendations:
• Dumplings (Empanadillas) as an appetizer is a must
• #6 Thick-Cut Homemade Noodle Soup (my personal favorite, pictured below)
• #16 Fried Noodles (Tamarines Fritos) amazing stirfry
Warning: If you don’t enjoy little shrimps in your bowl of soup with their little heads and eyes still intact (pictured below), order without shrimp “sin gambas”.
(Below: My sad attempt at making this article amusing)
Great for Food, not ambiance:
This is a great segue to the fact that my boyfriend invited me to “The Underground Chino” on one of our first dates. Fortunately for him, I’m all for hole-in-the-wall places as long as there’s great food involved, even if it means…
√ Trying to slurp down an entire bowl of noodles in front of your date as silently and non-awkwardly as possible
√ Double dating with the strangers sitting an inch away from us
√ Uncomfortably being stared at by hungry people waiting in line for your table
Well, something “magical” must have happened that night at that shabby little underground Chinese Restaurant while we were gazing into each others eyes and slurping down those greasy noodles … because two and a half years later…Ricardo and I are still going strong. I know you were all wondering <—– sarcasm.
And when we’re craving noodles, or needing substantial hangover food after the 2 beers we drank the night before (don’t judge) we still make the 40 minute trek to “The Underground Chino”.
How to Arrive:
Metro: Plaza de España (lines 3, 10)
In the Underground parking garage of Plaza España
Prices: Main dishes: around 4-6€
There are only about 6 or 7 small tables at most, so show up “early” if you want a seat. I’d suggest going outside of the typical Spanish eating hours. Get there around 12:00pm-1:00pm, 4:00pm-6:30pm and you should have little problem getting a table.
At peak times, be prepared to wait in line and give the stink eye to the people eating inside. There’s also the option of ordering take-out and eating in the plaza above.
Has anyone else been here?? // Anyone? // Anyone?? // Beuller? // Feel free to leave comments, stories, experiences, etc.
Lost in Madrid 
