Gatronomic and Art suggestions

After several difficulties flying to Madrid from Nairobi, the students from the Kenya–Spain program arrived last Thursday! WELCOME! 💞Since they have just arrived, we are going to give them some advice about Madrid’s neighborhoods: https://www.esmadrid.com/en/madrid-neighbourhoods

On that web site, you can find the most famous areas in Madrid, which most people know, we are adding one more: The Chinese New Year celebrations have just wrapped up (this year marked the Year of the Snake), but it’s still a great moment to explore Madrid’s Chinatown. Usera is home to the largest Chinese community in Spain. Every year, it becomes the epicentre of Chinese New Year festivities, with a vibrant cultural programme organised by Madrid City Council, the Chinese Embassy, Casa Asia and local associations. Although the official celebrations are over, you can (and should!) still head there to enjoy some of the most authentic Chinese food in the city. The regional variety is impressive — from Cantonese to Sichuan, Yunnan and Shanghai cuisine:

• Royal Cantonés – Calle del Olvido, 92
  Often considered one of the best Chinese restaurants in Madrid. Specialised in Cantonese cuisine since 2009. Expect dim sum, roast duck, lotus root, jellyfish and more.
• Hong Kong 70 – Calle de Nicolás Sánchez, 11
  Traditional Cantonese cuisine with expert chefs. Daily handmade dim sum and Hong Kong-style roasts.
• Lao Tou – Calle de Nicolás Sánchez, 35
  100% traditional Sichuan and Cantonese dishes. Perfect for discovering new textures and flavours.
• Picante de Sichuán – Calle de Dolores Barranco, 10
  Ideal for spice lovers — try their shaokao or double-cooked pork.

Additionally, if you want to try traditional Madrid food, since the weather isn’t fully spring-like yet, this is the perfect moment for this grastronomic event (once the heat arrives, it’s not as appealing): the 16th edition of the Ruta del Cocido Madrileño (15 February-31 March 2026). Cocido madrileño is Madrid’s most traditional winter dish, a hearty chickpea stew served in stages, usually with soup, vegetables, and different meats (chorizo, morcilla, pork, beef, and more). Comfort food at its best. The Ruta del Cocido Madrileño is an event where many restaurants in Madrid offer their own version of this dish. During these weeks, diners can try it at different restaurants, compare recipes, and even vote for prizes for the best versions. You can find a list of the restaurants participating here with its prices (scroll until you find it: https://www.eldiario.es/madrid/somos/agenda/ruta-cocido-madrileno-2026-30-restaurantes-capital-listado-completo-participantes-precios_1_12984165.html  ) If you don’t eat pork or meat in general you can also try a vegetarian version here: Verbena Bar at Calle de Velarde, 24 (Metro Tribunal, L1 y L10).

And since “people do not live by bread alone” :-), important cultural events for these days:

• ARCOmadrid – Spain’s major contemporary art fair is currently taking place at IFEMA. A must if you’re into modern and contemporary art.
• Ellas Crean – A city-wide festival celebrating female creators, with concerts, exhibitions, theatre and talks across different venues in Madrid.