El Winnie (Xiongzai) Madrid

Chinese food is having a moment in Madrid, and I love it! If like me you enjoy the real deal, try “El Winnie”, as it has been baptised by locals because pictures of the lovable bear feature everywhere (although it is so unfiltered Chinese that the real name, Restaurante Xiongzai, is only displayed in Mandarin). Don’t tell Disney!

Their speciality is Sichuan, so expect spicy, or ask them to hold the chilli! I always order bao; soft, pillowy steamed dumplings, stuffed with pork, lamb or cabbage. Soupy noodles are the star of the show here though - so hot and spicy your eyes will water! Just the thing for winter weather. My favourite dish is the cold noodles with peanuts and cucumber in a spicy sesame sauce though; it's really refreshing. There are also some very popular pulled pork sandwiches, Chinese style.

Avoid the lunch crowd by coming before 14:00, and to avoid the dinner crowd come before 20:00, when you’ll find mostly Chinese customers; a good sign!