If you walk past number 115 San Vicente Mártir street, you will probably see what looks like an old-fashioned neighborhood bar. Simple signs, classic decor and the generic name Bar Cafeteria 115.
However, as a recent video by Jacobo de Santiago (@jacoveoo) has revealed on social networks, this establishment hides inside one of the most authentic Chinese cuisine proposals in Valencia.
The discovery was shared by this content creator who, after living in China for three months, was looking for flavors in Valencia that reminded him of his stay in the Asian country.
The recommendation came from Ron (@rongri_12), a citizen of Chinese origin living in the city, who guided him to this place located near Plaza de España in Valencia.
A menu that brings authentic Chinese food closer
What defines Bar Cafetería 115 (C/ de Sant Vicent Màrtir, 115), as detailed in the shared images, is the authenticity of its dishes, far from the westernized version of Chinese food.
In the video, we see dishes such as sautéed eggplant with minced pork and, above all, the “saliva chicken” (Saliva Chicken). This last dish clashes culturally with the Spanish palate as it is served cold, a common feature in China: “In Spain, eating cold meat is hard to understand, but it’s good”.
The litmus test: fermented tofu
However, the real test of authenticity shown in the video is the “stinky tofu” or fermented tofu. The dish lives up to its name with a very strong and peculiar smell -compared to “foot odor” or “sulfur”-, but in the mouth it offers a smooth texture, similar to that of a cream cheese.
Another detail that makes the difference is the accompaniment. Instead of the three-delicious rice, white rice imported from China is served here, designed to be mixed with the sauces of the other dishes, acting like bread at the Spanish table.
Although the price of the rice bowl (1.80 euros) is surprisingly more expensive than in China, it is an essential part of the experience.
The final bill, with main courses, rice and drinks, 41.50 euros, “leftover food”.
“The best Chinese restaurant he has tried in Valencia”, recognizes in the video @jacoveoo for the quality of the product and fidelity to the original recipes of the Zhejiang region, where many of the Chinese restaurateurs installed in the city come from.