
Did you know that the oldest Chinese cuisine restaurant in Valencia is also a restaurant certified by the Celiac Association of the Valencian Community? We are talking about Mey Chen, the oldest Chinese restaurant in Valencia, among those that remain open, which opened its doors in 1981.
Until then, the oldest Chinese restaurant in Valencia was Stephen Shaw’s May-Lin, which opened in 1978 and beat another historic restaurant in the city, Mey-Mey, by 1 year.
It is possible that even it sounds to you at first sight, since it is located in full avenue of Primado Reig, at the height of the university fields and next to the barracks of the Civil Guard. It is a family restaurant, with long-time customers in the neighborhood.
Unlike the Asian restaurants in La Roqueta, which focus on more traditional Chinese dishes, this restaurant has a menu adapted to the European palate, as was common in the 80s until the 2000s, and was characterized by dishes such as rice “Three delights”, spring rolls or chicken with almonds.
This does not mean that it does not incorporate more authentic dishes of oriental gastronomy, such as kuo-pao chicken or Peking duck . And it is still an excellent choice for celebrating the Lunar New Year.
Mey Chen’s menu has been reviewed by ACECOVA, the Celiac Association of Valencia. On its website the restaurant is included as one of the safe recommendations for people with celiac disease or people on a gluten-free diet.
Inside, the decoration in wood and ornate with oriental motifs is reminiscent of other restaurants of the time, such as Delicias de China de Pérez Galdós, of a similar style and family tradition. A space that has recently been renamed Kalya with the second generation of the family at the head of the business and a completely renovated interior design.
The restaurant also has a terrace.
Mey Chen is closed on Mondays and open for lunch and dinner from Tuesday to Sunday. You will find it at Primado Reig 163, in the neighborhood of Benimaclet.