Soy Kitchen

The story

Soy Kitchen Madrid – Michelin-Recommended Asian Fusion by Chef Julio Zhang

Soy Kitchen: Contemporary Chinese Cuisine in the Heart of Madrid

On Calle Zurbano, in the Chamberí district, Soy Kitchen brings a singular vision of Asian cooking to Madrid. Under the guidance of chef Julio Zhang, the restaurant has earned its place as the only Chinese restaurant recommended in the Michelin Guide for Spain, a recognition it continues to hold. It also carries the Sol Repsol distinction, marking it as a destination for those seeking refined, contemporary Chinese cuisine.

Chef Zhang, originally from Beijing, trained in the traditions of imperial Chinese cooking before spending time in Pamplona exploring regional Spanish products. In Madrid, he created Soy Kitchen as his most personal project. The result is a kitchen that blends Asian techniques and flavours with high-quality local, seasonal ingredients. The restaurant’s commitment to sustainability—using local producers and seasonal produce—is woven into this approach.

The a la carte menu is a study in contrasts and precision. Starters include Hong Kong-style wok clams with foiesabi, braised and glazed suckling pig ears, and a crispy rice taco filled with txangurro cream and soft shell crab. Dim sum is a particular strength: black ha kao with Joselito pork jowl, txangurro xie huang with white crab cream, and xiaolong bao filled with pork and prawn. Main courses range from a low-temperature duck and wok-fried beef with seasonal mushrooms to a chili crab and a kung pao turbot. There is also a fried rice “special de la casa” and homemade ban mian noodles with beef tartare.

For a deeper exploration, two tasting menus are available: the Long menu (nine courses, €85) and the Hu menu (eight courses, €75). Both are designed as journeys through the kitchen’s repertoire, showcasing technique, surprise, and a clear sense of place.

Soy Kitchen opened its doors in 2013 and has since become a reference for Asian fusion in the city. The atmosphere is polished and welcoming, suited to both special occasions and a quiet evening of discovery. The restaurant also offers catering and private event services.