Preferred Chinese Dishes of Messi and Yamal
In the heart of Barcelona's upper zone (Sarrià-Sant Gervasi), lies the upscale Chinese restaurant Shanghai. This culinary gem has been a favourite among high-profile celebrities, including football stars, film stars, and musicians, for its perfect blend of authenticity, elegance, and contemporary flair.
One such football star is Lionel Messi, who has been a regular at Shanghai. Messi, the five-time Ballon d'Or winner and heir to FC Barcelona's iconic number "10" shirt, has a soft spot for dim sum. The delicate flavours and variety of this traditional Chinese breakfast dish have captured his palate, according to Chef Josep Maria Kao, who tailors menus to his guests' tastes.
Another football star who has dined at Shanghai is Lamine Yamal, a young promise of FC Barcelona. Respecting his religious dietary restrictions, Yamal favours duck dishes prepared with traditional mastery, avoiding pork. Chef Kao has accommodated his preferences, ensuring that Yamal enjoys the best of Chinese cuisine while adhering to his beliefs.
Shanghai's decades-long history in Spanish city has made it a meeting point for those seeking a different and high-quality Asian experience. The Kao family's culinary proposal combines Chinese tradition with Mediterranean elements and modern techniques, creating an elegant fusion cuisine strengthened by high-quality local products and the reinterpretation of Chinese classics.
This fusion approach has not gone unnoticed. Ferran Adrià, the renowned Spanish chef, has praised Shanghai as one of the best Chinese restaurants outside of China. Chef Kao's innovative approach has also attracted international figures such as film stars and great names in football, including Pep Guardiola, Pau Gasol, Ona Carbonell, Xavi Hernández, Carles Puyol, and Harrison Ford, who asked for a photo with the chef during his visit.
The dining experiences of Messi and Yamal at Shanghai highlight their personal tastes off the football pitch. Their visits, revealed by Chef Kao, offer a glimpse into their preferences and appreciation for Asian cuisine. Whether it's the delicate flavours of dim sum or the traditional mastery of duck dishes, Shanghai has certainly left a lasting impression on these football stars.
The restaurant's culinary prestige was further consolidated when it was awarded a Michelin star, making Shanghai a reference for high-level Chinese cuisine in Spain. For those seeking an exceptional Asian dining experience, Shanghai remains a must-visit destination in Barcelona.
The upscale Chinese restaurant Shanghai is renowned for being a favorite among celebrities, including football stars and film stars. Ferran Adrià, the renowned Spanish chef, has praised Shanghai as one of the best Chinese restaurants outside of China, attracting international figures. On the sports front, both Lionel Messi and Lamine Yamal have dined at Shanghai, demonstrating their appreciation for the restaurant's exquisite food-and-drink offerings and international lifestyle.
