Do you like cars? Do you also like Chinese food, maybe even authentic Chinese recipes? There is a restaurant in Milan which is completely themed for car lovers: it is called Mr. Car and it offers typical Chinese dishes in a fully motor-styled place.
Not only there are car models everywhere and even the counter is shaped like a little car: some tables have even car seats in place of normal chairs and some dishes (even if I have not personally tried them) are even served… inside car toy models!
Prices are cheap, while most specific dishes are a little more expensive and quality is very good: the fact many Chinese people eat here is something valuable (have even spot the place many times in a Chinese coupon app, so Chinese people are a good target for this place… and also people who love motors!).
Ow, that’s an interesting idea for a restaurant. I was like ‘Seriously’ but then read the concept and a bit more about the place on the internet. Even the name of this place recall something Chinese. I like it! Hope that service was great as well. What do you think about that @user_not_found ?
What’s the most interesting dish you have noticed from the menu?
@FlameFox absolutely great service. Dishes are typical Chinese, honestly found nothing different (but I eat almost everyday in a different authentic Chinese restaurant so am already used to particular and typical Chinese dishes), obviously for people used to common Chinese restaurants, every dish here is special and an entire menu has to be discovered here (having looked it, I have not found many “Westernized” dishes).
I would suggest fried tofu already mentioned before, the dry hot pots and the lotus root.
Thought this might be the case with the dishes. However, I still had to ask. As far as I am aware 90% of the dishes in Chinese restaurants around Europe are adapted to our area which doesn’t make it entirely authentic. It’s great to hear that dishes at Mr.Car are within the remaining 10%. Also, thank you for your recommendations, @user_not_found ! Your articles make it clear, that you’re truly an expert in this area.
@FlameFox Milan and, in general, big cities featuring a strong Chinese community, are full of authentic Chinese restaurants. Milan is also full of Chinese students as well. It is a cosmopolitan city and made to support big communities like Chinese. Mr Car is just one of the various dozens restaurants tried in Milan. Obviously cities not featuring important Chinese communities will never have authentic regional Chinese recipes, as few locals may be ready to try them.
What I have heard of is that every cuisine offered in a different country is adapted (even just a bit), to the host habits. This is in order to make it friendly to the locals and sell at the same time.
You have made it clear that it’s not the case with Mr.Car and some of the places around Milan which is literally amazing and speaks a lot. In a world of globalization and curiosity (something I cherish), there should never have borders even for food.
It’s awesome to know there are authentic tastes around Italy. That country has been on my bucket list for a very long time and this summer, hopefully I will have the time and funds to visit. Guess we have a dining spot winner here Am I right saying it’s located in an attractive area, @user_not_found ?
every cuisine is adapted. Italian cuisine (ours) is even one of the most adapted in the world: American Pizza is completely different from ours, Parmigiano Reggiano and Grana Padano are completely different from the “Parmesan” imitations, artisanal basil pesto sauce made in Italy is completely different from what you buy in the pots at supermarket (also in Italy in this case), Finally, Italian mozzarella is completely different from the various mozzarella brands you commonly find in an American supermarket. I could tell you it is very difficult to eat true Italian outside Italy unless you live in a big city (and also in big cities you will surely have to rely on Google Maps in order to find authentic places among the thousands of adapted restaurants). Maybe you can find the rare exception and spot an authentic restaurant also in a small town, but well, it is an exception, authentic food places stay mainly in big cities, where more customers who want to try this kind of food may come.
So are you planning to visit Italy? And what cities would you like to visit?
I start with a very simple tip: pay attention to the most touristic cities, in some cases (especially when going to restaurants in central areas) you will be really challenged to find places in which you don’t pay €15 for a frozen pizza bought at the supermarket!
Well, even Chinese dishes seem Europeanized to me, @user_not_found . (personal opinion again) I tried a completely authentic dim sum … or something like that, cooked by a Chinese friend of mine and it didn’t have anything at all with the one I ate the other night at a finest Chinese restaurant in town. This is why I have previously asked if it’s same in Italy. I am kind of happy to hear that it’s true, still a bit unfortunate. Authentic places are truly rare. I have only tried one - off topic, it was a Japanese Restaurant in Bulgaria. Hearing that Mr.Car stick to Chinese traditions and authentic taste brings trust and also sounds like a warm invite to Milan.
My current plans for Italy are still at the blueprint stage. I want to explore the Roman Empire culture which as far as I am aware is well preserved mainly in Rome (unfortunate, right ). Milan is symbol of Leonardo and Michelangelo’s art, so does Florence and Venice, perhaps.
@FlameFox Chinese food is Westernized everywhere. Also in Italy. Very few places coon authentic dishes but well, Milan is full of them. Have even made a Google Maps list for them (with the most famous, there are surely also many others).
Pay attention when in the cities you want to visit, they are really beautiful cities but also many places are really expensive and clearly targeted to tourists. Use Google Maps very well and enjoy your trips, don’t just rely on the first places you see! This is a good advice for every city, but especially in those two ones, as they are really touristic!
Speaking of strictly authentic I thought of 2-3 places. This is not the case with Milan, as I can see. Thanks for sharing, @user_not_found . That list does help!
I am always cautious on the route building process and Maps is my constant assistant indeed. Focusing on hidden gems rather than the world famous attractions is a practice I already have. Most of the time it saves money and brings a lot knowledge and better practice - something I am aiming for. Guess that studying and practicing in travel brought some professional distortion.
Your articles make it clear, that you’re truly an expert in this area.
). Milan is symbol of Leonardo and Michelangelo’s art, so does Florence and Venice, perhaps.