We had been to a food market on Les Rambles and had enjoyed great oysters at a few stalls, but we…read morewere saving ourselves for something different but didn't know what.
The food market was uncomfortably packed with tourists and we contributed to this, it also had a mild sewage 3rd world whiff and at 34c it wasn't pleasant. The last time I got a pong like this was in Bangkok.
I've no doubt we've also contributed to the fact that the price for food here has gone up noticeably, but not as exponentially as it will over the next few months if politicians aren't brave enough to cap energy price hikes amid obscene oil company profit scouring.
Please don't hold any collective breath waiting on politicians of integrity.
So we pulled out of the pongy crowded market and ambled the Rambles. Then the smell hit, pinched our noses and we were pleased. Garlic & chilli hit.
And we just knew it was right on. So we followed our noses.
We could see the wok master at his pyromaniac work from outside this small narrow place. A not enough room to swing a cat space. Mind you I can't think why anyone would want to treat a cat so.
It was full of 20 and 30 somethings both those dining and those cooking.
Intense gas heat, high flame, thin steel = little oil, rapid stir fry cooking of thin cut meats, vegetables and proper spice balance. Perfection.
So the price is structured. I opted for thin noodles rather than rice, chicken as protein, cashew nuts for delicious texture, oyster mushrooms and beansprouts for taste and, of course, chilli spice.
They add white onions, carrots and greens at no extra charge but I did say to go heavy on the fresh coriander at the end and they did.
From start to paper carton it was a few brief minutes. €14.20 (£12.) and the serving was enough for two. 3 green stars.
Wooden forks, spoons and paper tissues on site with narrow uncomfortable seating but great fresh cooked, hot tasty food.
The oyster mushrooms and cashews sure pushed up the price but it was worth every cent particularly the cashews and honestly we didn't need the chicken.
I noted that we passed many places offering all manner of paella - meat, fish, vegetarian but no smell not a whiff of garlic, frying onion so I avoid as I'm cynical enough to think it's pre frozen and microwaved food.