Please note that this review is specifically for the Chocolatería San Ginés at Pasadizo de San…read moreGinés in Madrid, as there are multiple locations.
My parents were visiting Madrid and were genuinely excited to try the famous churros and hot chocolate at Chocolatería San Ginés. Unfortunately, their experience was ruined by one of the servers, Ali, a tall, grey-haired man.
While serving them, Ali said "chino, chino, cappuccino" while making a derogatory gesture pulling the skin around his eyes. The gesture is extremely offensive and inappropriate in 2026. My parents told him directly that he should not be doing things like that.
My mother also told him "we may all look different, but we are all the same," and expressed how much she loves Spain but dislikes being treated this way by people like him.
What makes this especially upsetting is that my parents were guests visiting Spain from the US and were looking forward to experiencing the culture and food. Instead, they left with a very sour impression because of the behavior of one employee.
The churros and hot chocolate may be well known, but no food is worth being subjected to a racist or derogatory gesture. I hope management takes this seriously and addresses this employee's behavior so other visitors do not have a similar experience.