Shocking Chinese restaurant closure explained.
The Jin Gu restaurant in Madrid has been shut down after police discovered its signature roast duck wasn’t duck at all—it was street pigeons.
Disturbing discovery detailed.
Customers thought they were biting into crisp-skinned duck breast—but police say it was actually cooked, plucked pigeons, likely scooped up from city sidewalks.
The raid, conducted late last month, uncovered rusted cookware, faulty freezers, and mystery meats that were neither labeled nor dated.
Footage from the raid shows what appears to be pigeon carcasses hung to dry on makeshift clothes horses, surrounded by cockroach traps.
Police also discovered sea cucumbers—banned under Spain’s marine laws—hidden among the restaurant’s stash of illicit ingredients.
Photos show a kitchen more reminiscent of a horror film than a restaurant—a grimy setup with visibly rotting meat and cluttered prep zones.
With broken freezers and no food storage monitoring, inspectors said bacteria growth would’ve been inevitable.
Authorities detailed an eye-watering list of infractions, including missing thermometers, unsanitary preparation areas, and rat traps in food zones.
Despite the mess, Jin Gu boasted a 4.2-star Google rating, with one patron recalling, “The duck I think is a little dry and lots of bones, not that tasty.”
That “bony duck” might’ve been more beak and wing than breast meat, now that the restaurant’s dirty secret has gone public.
While wood pigeon is technically edible and even served in upscale European kitchens, grabbing one from a gutter is not considered gourmet.
Details of restaurant investigation unveiled.
Jin Gu had become a local favorite in Madrid’s bustling Usera neighborhood, known for its high-density Asian food scene and cultural melting pot.
The restaurant’s owners are now facing multiple investigations—public health crimes, animal cruelty, and consumer fraud charges are all on the table.
No major public complaints were recorded before the raid, but locals have now come forward saying something always felt a little “off” with the duck.
Spanish authorities are being pressed on how a restaurant could serve urban birds for duck and operate for so long under the radar.
Investigators believe the pigeons weren’t farmed or bought—many are believed to have been captured from the city streets, parks, and rooftops.
According to food safety expert Dr. Luis Cabrera, “Feeding people street pigeons is reckless—you’re playing roulette with salmonella, E. coli, and worse.”
Urban pigeons are notorious for harboring disease, carrying parasites, and consuming trash—not exactly Michelin-star potential.
Beyond pigeons, authorities are still testing several other meat samples from the premises to confirm their origin.
The illegal sea cucumbers weren’t just banned—they’re protected species, leading police to believe a smuggling operation may be involved.
Madrid police say the case could lead to prison sentences if the charges hold up in court, especially with public health risks involved.
Customer’s reactions clarified.
One frequent diner told El Mundo, “I can’t believe this. I brought my family there. I fed that to my kids!”
Online, reactions have ranged from sheer horror to sarcastic memes about the “mystery meat industry” and pigeon à l’orange.
Some loyalists say they’d still eat there—others are done for good. One user quipped, “I knew that wasn’t duck. It tasted too… pedestrian.”
Official closure of restaurant described.
As of this week, Jin Gu’s storefront is shuttered and covered in “Precinto Policial” tape, with investigation notices posted on the door.
Officials say the intent was obvious—pass off cheap or free street animals as expensive dishes to boost profit margins.
“This incident is a wake-up call,” said one health department official. “Consumers deserve transparency. And at the very least—not vermin.”
Food crime analysts warn that similar fraudulent practices exist worldwide—from fake olive oil to mislabeled seafood, and yes, even fake duck.
Jin Gu’s owners may never serve again.
With takeout apps booming and inspections lagging, some worry about what’s really inside those white cardboard boxes.
Madrid authorities have confirmed in a bombshell statement: “The so-called duck meat served was street-caught pigeon, improperly handled and unfit for consumption.”
Whether or not they’re convicted, one thing’s certain—Jin Gu’s culinary days are over, and nobody’s going back for seconds.