Niajo on Sanlitun bar street in Beijing offers authentic Spanish fare.[Photo provided to China Daily]

Years later, their relationship long ended, the 56-year-old finds his life and career unfolding successfully in the increasingly internationalized city.

He is the owner and head chef of Niajo, a Spanish eatery that is widely loved among Beijing diners since it opened in 2009. Located on the third floor of Nali Patio, a hotspot in the Sanlitun area where Spanish eateries dominate, it has a low-key and cozy atmosphere stemming from the simple decor and furnishings, characterized with light colors.

Many comments on restaurant-review websites are raves about the restaurant's paella, a rice dish with ancient roots that originated in its modern form in Sanchez's native city of Valencia.