A hidden gem serving this bustling area, frequented by nearby residents, superstar actors and retired doctors alike. Though located right across the street from Le Bon Marchė, this establishment retains much of its homely atmosphere from its initiation 27 years ago. Tourists and local first-timers are usually surprised by how the amiable owner couple are well acquainted with everyone else that walks in. Some seem to regard the place as a family dining room. Such customer retention results not only from the hospitality, but also from the quality, albeit a tad pricey (prepare for 20-25 Euro p/p if you have a hungry stomach to fill).
A few words before jumping into specific dishes. If you prefer less oil/salt/sauce, PLEASE ASK. The staff is much accommodating. If you cannot stand even a hint of grease or care much about clean and artistic plating, please avoid eating in common Chinese restaurants. Maybe you can try Li Imperial Cuisine (and pretend that you have just gorged the best Chinese cuisine when faced with a €80 p/p bill).
Recommended dishes
- Sizzling shrimp with bamboo shoots, mushrooms and onions on an iron plate. Shrimps are seared with spices and become even more ambrosial when they sizzle on the hot plate.
- Wok fried beef with ginger: beef is tender enough, and ginger helps keep the flavors balanced. Besides, ginger is your best friend in summer.
- Chicken thighs with basil spices: the outer sprinkled with spices and wok-fried to crispy, inside hides the juicy thighs. Yum yum!
- Pork Shao Mai (Siu Mai): Succulent pork enveloped by smooth dumpling skin. The best we have tasted at this price range in Paris (€4.5 for four. Sure Shang Palace's is even more authentic, but the price more than triples)
- Wok fried any sort of vegetables (cabbage, water spinach, string beans): hot vegetable always invaluable to a native Chinese.
Some general notes on our reviews on Chinese restaurants outside China. We never base our reviews on meaningless comparison between these establishments to their counterparts in China. Instead, we value authenticity in terms of ingredients, styles and repertoire among their peers in the local area. In other words, if a restaurant is more "native Chinese" than most others in its base city, it deserves a Five Star, whether it is a family-run canteen or a Michelin Three Star. read more