Not far from where St Martin canal emerges from underground, and closer to St Denis than central…read moreParis is the cozy Chinese run Vietnamese restaurant of Chez Yu. My GF and I were craving the fares of SE Asia and needed a fix. Since we knew there was a healthy Vietnamese population in and around Paris we instinctively knew that good Vietnamese was to be had in the city of lights.
After calling several four-star plus rated establishments featured on Yelp--of course--we sadly came unto the realization that the nouveau French folks like the Vietnamese Parisians, either by birth or osmosis, have a habit of not hanging around Paris on Labor Day weekend; they escape to either Southern France or waterside elsewhere getting their beach on.
At first we hesitated to try Chez Yu because of the few ratings they had received. But a quick analysis of the tiny establishment changed our minds and we're glad that we did. First, the kitchen and prep area is open and view-able from the street. Second, the place was kept very clean. Third, the proprietors--I assume Chez Yu herself or an equally competent emissary--worked before spectators like yours truly, in the open kitchen.
We ordered beef Pho, pork and beef Bahn Mi sandwiches, respectively, and a couple of Vietnamese ice coffees. For apps we selected the beef skewers. Indeed we were hungry. Since I enjoy food with some heat, we asked for and were given a side of finely sliced chili peppers that were simultaneously hot and tasty (like my diner guest). Ordering was a bit tough since I barely speak French or an Asian language. But they were patient and kind enough to bear with my limited linguistic skills.
The Bahn Mi sandwiches on French baguettes were the highlight of our diner. I had the pork sandwich and my GF enjoyed the beef. Our entire order was excellent and I strongly suggest you swing by Chez Yu's if you happen to be in Paris and craving some fare from the former French colony in the far east.
