the ultimate food guide to Paris

Voila. Here you go. You’re welcome. You’ll never be hungry in Paris again.
In just one click here you will have everything your belly might be looking for in Paris.

Ok, I admit, I am most visibly a Rive-Droite kind of person but it must be because I have only ever lived there (10th and 11th Arrondissements) and didn’t spend as much time to the South of Seine. I promise to fix that as soon as I have an occasion! I’ll also appreciate any of your recommendations in the comments below.

Some of our favourites (you know, the ones you dream about when you realise the food scene in London has nothing to compare itself to Paris… Paris 1:0 London):

La Taverne de Zhao

We were lucky to live right in front of it when it opened few years ago and the very first time we stopped by… we new that was the shit. In my opinion – one of the best Sichuan restaurants in Paris. Our favourite menu for 2 gourmands as we are would usually include several sharing plates: liang-pi classique, platycodon, pork momo and chicken raviolis.
No booking possible but don’t expect a big queue.

La Taverne de Zhao
49 Rue des Vinaigriers, 75010 Paris, France

Momo (pork bun), platycodon, liang-pi and Tsing-tao in Taverne de Zao

Higuma

Our favourite ramen in Paris. Combo ramen + gyoza only 11.0€ and I’m talking about the real ramen here, comparable to those we tried in Japan. No booking possible and very long queues any time of the day. Definitely worth it though!

Higuma
32bis Rue Sainte-Anne, 75001 Paris, France

Street Bangkok

Ok, it might b a bit too spicy for my taste but even if only for its satay chicken skewers, it has to be on top of my list. Tried to make it home several times, never got it right.
You will find the same menu in Canal Saint-Martin and Bastille locations. The newly opened one in Rue Saint-Denis has a different menu, equally good and perhaps less spicy!

Street Bangkok Local Food
3 Rue Eugène Varlin, 75010 Paris, France

Le Petit Cambodge

I have never eaten a better bo-bun than this one. It is on a more pricey side but never EVER disappoints. We have our go-to order here: Bobun spécial mixte (with both shrimp and very tasty beef) and Saucisse à la citronnelle for a starter is a must. Wonderful citronnade with ginger and mint. 

Le Petit Cambodge
20 Rue Alibert, 75010 Paris, France

Bo-bun mixte at Le Petit Cambodge

Yemma

A more recent discovery but one that made its way to the list of our favourites right away. It’s a Moroccan fusion place (even though they do serve more traditional cous-cous and tagine) and our favourite: kazdal sandwiches wrapped in an (apparently) traditional Bangladeshi pastry.

Yemma
119 Rue du Chemin Vert, 75011 Paris, France

BigMamma Group

You can’t go wrong with this one and the biggest plus is that you can find their locations all over Paris. In all of them – the best pizza, pasta, tiramisu, drinks and other fresh straight-from-Italy produce.

Ober Mamma
107 Boulevard Richard Lenoir, 75011 Paris, France

East Mamma
133 Rue du Faubourg Saint-Antoine, 75011 Paris, France

Pink Mamma
20bis Rue de Douai, 75009 Paris, France

BigLove Café
30 Rue Debelleyme, 75003 Paris, France

Pizzeria Popolare
111 Rue Réaumur, 75002 Paris, France

Jules et Shim

Very good Korean bibimbap just on the side of Canal Saint-Martin. Take away for the very fun packaging and enjoy it in the sun.

Jules et Shim
22 Rue des Vinaigriers, 75010 Paris, France

Shrimp bibimbap at Jules et Shim

Bong

Our discovery of the Korean barbecue dining and oh-so-good. Make sure to go on an empty stomach though cause you’re up for a FEAST.

Bong
6 Avenue de la République, 75011 Paris, France

La Pause Indienne

The most inconspicuous of them all, it looks like yet another gross Inidian fast food around Gare du l’Est but serves honestly good naan wraps. Yum!

La Pause Indienne
58 Boulevard de Magenta, 75010 Paris, France

hello fall!

It’s really hard to get excited about fall, especially in Paris with its never-ending rain, grey sky, and low temperatures. There’s something however, that I’m really looking forward to thinking of this time of the year: fall seasonal treats. I don’t know if there’s anybody really, who’s not smiling within about pumpkin spice, hot-baked tart or a plate of pasta with fresh mushrooms… Here’s an idea: pumpkin pancakes with maple baked pears for a Sunday brunch. Yes! 

Ingredients:

For the pancakes:
– 1 cup pumpkin puree (I baked a big batch of pumpkin before and stored it in the fridge)
– 2 eggs
– pinch of salt
– 1 teaspoon of cinnamon
– 4 tablespoons of almond flour
– cream cheese or whipped cream, maple syrup, cinnamon and chopped almonds for garnish

For baked pears:
– few ripe pears (as much as you feel like! I got 2 per person)
– maple syrup
– cinnamon and bunch of hazelnuts for garnish

Instructions:
Beat the eggs in a big bowl until smooth, slowly adding the pumpkin puree until all combined. Add the rest of ingredients and make sure the batter is smooth and not too lumpy. Preheat the frying pan with a bit of coconut oil and fry the pancakes until golden on both sides (2 tablespoons of batter per pancake). Stock on a plate and garnish with whatever you like – I chose a bit of cream cheese & honey mixture, cinnamon, maple syrup and a bit of chopped walnuts and it was just perfect! 
For the pears, preheat the oven to 180°C and line the pears (peeled and cut in half) on the parchment paper. Sprinkle with maple syrup, cinnamon and hazelnuts and bake for around 15-20 minutes or until all soft and fragrant.  

meet Buddy

So it’s been 2 years now since we first officially announced that one day we’ll get a dog. A big one, Bullmastiff most preferably, and we’ll call him Jabba (yes, like the galaxy’s most powerful gangster) – we actually decided on this when we first met 5 years ago. Not an easy goal to achieve though, living in a rent apartment, in Paris, working, travelling… But the big day came when we made the decision and then we saw HIM. He’s nothing of a galaxy gangster but he’s just a perfect little love ball and he’s here to stay. Say hello to Buddy!

summer feast in Paris

Paris can be quite surprising when it comes to weather, in contrary to many people’s belief that the city of love = the city of sun. After weeks of rain and harsh witner in the middle of May, July didn’t really bring the summer bliss for long but guaranteed at least a few sunny days. So the time to munch on a baguette along Canal Saint-Martin with a glass of rose came. Or actually, the time to munch on anything, wherever and with a glass of whatever just to be outside and enjoy the sun… Here’s a few of our favourite summer restaurants. 

Le Petit Cambodge

Meaning the best Bobun in Paris. It is quite pricey but never disappoints (so SO good!). We have our go-to order here: Bobun spécial mixte (with both shrimp and very tasty beef) and Saucisse à la citronnelle for a starter is a must. Wonderful citronnade with ginger and mint. 

Fuumi

At first very sceptical about the idea of a sushi burrito, we finally decided to give it a try and let me tell you, it was worth it! Even though neither of us went for the actual burrito but rather stuck to the slightly less fusion sushi bowl idea, Fuumi is already one of our favourites. Cancun on the left, Tokyo on the right (a winner!). 

Jules et Shim

Located literally on the side of the canal and just down the street from where we live, we usually go for a takeaway and enjoy it outside (+ the packaging is so much fun!). Shrimp is a favourite.

Republique of Coffee

We discovered this place quickly after its opening this year and just looking at the pictures knew it’s worth trying. Tuna-mango ceviche was to die for and huevos rancheros bowl (on the pic below) completely on spot as well. Just look at it…

Pink Mamma

Early arrival and 45 minutes of queuing are SO worth it. The newest opening of Big Mamma group is right on spot with wonderful interior, delicious menu and a hidden speakeasy in the basement of the building. 

Distrito Frances

For Franco-Mexican taco fusion that was so surprisingly good we decided right away to come back soon. Thomas went for King Kunta with spicy pulled pork which was greasy as hell but as delicious. Drunken Love with marinated beef on the pic below. 

early sunday date with cocoa waffles

You can enjoy a late night date with a bottle of wine and candlelights and I don’t say we don’t, but there is something so special about the long lazy morning in bed with a plate full of chocolate. With the berry season in its peak it’s also a great way to make the best of them: top fresh on a warm dough of a waffle. Cocoa waffle.

This time the recipe is not my invention, it’s all thanks to the wonderfull Heather Christo and her deliciously allergen free recipes! Needles to mention that these are of course gluten and dairy free.

Ingredients:

– 1 cup coconut milk
– 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
– 1 and 1/3 cup of gluten free flour blend (I use rice + corn + potato + almond in equal proportions)
– 1 cup unsweetened dark cocoa powder
– 1/3 cup sugar
– 2 teaspoos baking powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup melted coconut oil + a bit more for waffle iron
– 1/2 cup gluten free beer
– powder sugar, fruits or jam for spreading (I used my mums wonderful homemade plum nutella – see the recipe at the bottom of this page!)

Instructions:

Start with mixing the coconut milk with the apple cider vinegar and set aside for a moment to greate a slightly fluffy dairy-free buttermilk. In another bowl mix together all dry ingredients first, add coconut oil, beer and the coconut milk mix and start stiring in everything together. It will take a moment to combine and will make up for your morning workout as the batter will become very thick. 
Preheat the waffle iron and cover slightly with coconut oil – use paper towel to spread evenly. Spoon the batter into the iron but remember not to fill the whole space with it as the waffle will grow while heating (I used 2 spoons per waffle).
Decorate with powdered sugar and fruits of your choice – all kidns of berries will do the best. My mum’s homemade plum nutella was also a heavenly spread – see the recipe at the bottom of this post. 

It makes A LOT so for a party of two you can easily use a half of the ingredients. However, you can also freeze them for later and reheat quickly for the yummiest week-day breakfast!

For my mum’s plum nutella spread:
(makes few jars – close firmly and save for later!)

– 3 kg plums
– 1 kg sugar (you can change the quantity of course but watch out for proportions!)
– 30 g vanilla sugar
– 150 g unsweetened cocoa powder

Cut the plums into tiny pieces and cook with sugar on low heat for 2,5 hours stirring frequently. After this time stir in vanilla sugar and cocoa and cook together for another 15 minutes. Once ready, move to jars and pasteurise for 10 minutes. 

If you happen to make this natural nutella or get inspired by our brunch date – let us know in the comments below!

sunday brunch in bed and the most wonderful pink pancakes

Let’s be honest: who doesn’t like pancakes? A perfect and one of our favourites go-tos for weekend brunch, it has always seemed a bit too time-consuming and too messy to prepare a batch for both of us. It did, before I discovered this Jamie Olivier’s smoothie pancakes – all you have to do is to mix all ingredients in the blender and you’re good to go. 

Obviously, there are plenty of gluten free options replacing flour with rolled oats, like this one from Ambitious Kitchen and this is also what we’ve been recently going for. It makes the panckaes perhpas a little less fluffy but definitely perfectly moist, filling and full of flavour. 

Now, it’s almost spring time (yes, in Paris beginning of May is not quite spring yet…) and I have to admit I’m getting crazy with everything pink (Maja), so obviously this was coming… pink pancakes!There are several options to give the pancakes a beautiful colour: you can make them green with matcha powder or golden with turmeric. For pink, I decided to use pomegranate juice and a bunch of strawberries for the more fruity taste, but you can surely try different ways if you’re feeling more creative (like beets for example). To try my pink experiment, you will find the recipe at the bottom of this page. 

At last, these completly relaxed weekend mornings always make me feel so grateful for what we have. The Five Minute Journal  from Intelligent Change helps me to remember to appreciate those moments every day. Think pink people!

Ingredients:

– juice of seeds from half of pomegrante
– 150 g of plain greek yogurt
– 1 egg
– 3/4 of a ripe banana
– bunch of fresh or frozen starwberries
– 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
– 1/2 tsp baking powder
– coconut oil for frying
– honey, yogurt, nuts and berries of your choice for topping

Instructions:

Use whatever juicing device you have on hand or if none, squeeze the pomegrante seeds with a pestle. Remember to get rid of the skins and leave only pure juice to avoid biting into it in your pancakes. Mix the pomegrante juice with yogurt using a spoon – you will already get the beautiful pink colour.

Place the pink mixture and the rest of the ingredients in your blender and blend until fully incorporated and fairly smooth, without bigger chunks of fruits. If by any chance your batter is too thick you can always add a tablespoon or two of milk (regular or vegetal). Set aside in room temperature for few minutes for oats to soak in and the batter to thicken properly. If after this time the mixture appears too liquid, you can always add a spoon of oats and blend in until you reach your desired thickness. 

Cover a non-stick pan placed over medium-low heat with a tiny bit of coconut oil – I usually use a paper towel to spread it evenly. Use 2 tablespoons of batter per pancake and fry until cooked on one side, then filp over and fry on another. Don’t worry about the uncooked inside of the pancakes – it never happens if the outside is nicely fried and all things considered, you have only natural ingredients there so nothing can go bad!

Move to a plate and decorate with whatever you like most – my favorutie is yougurt and honey but any kind of jam or chocolate spread should go perfectly!

 

If you get to use this recipe, leave the comment below or share with us your pictures!