The 10 best East Asian restaurants in Paris
Though far from the culinary capitals of East Asia, Paris boasts amazing Asian food.
From haute fusion that inflects French classics with exciting new flavors from the far east and southeast of Asia to no-nonsense noodle soups and nems, these ten restaurants represent the best East Asian food Paris has to offer. From haut-de-gamme to cheap eats, there's something for every palate at every price point.
At Ze, chef William Ledeuil puts ingredients native to Asia—galanga, ka-chaï, Thai basil, turmeric, and wasabi—in "service of French classics," according to the Michelin Guide, which has awarded the restaurant one star. The wok plays an enduring role in the theater of the every-changing menu. The menu découverte is "an invitation to travel," the best way to experience the full range of flavors Ledeuil expertly combines.
Recently reopended Hiramatsu serves excellent French cuisine and makes this list largely because of the subtle Japanese touches that distinguish the restaurant. It was the first Japanese-run and -owned restaurant in Paris to receive a Michelin star and for good reason: Gayot describes the fare as "a light, delicate and transparent cuisine; a food whose tastes are underlined with the simple juices emanating from its preparation, aromas expressed by their contrast, and cooking respectful of textures."
Michelin-starred Sola transforms high-quality local ingredients into exquisite dishes that mingle the Japanese and French culinary traditions. Its subterranean dining room is cavelike and intimate, creating a unique ambiance. Unfortunately, they've recently suffered a fire, but we're confident they'll come back better than ever soon. Keep your eye out for their reopening.
Located in the Quartier asiatique, Le Bambou offers inexpensive, delicious Vietnamese. Don't come for the service, but rather come for the fresh fare including top-notch phô, nems, bo bun, and more. It's cozy, but worth squeezing in for and the prices can't be beat.
Chef Katsuaki pays homage to French cuisine with a Japanese sensibility according to the Michelin Guide. Diners appreciate the fresh and seasonal ingredients transformed into imaginative dishes in the open kitchen in the intimate, 20-seat space. The restaurant is also renowned for its sandwiches, particularly the tonkatsu pork on toast, served on Mondays and Saturdays from morning until 7 PM.
A dizzying array of Thai and Laotian offerings await diners in unpretentious surroundings. Concierge recommends going as part of a group in order to be able to sample as many different dishes as possible. The Michelin Guide calls the food here, "homemade, fine and fragrant".
The last remaining restaurant of a trio run by the Siackhasone family, originally from Laos, Lao Lane Xang offers some of the best Southeast Asian cusinine in Paris. Laotian, Thai, and Vietnamese specialties are served in a pleasant, modern ambiance in the midst of Chinatown.
This Michelin-starred restaurant "breathes authenticity and purity through its delicious Japanese cuisine". Using high-quality local and international ingredients, renowned chef Koji Aida transports diners to Japan with his exquisite omakase. Aida is particularly known for its teppanyaki, second to none in Paris.
