The Growing Popularity of Chinese Cuisine in Paris

China’s culinary influence arrived in Paris over two centuries ago and has profoundly shaped the city’s dining scene. Chinese flavors are now thoroughly embedded into Parisian food culture. Once viewed as exotic imports, Sichuan chili oil and Cantonese dim sum are now staples adored by locals and visitors alike.

Brief History of Chinese Cuisine Taking Root in Paris

Parisians’ love affair with Chinese cuisine traces back to 1782. When the French helped the American colonists win independence, they developed a fascination for chinoiserie.Chinese aesthetic influences suddenly appeared everywhere in Parisian decorative arts, literature, theater, and fashion. This craze ultimately made its way into Parisian dining rooms.

By the 1900s, Chinese students and businessmen set up Paris’ first modest Chinese canteens catering to immigrants. The dishes were mainly simple stir-fries resembling Cantonese flavors. Following China’s communist revolution in 1949, a new wave of immigrants fled to Paris, opening the city’s first proper Chinese restaurants in the 1970s-80s. They brought Taiwan and Hong Kong cuisine to the city, especially popularizing dim sum.

Over the past 15 years, new regional Chinese cooking traditions took root in Paris kitchens. Sichuan arrived first when chefs from Chengdu migrated during the 2000s. Northern Chinese lamb skewers and hand-pulled noodles came next, introduced by the Uyghur community. More obscure diaspora cuisines like Yunnanese and Hunanese soon emerged. Parisians’ conception of Chinese food rapidly evolved from generic sweet-sour dishes to a multi-regional culinary tour de force.

Statistics on the Rising Number of Chinese Restaurants

Chinese restaurants in Paris have steadily risen over 30% in the past decade according to industry surveys. Independent consultancy firm Food Service Vision estimates the city currently holds over 600 Chinese restaurants spanning every arrondissement. Over 100 new Chinese establishments opened last year alone as wait lists persist at the most popular venues.

Dim sum houses and noodle shops lead the growth, but the Chinese fine dining segment thrives as well. Chinese cuisine represents over €450 million in yearly revenue for Paris restaurants – nearly triple the figures from 2010. Sociologists attribute this unshakable craze to Chinese food’s uniqueness, bold flavors, and versatility matching modern tastes for texture and spice. For adventurous Parisian eaters, the variety of regions ensures that Chinese cuisine here never grows tired or boring.

Growing Appreciation for Regional Chinese Cuisine

Cantonese fare centered around dim sum once dominated Paris, but diners today hunger for previously unknown specialties. Sichuan’s numbingly spicy ma po tofu excites thrill-seeking foodies. Bursting, soup-filled xiao long bao dumplings from Shanghai similarly entrance. Uyghur cumin lamb skewers, chewy hand-pulled biang biang noodles from the North, and tongue-numbing Sichuan peppercorn stir fries attract those desiring intensity.

Above all, Parisians increasingly admire Chinese cooking’s diversity between moist steamed shumai, crispy deep-fried wontons, tender slow-cooked red-braised pork belly, and smoked tea-flavored duck. Chefs skillfully apply an entire spectrum of techniques from wok frying to steaming within elaborate banquet meals. Reviews reveal patrons taken aback by a single cuisine yielding so many flavor combinations beyond beansprouts and fried rice. As Paris diners grow bored of the usual French standbys, Chinese gastronomy offers a world of new flavors awaiting exploration.

Must-Try Classic Chinese Dishes in Paris

Beyond regional specialties, Paris offers stellar renditions of Chinese restaurant classics. American-Chinese dishes like sweet-and-sour chicken or beef with broccoli satisfy nostalgic expats, while flavorful staples like dumplings, noodles, or mapo tofu lure Francophile purists. Here are 5 all-time favorites done right in the city.

Dumplings: Steamed, Pan-Fried, or Deep-Fried

With over 100 folding styles and fillings options, Chinese dumplings present infinite variety. Expect mixes of pork, napa cabbage, scallion, ginger, soy, sesame oil, Shaoxing wine, and more delicately wrapped to order. The dumpling dough itself intrigues, made with boiling alkaline water that lends an irresistible springy “QQ” chew.

Steamed dumplings (shui jiao) allow the tender filling’s flavors shine through, especially popular ones like shrimp har gow or pork shu mai. Pan-fried potstickers (guo tie) offer crispy bottoms and juicy centers with seasoned pork or chive stuffings. For dim sum, deep-fried sweets like sesame balls (jin deui) with red bean paste satisfy dessert cravings. Just don’t ask a Chinese cook to disclose their treasured dumpling folding techniques!

Top Dumpling Spots

• Din Tai Fung – Famous Taiwanese chain for xiao long bao soup dumplings. Also known for crab xiao long bao and dessert dumplings.
• Le Palais de Jade – Refined, Michelin-recommended dim sum parlor including house specialty pan-fried foie gras dumplings
• Baiwei – Casual spot with excellent shumai and crispy-bottomed potstickers. Their shrimp har gow also draws lines.

Noodles: Ramen, Pho, Chow Mein and Beyond

From street stands to high-end dining rooms, Chinese restaurants in Paris dish out every possible incarnation of noodles. Beyond familiar chow mein or ramen, discover incredible texture variety based on factors like stretching method.

Hand-pulled lamian boast an ultra chewy, springy texture from hand kneading. Machine-produced udon-style wonton noodles offer slurpability and sauce absorption. Toothsome rice noodle classics also abound like pad thai, Singapore fried noodles, or beef chow fun. Sauces range from spicy dan dan or tangy zha jiang mixes to numbing mala peppercorns brought by Sichuan immigration. Those craving comfort opt for noodle soups (suan la fen or noodle rolls dou hua wrapped around fillings. Requests for extra chili oil or Sichuan pepper never get lost in translation.

Top Noodle Destinations

• Din Tai Fung – Taiwanese beef noodle soup franchise. Also known for wonton noodle soup dumplings.
• Dan Dan 56 – Hip Sichuan joint for dan dan noodles, cold Chengdu noodles, and innovative Chinese craft beer pairings
• Paris Ramen – Artisanal tonkotsu and shoyu ramen shop crafting noodles in-house daily

Sweet and Sour Chicken: A Chinese Restaurant Staple

Beloved Stateside takeout chains first popularized General Tso’s chicken, but an unbattered version typically dubbed “sweet and sour chicken” appears on nearly every Chinese restaurant menu in Paris. Breaded chicken sautéed in a neon red sauce mingling tangy vinegar sugar, pineapple chunks, bell pepper, and onion hardly win awards for authenticity or health. Yet the candy-like flavors and crisp textures hold nostalgic appeal for kids and picky adults alike. It also hits the spot after drinks given the high sauce-to-chicken ratio. Feel free to request steamed rice to offset the cloying sweetness. Just don’t expect sweet and sour anything from upscale Chinese kitchens in Paris – the dish remains a lowbrow guilty pleasure.

Kung Pao Chicken: The Spicy, Sweet, and Salty Stir-Fry

Spicy kung pao chicken ranks among Chinese cuisine’s most famous global exports, though obscure in its Sichuan homeland. Wok masters stir-fry diced chicken, dried chilies, sichuan peppercorns, peanuts, garlic, scallion, wood ear mushrooms and yellow chives in a dynamic sweet-salty sauce. The taste leans sweeter outside China, but Parisian kitchens prepare respectable renditions. Crisp, flaky chicken contrast lush sauces coating the nuts and vegetables. Those who avoid intense spice may request a milder version, but Sichuan restaurants refuse diluting the signature zing from peppercorns and chilies. Pair dishes with fresh white rice to mellow the saltiness and soak up the sauce. Just steer clear of kung pao shrimp or tofu – chicken’s rich fattiness functions best.

Ma Po Tofu (Mapo Doufu): Silky Tofu in a Fiery Sauce

Alongside kung pao chicken, ma po tofu makes frequent appearances for good reason. The soft tofu blank canvas soaks up a piquant sauce mingling fermented bean paste, soy sauce, sesame oil, Shaoxing wine, minced pork, and powdered red peppers. Sichuan peppercorns lend numbing effect, while stewed ground beef or pork contribute meaty richness. The contrast between cooling, delicate tofu and raging aromatic spices captivates. BeyondMenuBar even called Sichuan star Chengdu Tianfu’s version “so perfect it is intimidating.” While vegans request it meatless, ma po tofu’s luxurious savoriness relies on pork fat and broth. Balance the heat with white rice or noodles to complete the yin-yang contrast. Once hooked, request the same spices and peppers applied to fried eggplant, crispy chicken, or dry wok fish fillets to expand your mala repertoire.

Top Chinese Restaurants for Dim Sum

Hong Kong-style yum cha, or dim sum, dominates Paris’ Chinese dining scene thanks to Cantonese diaspora strength. Weekend mornings see queues winding outside every top palace, warranting reservations. What draws the frenzy? Dumplings, buns, and small plates arriving steaming hot on trolleys tempt patrons ordering more rounds than intended. Groups nibble and gossip for hours fueled by never-ending tea refills. Atmospheres range from dated bulk cafeterias to opulent salons with glamorousiteratories. Here are Paris’ essential yum cha houses.

Le Palais de Jade: Elegant Yum Cha in a Refined Decor

Dripping in gold filigree, Le Palais du Jade whispers bourgeois refinement. Nattily dressed trolleys wheel delicacies from the open kitchen as uniformed staff politely suggest specialties. The foie gras soup dumplings merit their fame and steep price – minced fattened duck liver suspended in a truffle-laced broth inside silky skins. More familiar shrimp har gow, barbecue pork buns, and mango mousse cups also shine. Budget extra time to admire both the glamorous dining room and impeccable plates. Reservations stay booked as much for the resplendent ambiance as the cooking.
“My best Parisian dim sum experience for uniqueness and sheer elegance in dining. Worth the higher prices – their foie gras dumplings and truffle turnip pastries have no equals.” – Michelin Guide France 2022

Baiwei: Best Shumai and Har Gow Dumplings

For dim sum purists on budget, casual Baiwei impresses with well-seasoned classics at reasonable prices. Their plump shrimp shu mai dumplings burst with fresh whole shrimp gently cooked by steaming. The pork and chive potstickers also rival the city’s best with their audibly crisp soy bottoms and balanced meat gravy sealed inside. Don’t overlook the congee menu either – rice porridges customized with meat, seafood, or vegetables soothe during winter months. Come more for the cooking than decor, but the free fermented tofu appetizer makes waits for a table worthwhile. “No Michelin star, but easily the best potstickers and shu mai in Paris. Don’t expect ambiance – just focused dim sum.” – Lonely Planet Paris 12th Edition

Paume d’Or: Refined Yum Cha Experience

Seeking upscale weekend dim sum in relaxed surroundings? Paume d’Or entices with delicate dishes worthy of special occasions. Their menu highlights regional dim sum diversity beyond Cantonese. Fluffy char siu pork buns come wrapped like lotus leaf dumplings in additions to typical steamed buns. Scallion bubble waffles make a dessert splash alongside sweet custards and mango mochi. Staff even suggest Changsha-style spicy items for daring visitors. Décor fuses modern Parisian café and art nouveau rather than traditional banquet hall. Come with a Chinese-speaking friend to fully navigate the unique regional specialties. “I’ll never forget their bubble waffles with condensed milk and chocolate ganache. Who needs Pierre Hermé when their pastry chef creates magic with humble dim sum!” – The Infatuation Paris

4 Other Top-Notch Hong Kong Style Dim Sum Joints

Beyond the “Big Three,” Paris boasts dozens of humble Cantonese shops steaming masterful dumplings worth hunting down. Here are top picks for hype-worthy destinations:

• Lili Cantonese (Le Marais) – Tiny hideaway with one Michelin star earning praise for delicate crab and truffle soup dumplings
• Empress Garden (Chinatown) – Sprawling yum cha palace running since 1981 famed for roast meats and pineapple bun desserts
• Dim Sum Story (Belleville) – Effusive praise for their weekend-only special char siu bun with truffle and foie gras
• Ming Xian (Porte de Choisy) – Low key neighborhood cafe focusing on dumpling perfection, especially pan-fried pork guo tie potstickers

Best Chinese Regional Cuisine Restaurants

Beyond dim sum, Paris diners now seek the strongest examples from China’s major culinary regions. Sichuan’s chili oil-doused specialties trend, but Hong Kong roast meats, Northwestern Chinese hand-pulled noodles, and Uyghur kebabs earn equal love. Discover the top spots for criss-crossing China via your tastebuds.

Sichuan: Turn Up the Heat at These Mala Maestros

Since Chengdu immigrants sparked Europe’s Sichuanese craze in the early 2000s, the number of Sichuan restaurants in Paris multiplied almost ten-fold. Flavor profiles center around mouth-numbing Sichuan peppercorns and spicy chili oil wok frying known as mala. Famous dishes like dandan noodles, mapo tofu ma po doufu, and flamed meat skewers light up tastebuds. Atmospheres range from rowdy holes-in-the-wall to romantic hot pot meal venues.

Top Mala Maestros of Paris

• Pépé & Théo – Trendy Sichuan cafe earning buzz for numbing dry wok fish and tea-smoked Peking duck
• Feeling Crab – Specialists in seaside classics like tyhx crab and bo bo chicken served with tiny mantou buns for soaking up juices
• Dàpéi Shāokǎo Xiāochì – No-frills late night venue for raging spicy rabbit head and intestine street foods
• YuXin ChuanChuan Xiang – Top marks for authenticity including boiled beef, mung bean jelly, and obscure offal stews

Cantonese: Where to Find Hong Kong Roasted Meats, Wonton Noodles, and More

Parisians’ Cantonese options span far beyond weekend yum cha. The city boasts multiple Hong Kong style venues specializing in glistening roast meats, fresh wonton noodles, and other salty-sweet cuisine hallmarks. Atmospheres range from casual Chinatown joints to white tablecloth destinations claiming Michelin stars.

Top Cantonese Destinations

• Lung Kee Hong Kong Restaurant – Roast specialist since 1968 serving stellar crackling-skinned duck, soy sauce chicken, char siu pork paired with garlic choi sum greens and congee
• Mam Zhou – Humble but vaunted Chinatown walk-up beloved for wonton noodle soup swimming with plump shrimp dumplings
• Baï Ling – Haute Cantonese tasting menus that impressed Michelin inspectors, especially seafood dishes like wok lobster
• Lui Bar – Swanky cocktail den doubling as a luxury private kitchen for whole Peking duck feasts and Hong Kong dim sum coursed into multiple elaborate rounds

Cantonese cooking’s global renown ensures Parisians need not seek obscure holes-in-the-wall for proper renditions. Yet visitors wanting the true Hong Kong cafe experience can visit Belleville or 13th arrondissement shops like Yoom Dim Sum or navy-themed Loi Kei Snack Bar for no-frills classics.

Uyghur: For Laghman Noodles and Cumin Lamb Skewers

The Uyghur community established vibrant presence across northeast Paris in recent decades, bringing hearty lamb and wheat cuisine from Xinjiang province. Specialties like cumin-spiced kebabs, liang fen (pulled noodles), and polo rice dishes now gain recognition beyond the Chinese diaspora. Atmospheres range from chaotic food stall mobs to refined Central Asian dining events. Visitors learn that Chinese cuisine excels far beyond dim sum and kung pao chicken.

Top Uyghur Destinations

• Ï ambiguïté – Sophisticated art gallery doubling as an event space for extravagant Uyghur banquet feasts
• Xinjiang Islamic Restaurant – No-frills Belleville family spot to try every possible variety of hand-pulled laghman noodles alongside liang fen and lamb skewers
• Ouïghours & Co – Trendy halal French-Uyghur fusion cafe earning buzz for their sweet-savory crispy rice salad and flatbreads

Beyond sit-down venues, kebab stands and food trucks around Porte de la Chapelle serve late night party crowds with quick lamb skewers, lamb burgers, and addictively oily street-style polo rice. Visitors unsure where to start can join guided Uyghur food tours of Belleville for crash courses in the cuisine.

Where to Find Chinese Street Food Snacks

Craving fast Chinese bites on the go? Beyond sit-down restaurants, Paris offers plenty of beloved Eastern street foods adapted for French lifestyles. Find soup dumplings beside classic Parisian creperies, scallion pancakes from truck windows, and ubiquitous egg tart counters in Asian markets. Porte de Choisy Chinatown offers highest density, but keep an eye out across neighborhood bakeries and cafes too!

Xiao Long Bao (Soup Dumplings): Din Tai Fung Arrives in Paris

The Taiwanese chain Din Tai Fung adored for soup-filled xiao long bao dumplings chose Paris to open their first France location in 2022. Other branches dot Asia and the western United States, but Parisians waited longingly for the xiao long bao specialists to arrive. Their bundle of by-the-book Shanghainese soup dumplings with delicately thin wrappers continues converting Parisians into die-hard fans willing to weather the queues. Beyond standard pork versions, diners love the crab and pork iteration packing plump shellfish. Shrimp and pork recipes also satisfy, alongside appetizers like pickled cucumbers or dan dan noodles. However, skip straight to xiao long bao flights – tray sets with each dough and filling variation steamed for direct comparison to discover favorite. Just remember they must be eaten immediately before the precious broth leaks away!

“I never expected a Chinese dumpling to literally make me weep, but that hot broth flooding your mouth alongside the meat directly stimulates emotion. Din Tai Fun’s recipe tastes of nostalgia and umami despite no prior memory attached for me.” – LeFooding Guide to Paris, Winter 2023

Cong You Bing: Scallion Pancakes Straight from the Street Cart

Flaky, dripping with hot oil, bulging with green onions – cong you bing (scallion pancakes or pies) earn their street food fame. Paris took warmly to the Chinese export sold across sidewalk creperie stands. Vendors use rolling pins to stretch jian bing pancake dough, spread vibrant green chopped scallion brushes across the surface, roll up the dough into logs, then coil, roll out, and flatten before frying in bubbling woks. The result eats like an ultra-buttery croissant somehow fused with onions rings. Tear off pieces to dip in sweet bean sauce or chile crisp oil for the perfect snack accompanying window shopping.

“With the rise of Uyghur cuisine across Paris, I shouldn’t have been shocked to find scallion pancakes for sale near the Stalingrad métro. But that heavenly aroma lured me across busy Place de la Bataille-de-Stalingrad. Now I suffer cravings weekly.” – DeepTravel France

Egg Tarts Pastry: Flaky, Custardy Portuguese Treats

Chinese bakeries around Paris largely center their pastry cases around beloved egg tarts: the unofficial national dessert of Macau. During the 1920s, Portuguese colonizers introduced pastel de nata custards to their Chinese territory. The treat ultimately migrated back to mainland China and Taiwan, then globalized across Chinese bakeries abroad. Flaky lard crusts cradle sweet egg custards flavored with vanilla and sometimes brandy or rum. Perfect afternoon or late night snacks, they turn almost molten hot straight from bakery ovens. Top venues like Paris’ Paulette or Ba Yuan Bakery offer mini and large versions available plain or topped with confectioner’s sugar, desiccated coconut, matcha crumbles, chocolate ganache, and beyond.

BBQ Skewers Galore: Lamb, Zongzi, and Huntun

Street carts across Paris serve lamb brochettes with cumin and spices in the Uyghur Chinese style, but mixed BBQ skewers provide surprises too. Southeast Asians adapted meatballs like Filipino siopao along with Chinese chicken satay. For Shanghai soup dumpling fans, huntun (wontons) skewered and crisped on the grill then showered with Zhenjiang vinegar and soy sauce tempt like upscale pork rinds. Shanghai specialties like zongzi sticky rice with pork or black bean paste also wind up on wooded sticks for on-the-go eating. Expect to pay under €5 for a half dozen skewers – an easy way to bridge cultures across Chinese regions.

Pairing Chinese Food with Wine or Beer

The days of BYO soy sauce ended long ago for Chinese dining in Paris. Elaborating banquet pairings now balance intense Asian spice and salt with wines like Riesling or wheat beers. Whether matching strengths or contrasts, Chinese cuisine achieved harmony with Western drinks.

Wine and Beer Types That Complement Stronger Chinese Dishes

Sommeliers graceful navigate tricky pairings like chilled Muscadet with steaming soup dumplings, surprising diners unaccustomed to wine alongside dim sum. Crisp, citrus-forward Rieslings cut through chili oil, while light pinot noirs allow mapo tofu’s complexity to shine. Bolder Beijing duck preparations call for fruity Beaujolais crus or pinot gris. For beer, Parisian Chinese restaurants often develop custom Chinese pilsner collaborations with local microbreweries. Citrus Belgian witbiers also soothe fiery chicken skewers, with darker bocks working for roast meats. Request drink recommendations from servers rather than guessing – their expertise prevents clashes.

Standout Pairing Restaurants

• Imperial Treasures – Sommelier-curated wine flights for each course of elegant Cantonese set menus
• Pekin Taverne Chinoise – Extensive Chinese pilsner selections from notable farmhouse breweries like Duyck and Paris’ Guillevic
• Feeling Crab – Casual but astute suggestions like off-dry Vouvray for numbing dry hot fish pot and light stout with Tyhx crab

By drinking more thoughtfully, Parisians learned Chinese need not solely mean cheap takeout beer. Elaborative new traditions like champagne dim sum brunches also continually gain popularity to celebrate Chinese cuisine properly alongside Western counterparts.

Easy Access to Chinese Groceries

Home cooks across Paris depend on Chinese supermarkets found largely concentrated around Porte de Choisy’s Chinatown outskirts. These sites conveniently group all necessary kung pao, dumpling, or noodle meal components in one destination. Visitors stay amazed such authenticity hides at the end of metro line 7!

Chinese Supermarkets in Paris’ 13th Arrondissement

The southeast pocket where line 7 terminates riddled with Chinese grocers and mini-malls. Flags, lanterns and enormous vertical banners mark shop facades even for non-Chinese speakers. Tang Frères chain stocks all staples like rice vinegar, sesame oil, Shaoxing wine, and Sichuan peppercorns. Their frozen foods section proves crucial for those seeking ingredients like dim sum dumpling wrappers missing from French freezer aisles. Neighboring competitor chains Paristore and 88 Supermarché Asiatique also overflow with noodles, sauces, cookware, snacks, and produce like bitter melon unavailable elsewhere. Don’t overlook their steaming roast duck and pork belly either! Beyond metro access, many locations run shuttles from Charles de Gaulle airport catering to inbound Chinese travelers. Visitors overnight after long-haul flights gratefully grab provisions for jet lag.

Reaching the Markets By Public Transportation

Visitors based in central Paris can ride line 7 to Porte de Choisy station, then enter the Choisy-le-Roi commercial center directly connected to Tang Frères. Neighborhood rivals sit on short walking distance along Avenue de Choisy. If luggage prevents hoofing from the station, Tang Frères can arrange private cars upon request. Groups staying near Gare du Lyon find Paristore and 88 Supermarché Asian convenient after short rides transferring metro line 14.

Plug those upcoming Chinese New Year celebration or dumpling party ingredient gaps by embracing these Asian grocery hubs! Their proximity along subway routes prevents lugging bags across long walks. With such abundance of specialty stores at metro line ends, expect to uncover concentrations of additional international foods across Paris.

Parisians’ Cantonese options span far beyond weekend yum cha. The city boasts exemplary Hong Kong-style establishments specializing in glistening roast meats, slurpable wonton noodle soups, and wok classics like salt & pepper shrimp. Thought narrow menus, these genre masters create refined simplicity from quality ingredients.

Top Cantonese Specialists

• One Dragon – Roast meats lie claim to fame, especially soy sauce chicken with thigh meat so succulent it falls off the bone
• Mama Chow – Humble but vaunted hole-in-the-wall always crammed for their wonton noodle soup dumplings and mixian rice vermicelli stir-fries
• Crystal Jade – Some argue this Singaporean brand offers Paris’ ideal crisp-skinned Peking duck paired with pillowy wraps, hoisin sauce, and julienned scallion
• Wang Tang – Unassuming blankets of Shanghai pan-fried noodles nam dao attract carb-lovers, but their salt & pepper silky tofu also seduces

Uyghur Cuisine: For Laghman Noodles and Cumin Lamb Skewers

The vibrant Uyghur community brought Northwestern Chinese fare to Paris featuring Central Asian and Middle Eastern influences. Signature dishes include cumin-spiced lamb skewers, blurrily stretched hand-pulled noodles, and hearty polo rice pilafs. Laghman noodles in broth also soothe with wheat-heavy chew and chili oil zing. Popular street food specialties like couronne bread naan and mutton-filled pastries samsa await discovery too. Those extra hungry can skip for straight for the Prairie Fire Table grills with over a dozen proteins to pair with nan breads and salad. Be warned – Uyghur hospitality insists overfeeding guests, so arrive hungry!

Top Uyghur Destinations

• Star of Bosphorus – Showstopper lamb and onion laghman draws applause, alongside regional Chinese specialties like Big Plate Chicken
• Jorez – Uyghur-owned bakery crafting Paris’ best freshly baked samsas and sweet tandir nan flatbreads to order
• Urumqi – Specialists in Xinjiang folk tunes, polo rice banquets, and the widest selection of imported baijiu firewaters

Where to Find Chinese Street Food Snacks

Beyond Michelin-recommended dining rooms, Paris overflows with beloved Chinese street food specialties equally craved day or night. The 13th arrondissement around Place d’Italie known as Chinatown offers highest concentration, but keep an eye out for emerging regions. Hand-pulled noodle pushcarts, skewer stands, and soup dumplings draw snaking lines for good reason. Here are current street food favorites across Paris.

Xiao Long Bao (Soup Dumplings): Din Tai Fung Arrives in Paris

Obsession over Shanghai xiao long bao soup dumplings reached fever pitch when Taiwanese chain Din Tai Fung opened their first Paris location in 2020. Their meticulously crafted dumplings with wispy skins encasing pork and broth sell in batches of 10 for €15 – a small price for xiao long bao excellence. Beyond their namesake, Din Tai Fung’s menu also features wonton soup with bundles of shrimp and pork wontons plus mixian noodles for a comforting one-stop meal. Prepare to queue at peak times, but their efficient system makes waits painless. Now if only they offered champagne pairings like their Taipei flagship!

“Nothing stopping me from getting my Din Tai Fung xiao long bao fix before my flight home. Perfect last meal encapsulating why I adore Chinese cuisine.” – New York Times Travel

Other Top Soup Dumpling Venues While none equal Din Tai Fung, other venues in Paris’ 13th arrondissement offer respectable xiao long bao worth sampling:

• Little Shanghai – Widest range of flavors beyond pork including crab, foie gras, lobster, and truffle
• NiKou – Local favorite for juicy pork and leek dumplings served weeknights until 11pm
• YuTang ShaoMai – Mushroom and bamboo shoots filling option stands out from the typical pork and crabmeat

Cong You Bing: Scallion Pancakes Straight From the Street Cart

Crispy scallion cong you bing hot off a street cart makes an ideal walking snack. Cooks rapidly knead dough on wooden boards before stretching into thin sheets brushed with soy oil and fried with chopped scallions. The dough emerges shatteringly crisp with visible browned bubbly layers surrounding barely cooked scallions within. Ask for a dusting of white or black sesame seeds to accent the green onions’ bite. Most grab the golden pancakes bundled in paper cones, but a side of chili sauce or Chinese zhajiang noodles sauce takes it next level. Track this roving treat down no matter the weather – the crunch craving always justifies seeking out Paris’ famous Mr. Zhang in his blue cart near Les Olympiades metro.

Egg Tarts: Flaky, Custardy Portuguese Treats

While originating from Hong Kong’s Portuguese bakery culture, egg tarts new enjoy fame at Chinese pastry shops across Paris. Their chief appeal lies in contrast between the outer pastry shell and sweet inner custard. Chefs meticulously mold flaky, oven-baked tart crusts until shatteringly crisp. These encase a decadently smooth wobbly filling mixing egg, sugar, evaporated milk, butter and sometimes flavorings like black tea or nuts. Addictively pleasant to eat, they disappear quick as easy sweet snacks or dessert finishes. Hunt them down in any Parisian Chinese bakery, but locals swear by Egg Belly and Baotin for textbook texture balancing crisp and creaminess.

“There’s nothing pretentious about these tarts served directly from paper boxes, but the flavor surpasses France’s pricey pâtisseries.” – Food & Wine’s Paris Pastry Guide

BBQ Skewers Galore: Uyghur Lamb, Zongzi, and Huntun

The warming sight of sizzling cumin-scented lamb skewers rotating over smoky grills signals Uyghur and Muslim Chinese street food mastery. While France boasts enviable rotisserie traditions, nothing equals the complementary notes of tender meat with melting fat contrasting oily peppers, onions, mushrooms, tomatoes, and nutty sesame seeds on each skewer. Beyond kebabs, keep an eye out for zongzi bamboo leaf sticky rice packets with meat or red bean paste stuffings plus pan-fried pork and chive huntun dumplings akin to potstickers. Most venues run into the wee hours fueling hungry bar patrons. Skewer stands even afford views of cooks rhythmically fanning meat over roaring coal fires – just mind the dripping grease!

“I’ll forever associate Paris now with smoke plumes at 2am beckoning those longing for piping hot lamb skewers or zongzi after wine-fueled debates over art.” – Condé Nast Traveler

Pairing Chinese Food with Wine and Beer

Traditional tea pairings continue gaining traction in Paris, but local Chinese sommeliers also make wine and beer case for matching complex Chinese cookery. Striking contrasts between sweet creamy flavors and mineral dry wines impress. Beer diversity from Chinese craft brewers in Paris provide fun ways to cut fiery dishes as well. Open minds willing to venture beyond sancerre find reward when Chinese cuisine confronts French alcohol ingenuity.

Wine and Beer Types That Complement Different Chinese Flavors

Champagne’s oxidative touch magnifies smoked duck. Spicy Sichuan pair well with German rieslings; the sweetness offsets chilies while retained acidity refreshes ma la numbness. Oaked chardonnay adds butteriness playing to Peking duck’s richness. Light Beaujolais melds with those wary of red wines. For beer, refreshing pilsner cuts fried foods’ oiliness. Fruit-forward Belgian lambics like kriek excel with desserts, while stouts stand up to red-braised beef’s intensity. Still wines like Châteauneuf must also come chilled to combat non-stop noodle house heat!

Noted Sommelier Wine Pairings

• Tea-smoked Peking duck: Billecart-Salmon Brut Rosé Champagne
• Mapo tofu: Alsace dry gewurztraminer or German kabinett riesling
• General Tso’s Chicken – Off-dry prosecco or entry-level red Burgundy
• Pork or cabbage potstickers: Italian Soave white or French rosé

Restaurants That Offer Impressive Food and Alcohol Pairings

Certain venues lead integrating Chinese cuisine with France’s booze arsenal through dedicated sommeliers. Menus may suggest specific wine pairings, offer bottle specials, or serve Chinese baiju spirits. Tableside tea service also impresses at elite venues. Standout locations include:

• Imperial Treasure – Elaborate Cantonese haute cuisine menus matched with vintage Bordeaux or fine champagne
• Peking House – Sommelier-curated wine suggestions accompanying live Peking duck carving and table-top wok service
• CuLi Restaurant and Bar – Excellent pairings like Shaoxing wine with Shanghai hairy crab; 16-page wine list heavy on German rieslings
• Fei – Theatrical Sichuan multi-course menus with complimentary baijiu liquors and in-house fermented teas

“I finally found a sommelier respecting the complexity of Sichuan cuisine rather than dismissing it as merely spicy ethnic food unsuitable for wine.” – Sommelier Magazine

Easy Access to Chinese Groceries

Home chefs seeking Chinese ingredients beyond standard supermarkets depend on the numerous Asian supermarkets scattered about Paris such as Tang Frères, Paristore, and Kaidi. While the largest grocers lie outside the city limits, convenient independent shops fill voids in residential districts. Hunt them down before attempting Chinese recipes to ensure properly stocked pantries.

Chinese Supermarkets in Paris’ 13th Arrondissement:

The highest concentrations of Chinese and Asian food shops in Paris exist around the 13th arrondissement’sbuzzing Chinatown. Dedicated grocers and multi-story emporiums sell regional Chinese specialties hard to source elsewhere:

• Tang Frères – Largest in Paris with two locations selling Chinese cookware, produce, refrigerated goods, spices, and sauces
• Paristore – Formerly known as Grand Frais, specializing in Chinese and Korean pastries, congee mixes, and cooking utensils
• Kaidi – Specialists in imported Chinese dry goods, shelf-stable sauces, chili oils, rice, noodles, and HK-style baked goods

Reaching the Chinese Markets by Public Transportation

When tackling involved Chinese recipes, conveniently reach Chinatown’s specialty grocers by:

• Metro Lines 5 or 6: Exit at Place d’Italie station
• Metro Line 7: Exit at Porte d’Ivry station for Tang Frères annexe location
• Paris RER Train Line B: Stop at Cité Universitaire or Laplace stations

So explore beyond takeout and buffets! Cook regional Chinese specialties at home with ingredients easily accessed from food shops in Paris’s own “China City.”

Conclusion: The Vibrancy of Chinese Cuisine in Paris

Chinese food holds an integral place in Parisian cuisine today, with over 600 restaurants serving regional specialties beyond takeout staples. Once viewed as exotic imports, Chinatown walk-ups now stand alongside Michelin-starred dining rooms in impressing locals and visitors alike.

From the delicate Soup dumplings at Taiwanese sensation Din Tai Fung to Uyghur kebab carts in the 10th arrondissement, diverse Chinese fare hides on nearly every street corner. Beyond dim sum and kung pao chicken, regional cuisines like spicy mala Sichuan, complex Cantonese banquets, and hand-pulled laghman noodles from Xinjiang also thrive – matching or exceeding quality found even in Chinese diaspora hubs like New York City or London.

While pairing wine sommeliers traditionally focused on French cuisine, open-minded, experimental venues now integrate Chinese dishes with top Bordeaux, champagne brunches, or artisan Parisian beer collaborations. Globalization fused Western drinking culture with Asia’s elaborate meal traditions into an engaging new harmony.

From Michelin-approved restaurants to beloved dumpling carts, Parisians at last recognize Chinese gastronomy as equally sophisticated and deserving attention alongside native specialties like pastries or cheese. Exploring dishes neighborhood by neighborhood promises continuous surprises for locals and tourists alike. Our guide only provided a sampling of top choices in major categories, but new palabok finds emerge daily from this vibrant, ever-evolving food scene we encourage all to discover first-hand when visiting Paris.

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