SENsation: the Peking duck that will blow your mind
In the jungle of Parisian Asian restaurants, here's a table that doesn't play in the same league.
Welcome to SENsation, the brand new playground of the Hong Kong chef Samuel Leeformer Shangri-La star.
Nestled rue Saint-Maur in the 11e, This sino-bistro is as elegant as it is accessible, serving top-class Chinese cuisine in a cool atmosphere that makes you feel like a guest at an imperial banquet.
Spoiler: your taste buds are in for a treat.
Inspired Chinese cuisine, without fuss but with genius
There's no wobbly fusion here, just dishes that are sincere, precise and full of character. The starters get things off to a flying start: nems of crab with Comté cheese, prawn croquettes in Szechuan sauce (a real shot of happiness), or the surprising glutinous rice cakes with radish and Iberian ham.
Yes, it's original. Yes, it's really good.
When it comes to food, it's hard not to indulge in the legendary lacquered duck, the undisputed star of the show.
Between marinating, drying and Peking-style cooking, the beast goes through an almost royal protocol. And the result?
Crispy skin, melting flesh and a homemade sauce that flirts with perfection.
All served with crêpes, leeks and a bit of magic. Order 48 hours in advance, of course.
Other dishes include cognac-glazed pork, mapo tofu with wagyu, and ginger-braised cod. And for the perfect finishing touch, don't miss the chef's stir-fried rice with pork, prawns and egg.
Gastronomic dishes at (relatively) low prices
The dishes à la carte vary between 6 and €30, with a average ticket around €50 a real bargain given the quality.
Special mention must go to the desserts (yes, even here it's a playground): mango-pomelo-sajou cream, or the tea tartlet with black sesame ice cream, which end the meal on a fresh and daring note.
A stylish bistro combining tradition and modernity
Around thirty covers, two counters, one facing the kitchen so you can watch the chef at work, and an atmosphere halfway between discreet chic and relaxed conviviality. There's no need to stand like a bamboo, here we laugh, toast and share.
The place is always busy (reservations highly recommended), but it remains zen. Open only in the evenings from Tuesday to Saturday (and as a bonus, Friday lunchtime), SENsation is clearly aimed at evening epicureans and diners with a little something special in mind.
Why do we love it?
- A Michelin-starred chef from Hong Kong democratises his cuisine without compromising on quality
- Imperial Peking Duck, simply unforgettable
- Original, fun starters to share (or not)
- A neat but not glitzy decor, perfect for a date or dinner with friends
- A list of natural wines and cutting-edge Chinese spirits (hello Kweichow Moutai)
Practical information
- Address: 32 rue Saint-Maur, 75011 Paris
- Opening hours: Tuesday to Thursday, 7pm to 10pm; Friday and Saturday, 12pm to 2pm and 7pm to 10pm
- Website : sensationparis.com
- Telephone: +33 1 40 31 32 24
SENsation is the kind of address that breathes new life into Chinese cuisine in Paris. With a twist on tradition, meticulously prepared dishes and a relaxed atmosphere, it's sure to win your heart... and your baguette.
