china in paris
I was completely shocked when I visited Paris and noticed a large number of authentic Chinese restaurants. So, I did some research into France and its immigration history. The last time I came to Paris, I had a couple of taxi drivers from Algeria and Morocco, which left me curious. Here's what I found out…
There are 6.2 million immigrants in France, making up about 9.3% of the total population as of 2021. Of that percentage, 44.6% are immigrants from Africa (mostly Moroccans and Algerians). When it comes to the Chinese population, they are the third-largest group of immigrants, with around 650,000 people. Outside of China, France holds the largest Chinese population in Europe!
This all traces back to World War I, when the French brought workers from Zhejiang to help with labor during the war. After the war, thousands of Chinese workers remained in France, while others, who were working in stall holdings at fairgrounds, were expelled back to China. With this new understanding, I felt an urge to explore Paris's Chinese food scene—because, let’s face it, how often do you think about Chinese cuisine when in Paris? Before diving into traditional French cuisine, my groupies and I decided to check out La Tavern ZHOA, an authentic Chinese restaurant that had been recommended by a local.
When we arrived at La Tavern ZHOA, the atmosphere immediately caught my attention. It was as if we had stepped into a small corner of China, right in the heart of Paris. The red lanterns hanging from the ceiling, the soft hum of Mandarin music in the background, and the warm lighting all contributed to an intimate yet lively vibe. The restaurant felt personal, like a hidden gem cherished by locals. Our waiter, though he didn’t speak much English, was incredibly kind and helpful. He enthusiastically pointed out some of the best dishes on the menu, guiding us toward an authentic dining experience.
me + groupies
i loved that the owner/ design team had a menu in french, english & mandarin :)
yummm
We decided to keep it simple and ordered the dumplings and noodles. Both dishes were filled with rich, authentic flavors that transported us straight to China. The dumplings were perfectly steamed, with a juicy filling, and the noodles had just the right balance of savory and spice. Each bite reminded us of the beauty of finding pieces of different cultures, even in the heart of Paris.
After our meal, we were ready to explore more of Paris, but this experience left a lasting impression. Next time you’re in Paris, don’t just stick to the traditional French spots—venture out and explore the diverse food scene that makes the city truly unique.
What’s the most unexpected food experience you’ve had while traveling? Let me know in the comments below!
Stick around for next week’s post on other spots I checked out while in Paris!
tata for now,
xoxo
-Mutanu
