Tien Hiang, 10th
Hidden away down a fairly nondescript side-street, this unassuming little place offers some of the best South-East Asian cuisine in Paris. The problem is, everyone else knows that too, so be prepared to queue, as they don’t take bookings.
On a warm, sunny Friday evening, we waited almost an hour for a table, but it was worth every minute.
The creative, almost entirely vegan menu is full of tantalising dishes – not least the ‘mock meat’ options, cooked from textured soya protein, so don’t be perturbed by the references to ‘beef, ‘chicken’ and ‘pork’. I opted for the ragout vegetal – a medley of vegetables packed into a rustic clay pot – and a bargain. The wait is long, the setting is functional and it’s not one for wine-lovers (they serve only soft drinks or Chinese and Thai beers), but Tien Hiang is still rightly regarded as one of the best vegetarian restaurants in Paris.
While You’re There: There are a couple of nice bars in this street, so pop in for a tipple afterwards, or head to the nearby Belleville neighbourhood to sample its lively nightlife.
