In the Louis Blanc district, 2 steps from the Canal Saint-Martin, come and discover Yikou, a restaurant as colorful as it is original. Opened 6 months ago by Pierre and Chen, one Chinese and the other French, the 2 acolytes decided to innovate by proposing a pretty marriage between Chinese and French cuisine.
To do this, they found an excellent Chinese chef who makes fabulous dim sum-style bites (Yikou means bite in Chinese), but using local, home-grown produce. So, don't be surprised if you discover on the menu pink shrimp ravioli with Reims cookies, scallop ravioli with Dijon gingerbread or ravioli with eggplant caviar, chicken and spices.
The combinations seem daring and confusing, but the fact is, they're delicious! The restaurant also offers baos garnis, you know those white, ultra-melting steamed buns. Burger-style or bite-sized, you'll love them. Try the Yangburger with marinated mutton, the Paris-Beijiing with Peking duck, arugula, crispy onions and a light coffee sauce, or the Chasu Forestier with Canton-style lacquered wild boar and goji berries!
Some of the bites are gluten-free and vegetarian, so there's something for everyone. As for side dishes, you can choose from pineapple garnished with rice, crispy rice fries with cumin or seasonal vegetable jardinière.
Don't know which to choose? Let yourself be tempted by the hearty menus, ranging from €18 for the Vegetarian menu to €25 for the 12-piece Legendary menu, with a choice of side dishes. If you're coming as a couple or with your girlfriend, opt for the duo formula at 23€, offering 22 pieces to share with a choice of 2 accompaniments.
Of course, no meal is complete without dessert. Those with a sweet tooth will be tempted by some highly original creations: the Dim-Sumissime façon merveilleux à la coque macaron - filled with a light taro mousse and sprinkled with white chocolate chips, the Madame Sago with a coconut cream mousse infused with Speculos on a bed of mango, or the Frisson de Jiao which unveils a vegetable ice cream made with soy milk and Sichuan berries. Once again, it's surprising, but leaves you with a taste of home.
As for the decor, everything has been thought out and created by Pierre and Chen, from the colorful placemats to the large wooden table on Plexiglas. The restaurant is bathed in light thanks to its all-glass façade.
Dynamic and colorful in the Stark style, the place plays the eclectic and mixed card. A magnificent fresco by artist Mateus Bailon sets the tone on the restaurant's central wall. We like the pretty crockery, the mismatched chairs, the different heights and the ceiling that gives an impression of height.
The duo are also planning some exciting new additions for April: nibbling starters, new cocktails and drinks, guacamole-style edadame, a chocolate cake with soy caramel and rice sugar... The restaurant will also open on Sundays, with a brunch planned.
Last but not least, don't miss the delicious homemade Bubble Tea made from 100% fruit juice capsules, a refreshing delight that's a must-try.
How about combining discovery and good taste, friends?
Practical info:
YikouRestaurant
Address: 49, rue de l'Aqueduc Paris 10e
Open Tuesday to Saturday, 12 noon to 3pm and 7pm to 11pm
Also open Sundays in April
Online booking
Tip: if you like the music here, grab their playlist!
Prices
desserts: €6 - €8
le menu: €18 - €25
Recommended age
For all
