Sekitan Japanese Street Food, the Canal Saint-Martin's special kebab restaurant

Sekitan is the name of the new Japanese canteen that has just opened on the banks of the Canal Saint-Martin, in the 19ᵉ arrondissement. The spotlight is on yakitoris, the famous Japanese skewers that come in a variety of sauces and can also be taken along, to sit by the canal.

How about a Japanese street food restaurant that honors skewers? Sekitan is the name of the new canteen that has just set up shop on Quai de la Loire, opposite the MK2 cinema, the latest venture from Nathalie and Yin, who have already created Koko and Nana Bistro, literally a stone's throw away.

Another Japanese restaurant, just a stone's throw from Koko, you ask? And yet, one doesn't compete with the other. While Koko specializes in sushi, sashimi and other Japanese tapas, Sekitan focuses on yakitori. Nathalie tells us that she and her husband are big fans of good brochettes, and that they couldn't find any (or very few) restaurants in Paris offering them. Aware that many people in this neighborhood take their food to go, they decided that brochettes would be the easiest thing in the world to eat by hand, and that's how the story began.

In terms of decor, the spot pays homage to Japanese manga. Between the Japanese lanterns adorning the ceiling and the many manga posters of all generations, this is a relaxed and welcoming spot. Don't miss the nightclub-style toilets, with music and disco balls galore, to put you in a good mood.

On the menu, Sekitan offers no less than 16 different brochettes (around 2.5€ and 3€ each). From rump steak and matured cheddar to saithe with miso, eggplant and Japanese sausages, the choice is varied. And being able to choose them individually means we can vary our discoveries.

The menu:

Of course, it's not all kebabs! Starters include octopus salad with wasabi vinaigrette and the famous, soft Karaage - you know, fried chicken marinated in garlic and ginger. As for the main course, we really enjoyed the generous Katsu chicken curry. Donburis are also on the menu in different versions. Accompany it all with a nice homemade iced tea and we're good to go.

At lunchtime, for workers in a hurry or those looking for a quick bite, the canteen offers classic and vegetarian bentos for €16 (choice of 3 kebabs + 2 sides + rice) or €22 with a drink and dessert. A terrace is also available for lunch or dinner when the sun is out.

For dessert, we're tempted by the Dango with black sesame sauce, a surprising skewer of mochi, very popular in Japan. We also like the astonishing Mochi Brownie matcha, a little rubbery but not very sweet, which is easy to swallow.

Finally, a little surprise: the restaurant hides a karaoke area in the basement. To make the most of the unused space, they came up with the idea of installing a karaoke room. Primarily designed to allow employees to let off steam, this space is open free of charge to bookings of 5 people or more. Here, you can eat and have a good time with family and friends, singing along to your favorite songs.