Some will be familiar with the first Mây Hồng restaurant in the Oslo des Olympiades gallery in the 13th arrondissement of Paris, which is already delighting fans of Vietnamese pho. At 111 avenue d'Ivry, the next generation is assured. In fact, it's the children who have decided to open their own restaurant, allowing fans of the historic address to come and sample the family cuisine in the evening (since the gallery closes in the evening), but also to try out new à la carte dishes. We set out to discover this cantine where tradition and modernity meet to the delight of pho lovers.
As you step through the door, you discover a bright, uncluttered room reminiscent of traditional Vietnamese cafés, but with a contemporary twist. Here, you can breathe a little easier than in some of the narrow restaurants that often characterize neighborhood canteens. The welcome is warm, almost intimate, as if you were dining with friends. The kitchen is run by Khanh, the founder's son, who has taken over the cooking while remaining faithful to the recipes handed down by his mother.
The menu is an ode to traditional Vietnamese gastronomy, with its must-tries and a few novelties. Start with the appetizers: spring rolls (€6.50), fresh and filling, or a delicately flavored papaya salad (€12).
We were also tempted by the famous bánh xèo, a crispy Vietnamese pancake. Stuffed with pork, shrimp and bean sprouts, it's as golden as you could wish for. The crispness of the pastry contrasts with the softness of the filling. Wrapped in a lettuce leaf with fresh herbs, it is served with a nuoc-mâm sauce.
But the highlight is, of course, the soups. The pho đặc biệt (€13.50) remains a sure bet, with its deep, fragrant broth. Khamh simmers this broth even longer than at the historic address, thanks to extended opening hours until 10:30pm. The result: more intense flavors and perfect balance, subtly awakened by a dash of lemon. This is a standard version, where the broth has its rightful place, forgetting the tripe found in more traditional recipes.
Of course, bò b ún are also available in different versions: chicken, beef, shrimp and even vegetarian.
For those who like to explore, the bún bò Huế (€13.50), a spicy imperial soup, or the cá kho, a fish simmered in caramel offered in the evening (€15), are well worth the detour. We also offer a generous beef loc lac. Every dish is generous and homemade.
For a change from your parents' restaurant, Mây Hồng at 111 avenue d'Ivry offers platters accompanied by rice and salad: complete menus at around €15 that are perfect for lunch.
As for desserts, the menu doesn't disappoint. The chè ba màu, a colorful dessert made with beans, coconut milk and jelly, is a real treat (€6). A special mention goes to Che Troi Nuoc, a dessert of glutinous rice pearls in ginger syrup, which is served with pandan in this restaurant.
To wash it all down, cà phê sữa đá, an iced Vietnamese coffee with condensed milk (€5), or tropical milkshakes (from €6), are a must. And if you're looking for refreshment, the sâm bổ lượng, an iced blend of longans, lotus seeds and jujubes, is as original as it is thirst-quenching (€6).
In short, Mây Hồng on rue d'Ivry is the perfect address for a lunch or dinner that transports you straight to Vietnam. Family-style cooking, a warm welcome and dishes that smell of authenticity: we adopt it. The restaurant is open every day from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., then 6:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. (non-stop on weekends), except on Wednesdays.
Dates and Opening Time
From December 27, 2024 to December 31, 2027
Location
Mây Hồng, 111 avenue d'Ivry Paris 13e - Vietnamese restaurant
111 Avenue d'Ivry
75013 Paris 13
Official website
www.facebook.com
Instagram page
@mayhongparis
