Bleu Bao

Cuisine

100% homemade traditional Chinese cuisine focusing on the delicate art of dim sum and baos, with signature dishes like slow-braised Dongpo pork.

The Vibe

An intimate, old-school Chinese atmosphere that evokes the warmth of traditional bourgeois homes, where every detail transports you to another time and place.

Stepping into Bleu Bao feels like entering a scene from Wong Kar-wai's cinematic masterpiece 'In the Mood for Love'—the restaurant deliberately channels the film's nostalgic, romantic atmosphere. The space exudes an "old school" charm that references the elegant bourgeois homes of traditional China, creating an environment that's both sophisticated and welcoming.

The ambiance strikes a perfect balance between cozy intimacy and convivial energy. It's a space designed for sharing—both food and conversation—where the communal nature of dim sum dining encourages interaction and connection. The restaurant's relatively compact size enhances this sense of togetherness, making it feel like you've been invited into someone's carefully curated home rather than a commercial dining room.

The service style reinforces this traditional approach, with dishes presented on distinctive blue porcelain that gives the restaurant its name. This attention to authentic presentation details creates a dining experience that engages all the senses, from the visual appeal of the blue-and-white ceramics to the aromatic steam rising from bamboo baskets. The overall effect is warm, inviting, and distinctly transportive—you're in Paris, yet somehow you've traveled to another place and time entirely.

Decoration

A meticulously designed interior inspired by traditional Chinese bourgeois homes, where blue porcelain and vintage aesthetics create a cinematic dining environment.

The decoration at Bleu Bao is a love letter to traditional Chinese domestic architecture and the aesthetic world of Wong Kar-wai's films. Every design choice contributes to an atmosphere that feels both authentic and artfully curated, as if you've stepped onto a carefully constructed film set that happens to serve exceptional food.

The restaurant's defining visual element is its blue porcelain service, which gives the establishment its name and creates a cohesive color story throughout the space. This isn't merely functional tableware—it's a deliberate nod to the blue-and-white ceramics that have defined Chinese decorative arts for centuries. The porcelain pieces catch the light and create visual interest on every table, transforming each meal into an aesthetic experience.

The overall design draws inspiration from old bourgeois Chinese homes, incorporating elements that evoke a sense of history and refinement. The space manages to feel both vintage and timeless, with details that reference traditional Chinese interiors while maintaining a contemporary sensibility that fits seamlessly into the Parisian context. The cozy layout encourages intimacy, with seating arrangements that facilitate both romantic dinners and friendly gatherings.

The restaurant's connection to 'In the Mood for Love' manifests in subtle ways—perhaps in the color palette, the attention to period details, or the overall mood of nostalgic elegance. Like the film itself, Bleu Bao creates an environment where time seems to slow down, where every moment feels heightened and significant. It's decoration as storytelling, where the physical space enhances and deepens the culinary narrative being told through the food.

Uniqueness

A rare commitment to 100% homemade Chinese cuisine paired with creative cocktails that explore China's diverse culinary regions, all served on distinctive blue porcelain.

What sets Bleu Bao apart in Paris's crowded dining scene is its unwavering commitment to authenticity combined with thoughtful contemporary touches. The restaurant's dedication to making everything from scratch—from dumpling wrappers to bao buns—is increasingly rare in an era of convenience and shortcuts. This approach requires significant time, skill, and labor, but the difference is immediately apparent in the superior texture and flavor of every dish.

The restaurant's beverage program distinguishes it from typical Chinese restaurants. Rather than offering a standard wine list or basic cocktails, Bleu Bao has developed creative cocktails that specifically highlight different culinary regions of China. This approach transforms the drinks menu into an educational journey, allowing diners to explore Chinese flavors beyond the food itself. The inclusion of natural wines also reflects a contemporary Parisian sensibility, bridging traditional Chinese cuisine with current wine trends. The house beer, Tsing Bao, adds another unique element, giving the restaurant its own branded beverage.

The blue porcelain service creates a distinctive visual identity that goes beyond mere aesthetics. This traditional presentation method connects diners to centuries of Chinese dining culture while creating Instagram-worthy moments that feel earned rather than manufactured. Every dish arrives on these beautiful blue-and-white pieces, transforming the meal into a cohesive artistic experience.

Chef Amandine Sepulcre Huang's background at innovative restaurants like Early June and Dersou brings a contemporary perspective to traditional Chinese cooking. Her experience in creative, boundary-pushing kitchens informs her approach at Bleu Bao, where respect for tradition coexists with subtle modern refinements. This combination of classical technique and contemporary sensibility creates food that honors its origins while speaking to current tastes.

The restaurant's design inspiration—specifically its connection to Wong Kar-wai's 'In the Mood for Love'—demonstrates a sophisticated understanding of how atmosphere shapes dining experiences. Rather than creating a generic 'Chinese restaurant' aesthetic, Bleu Bao has crafted a specific, emotionally resonant environment that tells a story. This cinematic approach to restaurant design creates a memorable experience that extends far beyond the food itself.

Finally, the restaurant's flexibility regarding private events and its ability to accommodate dietary restrictions (including gluten-free options) while maintaining its commitment to traditional preparations shows a modern approach to hospitality. Bleu Bao manages to be both authentically traditional and accommodatingly contemporary—a balance that many restaurants struggle to achieve.

Insider Tips

While reservations aren't required, booking ahead is wise for this popular spot; arrive early for lunch to enjoy the full dim sum selection.

Although Bleu Bao doesn't require reservations, we strongly recommend booking through Zenchef, especially for dinner service and weekend visits. The restaurant's growing popularity means that walk-ins may face waits, particularly during peak dining hours. Reserving ahead ensures you won't miss out on this exceptional dining experience.

For the best dim sum experience, consider visiting during lunch service, particularly earlier in the service window (closer to noon). Dim sum is traditionally a lunch affair, and arriving early means you'll have access to the full range of preparations while they're at their freshest. The kitchen maintains high standards throughout service, but there's something special about being among the first diners of the day.

The restaurant's location near the Notre-Dame de Lorette metro station (line 12) makes it easily accessible, but the neighborhood also rewards exploration. Consider arriving a bit early to walk around the 9th arrondissement, which offers charming streets and interesting shops. After your meal, the area provides pleasant opportunities for a digestive stroll.

When ordering, embrace the dim sum tradition of sharing multiple dishes. The menu is designed for communal dining, and ordering a variety of items allows you to experience the kitchen's range. Don't skip the signature Dongpo pork in either its bao or standalone form—this dish represents the restaurant at its best and showcases techniques that require hours of careful preparation.

If you're interested in the cocktail program, ask your server about the regional inspirations behind each drink. The staff can guide you toward cocktails that complement your food choices or help you explore specific Chinese culinary regions through the beverage menu. The natural wine selection also pairs beautifully with the food, and the staff can offer recommendations based on your preferences.

For dessert, the Hong Kong egg tarts are best enjoyed warm, so if you're planning to order them, let your server know earlier in the meal to ensure proper timing. The Tang Yuan offers a more traditional Chinese sweet experience, while the Folderol ice cream collaboration provides familiar Western-style desserts with excellent quality.

The restaurant's blue porcelain service is part of the experience, so take a moment to appreciate these beautiful pieces. They're not just decorative—they're an integral part of how Bleu Bao presents its food and creates its distinctive atmosphere.

If you have dietary restrictions, particularly gluten-free requirements, mention this when making your reservation or immediately upon arrival. While the kitchen can accommodate these needs, advance notice allows them to prepare properly and ensure you have the best possible experience.

Must-try Dishes

Dong Po Gua Bao, Xiao Long Bao, Dongpo pork, Siu Mai, Tang Yuan, Hong Kong egg tart, Spicy mussels, Stir-fried noodles