Paris 10 · World cuisine · Casual
Authentic Xi'an street food meets Parisian bistrot charm, where handmade momos and Biang Biang noodles bring the flavors of China's ancient Silk Road capital to the 10th arrondissement.
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Authentic Xi'an specialties centered on handcrafted dumplings and hand-pulled noodles, bringing the bold, aromatic flavors of China's ancient Silk Road capital to Paris.
La Taverne De ZHAO specializes in the distinctive cuisine of Xi'an, capital of China's Shaanxi province and eastern terminus of the ancient Silk Road. This regional focus sets the restaurant apart in Paris's Chinese dining landscape, offering flavors and techniques rarely encountered outside northwestern China.
The undisputed stars of the menu are the dumplings, prepared fresh daily using traditional methods. The golden jiaozi—pan-fried dumplings with crispy, caramelized bottoms and tender tops—arrive at the table still sizzling, their wrappers achieving that perfect textural contrast between crunch and chew. The steamed momos offer a different experience, their delicate skins encasing generous fillings of lacquered duck, seasoned pork, or five-spice tofu. Each dumpling represents hours of skilled handwork, from wrapper rolling to precise pleating.
Beyond dumplings, the menu showcases Xi'an's noodle traditions with impressive authenticity. The Biang Biang noodles—named for the sound they make when slapped against the work surface during preparation—arrive as wide, belt-like ribbons tossed with chili oil, vegetables, and your choice of protein. These hand-pulled noodles possess a satisfying chew and absorb the bold, spicy flavors beautifully. The liàngpí cold noodles provide refreshing contrast, their slippery texture and cooling properties offering relief from the characteristic heat of the region's cuisine.
The kitchen doesn't shy away from Xi'an's love of bold seasoning, particularly the numbing heat of Sichuan peppercorns and the deep, complex spice of house-made chili oil. However, some dishes may benefit from requesting extra seasoning, as the kitchen occasionally moderates flavors for Western palates. Vegetarian options receive genuine attention rather than being afterthoughts, with vegetarian dumplings and spinach-based dishes that showcase the cuisine's plant-based traditions.
Soups represent another strength, particularly the copious noodle soup featuring tender pork ribs and vermicelli in a rich, aromatic broth. Traditional MO—Chinese flatbreads—serve as excellent vehicles for soaking up sauces and add textural variety to the meal. The menu also features seaweed salads and other cold appetizers that provide refreshing counterpoints to the heartier main dishes.
Desserts maintain the authentic Chinese approach with black sesame ice cream and green tea flan, both offering subtle sweetness and distinctive Asian flavors that Western diners may find intriguing. The beverage program includes a thoughtful selection of Chinese teas that complement the bold flavors, along with house-made drinks and beers. For those who fall in love with the restaurant's signature heat, bottles of ZHAO's house-made chili oil are available for purchase in both classic and extra-hot versions.
Casual and convivial with the energetic buzz of a neighborhood favorite, where communal tables and the rhythm of an open kitchen create an authentic Chinese bistrot atmosphere.
La Taverne De ZHAO captures the unpretentious, lively spirit of a neighborhood Chinese eatery transplanted from Xi'an's bustling streets to Paris's Canal Saint-Martin district. The atmosphere strikes a perfect balance between casual comfort and genuine authenticity—this isn't a place for quiet romance or formal dining, but rather for the convivial pleasure of sharing exceptional dumplings with friends or discovering new flavors at the communal table.
The open kitchen serves as the restaurant's beating heart, with the rhythmic sounds of dumpling-making and the sizzle of golden jiaozi hitting hot oil providing a constant, engaging backdrop. The energy level tends toward the animated, particularly during peak lunch and dinner services when the small space fills with a mix of local regulars, Chinese expats seeking a taste of home, and curious food lovers drawn by word-of-mouth recommendations.
The presence of a large communal table encourages interaction and reflects the traditional Chinese dining philosophy of shared meals and collective enjoyment. Solo diners feel equally welcome, often finding themselves drawn into conversations with neighbors over recommendations and shared discoveries. The overall vibe remains decidedly relaxed and welcoming—staff are friendly without being intrusive, and the pace accommodates both quick lunches and more leisurely explorations of the menu.
Despite its modest size and casual approach, ZHAO maintains an air of authenticity that food enthusiasts immediately recognize and appreciate. This isn't fusion or adaptation—it's the real thing, served with pride and without pretension in a space that feels both distinctly Chinese and comfortably Parisian.
Modernized simplicity with soft aqua walls and an open kitchen, where clean lines and a striking faux-marble communal table create a contemporary take on traditional Chinese dining spaces.
La Taverne De ZHAO's décor represents a thoughtful evolution of traditional Chinese restaurant aesthetics, stripping away the typical red-and-gold clichés in favor of a more contemporary, calming palette. The defining feature is the soft aqua-green walls—a color choice that feels both modern and subtly reminiscent of celadon ceramics, creating a soothing backdrop that allows the food to take center stage.
The open kitchen design serves both practical and atmospheric purposes, allowing diners to witness the skilled craft of dumpling-making while adding visual interest and energy to the compact space. This transparency builds trust and appreciation for the handmade nature of the cuisine, transforming food preparation into part of the dining experience.
The centerpiece of the dining area is a large communal table crafted from faux marble, its generous proportions encouraging the shared dining experience central to Chinese food culture. This statement piece adds a touch of elegance while maintaining the casual, accessible atmosphere. Individual tables scattered throughout the space offer alternatives for those preferring more privacy, though the overall layout promotes a sense of community and conviviality.
The décor remains deliberately understated, avoiding excessive ornamentation in favor of clean lines and functional design. This minimalist approach feels refreshingly modern while allowing the authentic aromas and flavors of Xi'an cuisine to dominate the sensory experience. The result is a space that feels both distinctly Chinese in spirit and comfortably integrated into the contemporary Parisian dining scene—a fitting reflection of the restaurant's position as a bridge between two culinary cultures.
Paris's premier destination for authentic Xi'an cuisine, where handcrafted dumplings and hand-pulled noodles bring the flavors of China's ancient Silk Road capital to the Canal Saint-Martin neighborhood.
La Taverne De ZHAO occupies a unique position in Paris's diverse Chinese restaurant scene by focusing specifically on Xi'an cuisine—a regional specialty rarely found outside China. While most Chinese restaurants in Paris serve Cantonese or generalized "Chinese" food, ZHAO commits fully to the distinctive flavors and techniques of northwestern China's Shaanxi province, offering Parisians an authentic taste of this ancient Silk Road city's culinary traditions.
The restaurant's dedication to handcrafted preparation sets it apart in an era of industrial shortcuts. Every dumpling is hand-folded, every noodle hand-pulled, maintaining traditional techniques that require significant skill and time. This artisanal approach is visible through the open kitchen, where diners can witness the craft that goes into each dish—a transparency that builds appreciation and trust.
The pricing strategy represents another distinctive feature: authentic, labor-intensive Chinese cuisine at remarkably accessible prices, with most dishes ranging from €6.50 to €14.50. This democratization of quality ethnic cuisine makes ZHAO a neighborhood favorite rather than a special-occasion destination, encouraging regular visits and culinary exploration without financial anxiety.
ZHAO's house-made chili oil, available for purchase in both classic and extra-hot versions, extends the restaurant's reach beyond the dining room, allowing enthusiasts to recreate elements of the experience at home. This retail component reflects confidence in the product's quality and creates an additional connection with devoted customers.
The restaurant's location near Canal Saint-Martin positions it perfectly within one of Paris's most dynamic, youthful neighborhoods, attracting a diverse clientele of local residents, students, and food-savvy visitors. The combination of authentic cuisine, casual atmosphere, and accessible pricing has created a genuine neighborhood institution that transcends the typical tourist-oriented Chinese restaurant model.
Finally, ZHAO's multiple locations across Paris (including Grands Boulevards, Louvre, and Opéra) demonstrate the concept's success while maintaining consistency—no small feat in restaurant expansion. Yet the Canal Saint-Martin location retains a special character as part of the original ZHAO story, with its proximity to the picturesque canal adding to the overall experience.
Reservations are highly recommended to avoid waits, and don't hesitate to request extra seasoning if you prefer bolder flavors—the kitchen can accommodate spice lovers.
Reservations are strongly advised at La Taverne De ZHAO, particularly for dinner service and weekends, as the small space fills quickly with devoted regulars and word-of-mouth visitors. You can book by calling +33 (0)1 40 37 16 21 or through the restaurant's website at zhaogroupe.com. Walk-ins are possible but may face significant waits during peak times.
If you're a spice enthusiast or familiar with authentic Chinese flavors, don't hesitate to request extra seasoning or additional chili oil. Some reviewers note that certain dishes can lack the bold seasoning typical of Xi'an cuisine, likely moderated for Western palates. The kitchen is happy to accommodate requests for more heat and flavor intensity.
The large communal table offers the most authentic experience and often leads to interesting conversations with fellow diners, but if you prefer more privacy, request one of the individual tables when making your reservation. Solo diners shouldn't feel intimidated—the communal setup actually makes dining alone quite comfortable and social.
For first-time visitors, we recommend starting with the golden jiaozi to experience ZHAO's signature dish, then exploring either the Biang Biang noodles or momos depending on your preference for noodles versus dumplings. The liàngpí cold noodles make an excellent addition for sharing, providing textural and temperature contrast.
If you fall in love with the restaurant's chili oil (and many do), purchase a bottle on your way out—it's available in both classic and extra-hot versions and transforms home cooking. The black sesame ice cream makes a distinctive dessert that's worth saving room for, offering flavors rarely encountered in Western desserts.
The restaurant is closed only on May 1st (Labor Day), but otherwise maintains consistent hours seven days a week: 12:00-14:30 for lunch and 19:00-22:30 for dinner. If you can't make it in person, delivery is available through UberEats and Deliveroo, though the golden jiaozi naturally lose some of their textural magic in transit.
Payment is accepted via Eurocard/Mastercard and CB/Visa. The location is easily accessible via the Jacques-Bonsergent or Magenta metro stations, and the walk along Canal Saint-Martin before or after your meal adds to the overall experience, particularly on pleasant weather days.
Golden jiaozi (pan-fried dumplings), Momos with lacquered duck, Biang Biang noodles, Liàngpí cold noodles, Black sesame ice cream, ZHAO's house-made chili oil
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