After the success of her acclaimed restaurant yam'Tcha, Chef Adeline Grattard opened this intimate boutique that focuses on what she does best: heavenly bao buns and perfectly brewed Chinese teas. The tiny shop in the heart of Les Halles has become a cult destination for those seeking a quick yet unforgettable taste of Franco-Chinese fusion. Unlike the full restaurant experience, the boutique offers a simplified menu centered around her pillowy steamed buns with creative fillings that change regularly. The space itself is minimalist and beautiful, with traditional Chinese elements blended with contemporary French design. What makes this place truly special is how Grattard has created something that honors both her French culinary training and her deep appreciation for Chinese cuisine, learned alongside her Chinese husband Chi Wah. Each bao is meticulously crafted, with a texture that's impossibly light and fillings that balance sweet, savory, and aromatic elements perfectly.

In the bustling center of Paris's 13th arrondissement Chinatown, Imperial Choisy stands as an institution among institutions. Unlike the more upscale Chinese restaurants catering primarily to French clientele, this lively spot serves a predominantly Chinese audience—always a good sign of authenticity. The multi-page menu can be overwhelming to newcomers, but that's part of its charm and authenticity. The restaurant specializes in dishes from multiple Chinese regions, with particular strength in Cantonese classics and dim sum. What makes Imperial Choisy special is its unwavering commitment to traditional flavors without adaptation for Western palates. The dining room is spacious and frequently packed, with large round tables accommodating family-style dining and rotating lazy susans loaded with shared plates. Service is brisk rather than fussy, focusing on efficiency over niceties. While the decor isn't fancy—think bright lighting and pragmatic furnishings—the food more than compensates with bold flavors and generous portions.

In a city increasingly filled with polished, Instagram-ready restaurants, Jixiao's Buns is refreshingly authentic and unapologetically focused on the food rather than the frills. This tiny hole-in-the-wall in the trendy Upper Marais has just a handful of seats, minimal decor, and a short menu—but what they do, they do exceptionally well. The specialty here is northern Chinese dumplings and buns, all made by hand daily by the owner himself. What makes this place special is the genuine, handcrafted quality of everything they serve. You can watch as each dumpling is carefully folded and crimped before being steamed or pan-fried to order. The wrappers have that perfect chewy-tender texture that only comes from freshly made dough, while the fillings are generous and flavorful. Despite its growing popularity and inevitable queues, Jixiao's has maintained its humble character and very reasonable prices, making it both an accessible entry point to authentic Chinese flavors and a regular haunt for those who know their dumplings.

LiLi at the Peninsula Hotel creates a dining experience that's as much about visual drama as it is about exquisite flavors. Inspired by Chinese opera, the restaurant features stunning decor with rich red and gold accents, theatrical lighting, and custom-designed furnishings that transport diners to a world of Oriental luxury. Beyond the spectacular setting, LiLi delivers seriously authentic Cantonese cuisine executed with precision and artistic flair. The kitchen is led by Chinese master chefs who bring decades of experience from Hong Kong's finest restaurants. What distinguishes LiLi is its perfect balance between honoring tradition and embracing the exceptional standards expected of a Palace hotel restaurant. The dim sum, for instance, follows classic recipes but uses luxury ingredients and is presented with an artistic touch that elevates these small bites to event status. Despite the formal setting, there's a warmth to the service that makes the experience accessible rather than intimidating. Each dish tells a story, much like the operatic performances that inspire the restaurant's concept.

Taokan has carved out a unique niche in Paris's Chinese dining scene by blending traditional Cantonese techniques with a distinctly contemporary approach. Located in the stylish Saint-Germain neighborhood, the restaurant reflects its surroundings with a sleek, minimalist aesthetic that appeals to fashion-conscious Parisians. Yet behind the modern facade lies serious culinary credibility. Chef Christophe Daine trained extensively in Hong Kong before bringing his expertise to Paris, and his menu respects traditional flavors while presenting them with French refinement. The restaurant's name—meaning 'peach stem' in Chinese—reflects its philosophy of connecting roots to new growth. What makes Taokan stand out is its commitment to quality ingredients and refined presentation without sacrificing authentic flavors. The dim sum is particularly noteworthy, with wrappers so delicate they're nearly transparent. The restaurant also caters to health-conscious diners with lighter preparations that avoid excess oil or heavy sauces, making Chinese cuisine accessible to those who might normally find it too rich.