You go to Paris and expect a dinner of French food. There is bread, escargots, crepes, and Chicken Cordon Bleu. But then you walk down the street and find other places to explore. Paris might be French, but there is a mix of other places and cultures, and histories. It is all here if you take a look as you walk by.
One night, Asian food sounded like something to find, and that was easy enough. Especially when you walk in certain areas and avenues. We passed it several times, and one night decided to step inside and try something we might remember. And, being in Paris, the name seemed perfect.
It was time to go visit the Opera Mandarin.
Opera Mandarin is a collection of Asian cuisine that makes and creates authentic traditional dishes to enjoy. By stepping inside, we saw the style of Asian food and atmosphere we remembered when we lived in China and Hong Kong for several years. It was worth the step to relive the past and see what we could find and remember.
Watch this video to get a glimpse of the place:
Opera Mandarin in Paris: BACK TO TRADITIONAL CHINESE ENVIRONMENT
The moment we sat down, we knew we were the only ones here. True, it was the middle of the week, and not everyone might be out to eat. We did see over the weekend that it was packed with guests who were there to enjoy a traditional Chinese dinner, along with conversations. But this time, we were there alone. It was like sitting in the kitchen with the chef as they created the meals first-hand, and we wanted to try.
With some assistance from the manager, we read the menu and knew what we wanted. Again, having lived in Beijing,g we knew what we could get even if not on the menu itself. You just had to ask and they would create it if possible. Naturally, there was a specially selected meal for dinner and that was one we decided to have. It was several courses for tastings as you try to decide which one you truly liked.
Another alternative was a meal of Pork on Broad Noodles. This was a stir-fried dish with vegetables and a sweet-and-sour sauce mix.
We first ordered the fried dumplings filled with pork to start. This is a traditional way to start the meal and wait to see what comes next when you order. As in a traditional Asian restaurant, you never know what will come first. It can be a mix of items.
I also ordered some hot-and-sour soup. Very Chinese, it is a coup to have before you start eating. It gives you enough spice to start everything with while you wait.
Naturally, we also needed some Chinese tea to start and wait.
THE DISH ARRIVES ONE AT A TIME.
When eating in traditional Chinese culture. In Hong Kong, since then, you get the food as it comes out of the kitchen. And in no particular order. It is placed in the middle of the table and not in front of you. Instead, it is placed there to share each dish with those who are with you. This is the way things are done.
First came the dumplings. These were warm and fresh, Fried as expected to the point of having the flavor and taste you do not always get in a restaurant. Instead, being the only guests here, this was perfect. Just as we would have in China.
Then the mix from the special order started. This consisted of dumplings and shumai mixed with either shrimp or pork, or chicken. It was a variety of styles and tastes, and seasoning. Then came the bon bon buns. A soft doughed bun that is filled with a creamy sliced pork mix that has an extra touch of spice and flavor to complement the bun itself. This was followed by the Rouleau de Printemps (known as a Spring Roll), which is truly shrimp and lettuce wrapped in a broad noodle that is at room temperature. This can be a meal unto itself as it is fresh and tasty.
Naturally, there is a bowl of rice to go with all this.
The Pork on Broad Noodles
Finally, the Pork on Broad Noodles arrived. This was truly freshly made as we could see it being done in the kitchen. This pork and noodles dish delivers on both points, plus it’s loaded with noodles, meat, and plenty of vegetables. The noodles are freshly made in the back. You can see that being done. It is then mugged in the wok quickly with the oil and spices as everything is stirred together. Within minutes, it is brought to the table, and you can enjoy it. This is the way to eat a traditional dinner in China, but here you are doing this in Paris.
Along with this meal is a side plate of spices, starting with soy sauce, ginger, and a touch of chili oil for that extra touch of spice. It is ideal if you like a bit more flavor to the dish itself.
Eating the items as we went along is the way to eat. Everything is in the center of the table and you can pick what you want and when you want. It does not matter what order you eat in> as long as you can eat and enjoy it all.
A FINAL STEP TO TAKE.
Along with the special meal we ordered came a dessert. In this case, it was freshly made Beignets. Not a typical Asian dish, but ideal when in Paris. This was a version of a donut that is mixed with apples, bananas, or pineapples. It is up to the cooks what it might be. And again, we saw it being made in the kitchen. There was enough for us, and a few extras were being made for the cooks and the staff. It was a wonderful way to end this meal in Paris.
And, having this meal in Paris was totally not expected. We thought it would be endless days of French cooking. But this time we entered the old world of Hong Kong on the street in Paris. It was going back in time to a place we do remember when living over there. The manager and the team were excellent. They listened to our request and helped us decide what would be best to try. The cook and the team knew what to do. It was ideal. The food was fresh and tasty. Seasoned well and according to what you expect. As for the price, you could not do better. It was great.
It is hard to believe we had a wonderful Chinese dinner in the heart of Paris. We do not even have it like this at home. This was traditional in many ways. Step inside the Opera Mandarin and see what you do not expect. It is totally grand.
Location:
Opera Mandarin
23 Bd des Capucines
75002 Paris, France, Phone: +33 1 47 42 49 56
Frequently Asked Questions About Opera Mandarin
“The Jaded Traveler”. Ron Rossi was born and raised in New York. A globalist at heart, Ron is a marketing director by trade, and has lived and worked around the world including Asia, Europe, Africa, and South America. Food is one of the best ways to learn about a country, a people and a culture. So, Ron is always looking for the best in mid-range to budget and street food. He is always on the hunt for a good meal anyone can afford. It is the food of the average citizen that excites him. And with having visited close to 100 countries on 6 continents so far, there have been some pretty good meals.
