Paris has long been a city where flavours roam freely, blending old traditions with new inspirations. In the 2nd arrondissement, renowned for its historic passages and chic streets, Asian cuisine has established a vibrant presence. From steaming bowls of noodles to delicate sushi sets and spicy Thai curries, you’ll find kitchens that honour tradition while adding their own twist. Staying in a holiday apartment here puts you right in the heart of this lively neighbourhood, perfect for wandering and discovering your next unexpected meal.
Why the 2nd Arrondissement is a Hidden Gem for Asian Food Lovers
The 2nd arrondissement may not have the same name recognition for restaurants as the Marais or Saint-Germain, but this is part of its charm. Here you will find a less frantic but still bustling pocket of Paris appealing to locals on their lunch hour and curious tourists seeking something more than the classic bistro. Its streets are packed full of the kind of snug little eateries, hip coffee joints and cosmopolitan kitchens that mirror the city’s diversity of cultures.
There are many reasons that this area is so exciting for food enthusiasts, including its geography. In the very centre of Paris, it is surrounded by business districts and near other big-name attractions such as the Palais Brongniart and the Grands Boulevards. So you can expect a cross-section of the masses: office workers in search of a swift but more substantial repast, families poking about the neighbourhood and out-of-towners looking to sample something new.
Restaurant Spotlights
Mr Zhao – Flavours of Northern China
Adress:
37 Rue des Jeuneurs.
Hours:
Monday to Saturday 12 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. | 6:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.
When you enter Mr Zhao, the aroma of hot pulled noodles and sizzling spices hits you instantly. This restaurant embodies the big, welcome taste of Northern China. This means chewy noodles bathed in rich broths, dumplings that steam their way to your table, and sautéed dishes that pack a punch without getting fancy.
The ambience is comfortable and casual; grab a table for a speedy lunch or take your time to eat. The food is unpretentious, full-hearted, and tasty, and the service is as well. When in doubt, choose the beef noodle soup; it’s become a signature that many love. It’s warming and flavourful, precisely what you need on a fresh evening in Paris.
Bambou – A Taste of Thailand in a Chic Setting
Image Source: bambouparis.fr
Adress:
23 Rue des Jeuneurs.
Hours:
Monday to Sunday 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. | 7 p.m. to 11 p.m.
As soon as you step inside Bambou, you’ll find yourself stopping and looking about. This restaurant is housed in a recently remodelled former fabric store that’s a series of linked rooms and a leafy courtyard that feels like it belongs somewhere far in the outskirts of Paris. The inside is trendy and sophisticated, with a vibrant and warm glow.
But the real draw is the food. Bambou serves authentic Thai dishes, from creamy green curries to pad thai that manages to balance sweet, sour, and savoury all in one bite. The menu also includes more adventurous options if you’re curious to try something different, like spicy papaya salad or fragrant tom yum soup. Pair your meal with one of their creative cocktails and you’ve got the perfect evening out. Bambou manages to capture the soul of Thai cooking while giving it a Parisian polish.
Mama No Bento – Japanese Comfort Food Done Right
Adress:
32 Rue Poissonnière.
Hours:
Monday to Friday 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Saturday 12 p.m. to 3 p.m.
For a more homey, down-to-earth feel, Mama No Bento is the place to be. This little Japanese restaurant focuses on bento boxes and comfort cooking. It’s that sort of place that shows Japanese cuisine doesn’t always have to be synonymous with sushi or ramen; here, it’s about balance, freshness and care.
Every bento set includes a little bit of everything: ideal rice, seasonal vegetables, an option of protein, and a small side dish that might change from one visit to the next. It’s a generous, but not huge portion, so perfect for a satisfying lunch. The space itself is snug and warm, a little bit like you’re going into somebody’s home. If you’re in the mood for Japanese food that feels both nourishing and real, then Mama No Bento is a delightful find.
Foodi Jia-Ba-Buay – Taiwanese Street Food Spirit
Image Source: foodi-jia-ba-buay.fr
Adress:
2 Rue du Nil.
Hours:
Monday to Wednesday 12 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. | 7 p.m. to 9:45 p.m.
Thursday to Friday 12 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. | 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Saturday 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. | 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Foodi Jia-Ba-Buayheart may be small, but when it comes to flavour, it is huge. With an emphasis on Taiwanese food, it’s a restaurant with the same casual, street-food ethos as Taiwan: simply delicious rice dishes, crispy fried chicken and bubble teas with just the right amount of sweetness.
The name of the restaurant loosely translates to “Have you eaten yet?” – a classic Taiwanese greeting that illustrates how deeply food is woven into everyday life. It’s an excellent option when you want something fast, inexpensive and tasty, but don’t want to skimp on authenticity. Do not skip the gua bao, a cloud-like steamed bun filled with tender pork and fresh herbs.
Pairing Your Meal with a Day in the 2nd Arrondissement
One of the great pleasures of eating in the 2nd arrondissement is that it is easy to combine the experience with a bit of strolling. After lunch at Mr Zhao or Bambou, walk to the historic Passage des Panoramas, one of the city’s oldest covered arcades. It’s full of quirky shops and has that old-Paris charm that’s hard to resist. If you’re eating at Mama No Bento, you’re not far from buzzing Rue Montorgueil, where you can stroll through markets and sample more treats.
For a cultural pick-me-up, the Palais Brongniart (the former Paris stock exchange) is also located in the area, and the Opéra-Comique isn’t too far away if you’re in the market for a show in the evening. Everything is walkable, which is part of the charm. You can weave through historic streets all day, drop into shops, and finish with a meal that sends you to the other side of the world.
Where Locals Go for Authentic Flavours
Beyond the bigger names, the 2nd arrondissement also hides a few lesser-known gems. Tiny noodle bars tucked away on side streets, dessert cafés serving matcha parfaits, and bakeries blending French and Asian traditions quietly attract those in the know. These smaller spots may not always make it onto tourist lists, but they’re often where locals head when they’re craving something familiar, comforting, and made with care. It’s worth keeping your eyes open as you explore; sometimes the best meals are found when you’re not even looking.
A holiday apartment or vacation rental in the 2nd arrondissement gives guests the chance to explore a dynamic neighbourhood where authentic Asian dining thrives alongside Parisian charm.
