In Paris, the Indian restaurants have always had their place. But for some time now, we have seen new kinds of addresses appear, ready to shake up traditions and free themselves from clichés to celebrate India from a more contemporary angle of view. Dusting off the classics, reinventing them without betraying their authenticity: such is the challenge of these 2.0 Indian tables, many of which are inspired by establishments of the same ilk which are all the rage in London. In the capital, some are taking up this challenge by adopting contemporary concepts: street food counters, atmospheric restaurants where dishes are shared in stylish decor, which pay homage to Indian culture while flirting with modernity. . The subtlety of the exercise? Break the codes, but not too much, to offer an exotic taste experience while respecting the original flavors. Here are three Parisian spots which have found the right balance and where we enjoyed sitting down, whether whether to rediscover great classics or learn about lesser-known specialties, carefully revisited.
3 Indian restaurants to know in Paris
The art of Indian grilling at Seeklo
Since this summer, Seeklo brand new Indian bar restaurant has been setting fire (literally) on rue Oberkampf. An address signed by the Dubai group Lemon Butter, which introduces us to the concept of the Indian grill. In a festive atmosphere and a super designer contemporary decor, designed by the trendy architecture studio Mur.Mur, you can sit behind the mirrored counter or on the crimson benches, to enjoy a feast of skewers. They put on a show before our eyes by throwing themselves into the fiery flames controlled by the leader Iswardeo Pothimahles and his team. On the menu? Chicken tikka, lamb keema kebab, curry shrimp, paneer tikka (the famous Indian cheese), but also vegetables (broccolini, zucchini, oyster mushrooms, etc.). Everyone goes to bask in the pill before coming to sit down in pairs on plates to share. Generous, colorful, well seasoned, the plasters are happily sauced with the help of beautiful, hot homemade naans, freshly taken out of the tandoor. We also let ourselves be seduced by the ultra-tasty “crunchy bites” of the house: including the “Kerala fried chicken” and its sweet and savory tomato chutney, but especially the masala-style potato röstis topped with vegetables, pomegranate seeds and an addictive sauce inspired by “chaat”, this street snack from northern India that combines sweet, salty, spicy, sour and crunchy. To wash it all down, you have the choice between around ten cocktails with Indian notes, including a revisited and alcoholic version of the mango lassi which will not leave you indifferent. During our visit, we had the opportunity to taste the special Diwali dessert (the festival of lights): the daulat ki chaat or “snack of wealth” which takes the form of an airy mousse flavored with saffron and pink, playfully served surrounded by “fake bills” to represent the offerings made to the deities.
- 96 Rue Oberkampf, 75011 Paris
Chai latte and khati rolls at Kuna Masala
We loved Kuna's first address around naans revisited like sandwiches overflowing with a host of authentic and tasty toppings. Building on the success of their first street-food counter, Candice et Charleythe founders, unveil a second restaurant in the 17th arrondissement with a unique concept. Make way for Kuna Masala, the first chai latte bar in Paris which highlights this comforting Indian drink made with spices, milk and black tea. Served according to the rules of the art and in its most classic version, perfectly balanced and dosed with spices, it also comes with more originality: with chocolate, with rose, with pumpkin… We happily accompany it with a chai-infused cookie (excellent) or a pantaras: a crispy, golden breaded bite with a spicy and super cheesy center. The other reason to come to Kuna Masala is the wonderful khati roll, to devour on the go. Like a wrap, this classic of Indian street food from Calcutta, little known in Europe, welcomes in a parataha flatbread lots of good things like spicy or crispy chicken twisted with sauces that take our taste buds to India. The perfect snack any time of the day.
- 89 Rue du Rocher, 75017 Paris
Contemporary Indian cuisine at Delhi Bazaar
Well established on rue Saint-Maur, Delhi Bazaar has become in just one year since its opening one of the “bolycool” canteens of choice for fans of Indian cuisine. The founders Bastien and Alexis took on the challenge of combining authenticity with modernity by breaking down the concept of the often very stereotypical Indian restaurant. We can say that the mission is successful with this colorful and bright place, which takes on the appearance of a happy bazaar. The menu highlights typical specialties from northern India. Short, but varied, creative without losing authenticity, it was designed in collaboration with Eqbal HossainBangladeshi of origin and owner of the Indian restaurant Rasna, an institution in the 15th arrondissement. This is divided into three main categories: chaats, which serve as appetizers, including the famous “dahi Puri”, puffed wheat shells garnished with spicy potatoes and covered with a trio of chutney with a thousand flavors. The tandoor part, in which we find all the meats and vegetables grilled with beautiful smoky aromas, in this famous traditional terracotta oven which rises to more than 400°C and finally the great classic curries and biryanis. The lamb one has the specificity of being stewed under a puff pastry crust, which reveals a delicious rice well spiced with spices and generous in meat. To complete this fabulous taste journey, don't leave without absolutely tasting the kulfi sundae: cardamom ice cream, fennel and kewra water.
- 71 Rue Servan, 75011 Paris
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