Yi Chan

Dim sum + mixology = one big steamy heart! It’s already been seven years since Yen Pham transformed his childhood restaurant into a cocktail-driven spot frequented by shaker lovers, as well as tourists passing by the Bourse and cinema-goers from the neighboring Palace movie theater. Under the cherry blossoms hanging from above, baskets steam away, containing: the signature xiao long bao, little dumplings filled with a pork and ginger stuffing and a magical broth that squirts out from the first bite; char siu bao, plump brioche stuffed with lacquered pork; and cute little shumai with an egg-based dough and pork and shrimp stuffing. The other specialty? Slurp up phở bowls filled with rice noodles, beef meatballs and sliced rare beef, mmm mmm! Also spotted on the table across from us: a trio of grilled meats (lacquered pork, crispy pork, lacquered duck), fried pork intestines, marinated chicken legs and lo bak go (daikon radish cake). // Heloise Bartsoen

FEELING THIRSTY? Well-shaken creations, such as the Poire (gin, Williams pear eau de vie, verjus, sesame oil, €14) or the Sochu (carbonated tomato liqueur and Amontillado sherry, €14), but also the house Piju beer with yuzu and mandarin (€5.50) and iced jasmine tea (€5).
PRICE: Bao €8-10, phở €14-19, grilled meats €14-26.