Bye bye Yunnan! After completing her studies, Madame Yang set sail for France. Right before we went into lockdown, she opened up a spiffy pan-Asian shop that was as sharp as a Swiss army knife (an épicerie section, a fresh fruit and vegetable section, a café, take-away dishes, sushi, a bubble tea bar). The shop is filled with classics, unusual finds and junk food from China, Taiwan, Vietnam, Japan, Korea and Thailand… And she’s successfully stirred up French appetites on Boulevard Raspail! Here, the refrigerated displays will take you on a culinary voyage: vegetables from faraway countries, Thai herbs, galangal, green pepper, lemongrass, Korean kimchi, fresh tofu from Kioko, and an abundance of dumplings, gyoza and ravioli. The noodle aisle has loads of options as well (soba, ramen, udon, rice noodles, black rice noodles, sweet potato noodles, with a selection of both artisan-made and industrial choices). Plus condiments from across the continent (shrimp paste, yuzu, kosho, miso) and a wealth of sauces (ponzu, oyster, dried bonito, Bull Dog, grilled eel). And everything imaginable to satisfy your junk food cravings: multicolored tapioca balls for homemade bubble teas, myriad mochis (including a Taiwanese bubble tea flavor), kitsch cookies, matcha-tiramisu, raspberry, orange or mango Kit-Kat bars… Rush over and get in line behind the crowd of teenagers wearing backpacks, you won’t be disappointed… // Renaud Fuego
The hidden gem: Jongga premium traditional kimchi, €5.19/500 g.
