January 27, 2025

Slurping Noodles in the 2nd

03

Summer, is that you?

02

Retirement, are you ready?

01

A celebration dinner
Now Trending

Thoughts

Cravings


Places

follow @LloreaCazakoff

Essentially, I'm your friend down the street who started blogging, and then life threw lemons (AKA Divorce), and suddenly I found myself here, talking to you! 
Join me on this journey...

 TheBlog

There’s a distinct hum to the 2nd arrondissement of Paris as I settle into our new apartment. This is my first time staying in this area, and it has a different vibe from what I’m used to. It’s subtler—a blend of modern energy and historic charm. But if there’s one thing that truly defines the neighbourhood for me, it’s the food. Wow, how have I missed this?

My son, who’s lived in Paris, doesn’t hold back about the Asian food scene here. “Mom, it’s white people’s Asian food,” he says bluntly, with that unmistakable tone that tells me he’s not changing his opinion. Well, I disagree. I’m here to prove him wrong, especially when it comes to the savoury, comforting bowls of noodles. Each bite seems to transport you from Paris to the bustling streets of Tokyo, Shanghai, or Hanoi.

Every day, I pass by Nouille Vivante (no website), on a side street across from my apartment. The owner stands in the window, hand-pulling noodles with precision and artistry, you know she’s been at this a long time! It’s a family-run place—simple, unassuming, but clearly proud to be part of the neighbourhood’s dining culture. And the noodle bowls? Let’s just say they’d probably make even my son pause mid-eye roll—though he’d never admit it.

The heart of this culinary adventure lies along Rue Sainte-Anne, literally around the corner from me—Paris’s unofficial “Little Tokyo.” Step onto this street, and you’re greeted by lines of eager diners waiting to taste a delicious bowl of simmering noodles in broth, sizzling yakitori from the grill, or a fresh bowl of steaming rice topped with crispy katsu chicken. It’s the kind of place where food is not just nourishment but an experience—slurping is practically a requirement. It’s not exactly mother-approved etiquette, but I’ll let it slide this time. 😉

Where we ate

Naniwa Ya

This was our first noodle stop, and we weren’t disappointed. Somehow, we managed to snag the last table!

Guibine

Doors open at 7 PM—get here early! This was the best Korean food I’ve had, second only to my sister-in-law’s, of course. BTW, the kimchi crepe was to die for!

Nouilles Panda

(No website), it’s your fast-food noodle stop, perfect for late-night munchies 😉

Kintaro

What makes the noodle culture in the 2nd so special is its diversity. You could start your day with a hearty miso ramen, move on to delicate hand-pulled Chinese noodles for lunch, and wrap up the evening with a rich bowl of Vietnamese pho. And in between? Don’t miss the crispy gyoza, pillowy bao buns, sushi, or matcha-filled desserts that seem to appear at every corner.

But there’s more to this than just food. This transformation began in the 1970s when Japanese fashion designer Kenzo Takada opened his first Paris boutique in Passage Choiseul, drawing Japanese businesses and visitors to the neighbourhood. Soon after, Japanese expatriates and entrepreneurs followed, laying the foundation for what would grow into one of Paris’s most vibrant culinary districts. Over time, other Asian cuisines have joined the mix, each bringing its unique flavours and traditions to the table. For a gal from Vancouver, with its vibrant Asian food scene, the choices here feel endless.

For me, there’s something special about sitting in a tiny restaurant elbow-to-elbow with strangers, whether diving into a bowl of noodles or enjoying Korean BBQ. It’s a reminder that while Paris is often celebrated for its croissants and boeuf bourguignon, it’s also a city of endless reinvention and global influences.

So, grab your chopsticks and join me as I explore noodle bowls and all the delicious food of the 2nd. Slurping isn’t just encouraged—it’s mandatory. And who knows? Maybe I’ll even win my son over one noodle bowl at a time.

The comments +

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Stay in touch!

Sign up for my newsletter to receive updates straight to your inbox.