Boutique yam’Tcha

For a taste of some of Paris’s finest gourmet cooking for a fraction of the price, head to the boutique outlet of Yam’tcha, offshoot of the restaurant of the same name (which moved to 121 Rue St Honoré in 2015). This temple to sophisticated tea stocks pretty boxes of top quality blends, books, teapots, cups and all the associated paraphernalia. As well as all this, you can also sample a short menu of dishes (tuna sashimi, marinated mackerel) or snack on one of chef Adeline Grattard’s signature steamed bao buns, which come in a variety of seasonal fillings. They’re served from the open air stand outside, or at a big wooden communal table inside the boutique – which is the better option, as you bask in the Michelin-quality service while paying just €4 a bun or €16 for five. The wait staff will recommend a tea to go with your choice of meal, be it the signature bao stiffed with stilton cheese and amarena cherries (daring but it works), or with comté, onions and curry, crab and baby vegetables, Sichuan pork and aubergines or chocolate from the Dominican Republic. 

TRANSLATION: EH