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Siseng

  • Restaurants
  • Canal Saint-Martin
  • price 2 of 4
  • 4 out of 5 stars
  • Recommended
© Siseng
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Time Out says

4 out of 5 stars

Baozi steamed buns, a staple of Chinese and Indonesian cuisine, are the latest Parisian food craze. To prove it, here comes Siseng, a trendy new eatery whose signature dish is the Bao Burger: a fusion meal that revisits the American classic, serving it with an Asian sauce, sandwiched between two warm, slightly sweet baozi in lieu of the traditional bread.

The Bao Burger should be incentive enough to drop in on this great little café, perhaps after a walk along the equally trendy Canal Saint-Martin (where Siseng has elected to set up shop, naturally). Furnished with hefty wood tables, a brick bar and a wall-length panel of windows overlooking the canal’s banks, the restaurant could not be better situated. Its den-like interior also boasts an alluring ‘fusion’ of cultural sensibilities: a skateboard bearing the image of Bruce Lee is propped up behind the bar, a cartoonish motif of flowers and mushrooms creeps up one wall, while a massive Chinese root carving is suspended from the ceiling amidst bare bulbs. For food, you can expect well-presented, savoury Asian dishes, burgers first and foremost, but also tempura (€6), spring rolls (€7), bo bun and tom kha kai (€12). For drinks, Asian beers (around €7), cocktails (between €10 and €14), as well as homemade soft drinks (€5-€7.50).

We could quibble over the pricing (a tad too high) or over the consistency of the sweet potato fries (a little limp), but it would take a real effort not to appreciate Siseng. First, because the staff is friendly and attentive despite the restaurant’s being full to capacity every night. Second, and more importantly, because the food truly hits its mark. Flavors are perfectly balanced to create dishes that are somehow just right. The Bao Chicken Burger is a thing of beauty: panko-crusted (Japanese-style), topped with homemade coleslaw, marinated peppers and a coconut milk and basil sauce. Not to mention the wonderfully executed tempura, which includes green beans and baby mushrooms. Proof positive that a restaurant can be hip and playful without sacrificing flavour.

Written by AW/CC

Details

Address:
82 quai de Jemmapes
Paris
75010
Transport:
Metro: Jacques Bonsergent or Goncourt
Opening hours:
Continuous service Mon-Thu 11am-11pm; Fri-Sat 11am-2am
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