Huabu (CLOSED)

Huabu has been a hot ticket since it opened in March 2015, and with good reason. Set in a buzzing restaurant neighbourhood, the Chinese canteen is the latest project from Californian street food champion Kristin Frederick, who has already given Paris the unbeatable Camion Qui Fume and sandwich joint Freddie’s Deli. Huabu changes things up again, offering New York Chinatown-inspired fusion cooking on disposable plates at long wooden tables, its doors open onto the busy street.

The set menu (€9.80) lets you choose a big bowl of rice or sautéed noodles topped with one of the dishes bubbling away in sizzling woks – soft yet caramelized ‘General Tso chicken’, perhaps, beef with broccoli and Chinese cabbage, or marinated tofu with green beans. You can also add spring rolls, wonton parcels or bao buns (€3.40 each) – a seriously moreish selection. Wash it all down with a Tsing-Tao beer or one of the excellent selection of teas and you’ll be more than happy – just avoid the desserts, an over-sweetened fried cauliflower with sesame and green tea or worryingly green/grey cream puddings. This let-down aside, just count yourself lucky if you live close enough to Huabu to take advantage of their takeaway service.