Udon
Kunitoraya
It’s easy to spot Kunitoraya by the queue of patient people outside. Inside, udon of all varieties await you—served hot or cold, with traditional broth or a curry sauce, and with tempura or a selection of other toppings. The staff is patient and friendly. Recommended Japanese tapas dish: the kara age (fried chicken) with ginger sauce.
1 rue Villedo, 75001
For the same excellent quality with a slightly different menu and a Frenchier atmosphere, go next door to Kunitoraya Restaurant.
5 rue Villedo, 75001
Sanukiya
Another popular udon spot with tight seating quarters, Sanukiya also draws a crowd, but lines move quickly. The springy and chewy udon is fantastic and during the summer, they serve frozen beer.
9 rue d’Argenteuil, 75001
Image via thefabday
Bo Bun
Le Drapeau de la Fidelité
I am completely faithful to Le Drapeau de la Fidelité. Since my first visit, I eat here almost weekly. Cheap prices (nothing’s more than 6 euros), terrific food and the homey vibe keep me coming back. Books line this cozy den and it’s always packed on weekends with a young, local crowd. Arrive on the early side because the last call is 8:30pm. For first-timers, the bo bun is a must. Best nems in Paris, IMO. Note: They use spaghetti noodles for their bo bun, which seems a little weird but works for me!
21 Rue Copreaux, 75015 Paris
Chez Kim Ly
Unless you know about it, Chez Kim Ly is easy to miss. The hole-in-the-wall spot serves one major dish: bo bun. And damn, is it good. Maybe not LDDLF good, but still up there. There’s a small seating area in the back, but most people take the bo bun to go.
86 Rue Didot, 75014 Paris
Siseng
Siseng is known for its burgers made with pillowy soft Taiwanese man tou buns, but the bo bun holds its own. This trendy place on the canal gets crowded fast, so some people take the food to go and sit by the water. Also serves great cocktails with fresh ingredients and homemade syrups.
82 Quai de Jemmapes, 75010 Paris
Image via BonjourDarling
Chinese Hand-Pulled Noodles
Chez Ann
The touch at Chez Ann is delicate and light and the atmosphere is relaxing and comfortable. The main attraction is the steamed dim sum, but my favorite dish is the fragrant noodle soup that changes on a daily basis. All of the ingredients are bio and the presentation is elegant.
36 Rue Mouffetard, 75005
Happy Nouilles
If Chez Ann is the yin of Chinese noodles, then Happy Nouilles is the yang. Happy Nouilles has an extensive noodle menu, simple decor, and often a boisterous crowd. Flavors are strong, leaning towards spicy, and the classic dish to try is the beef soup with house-made noodles.
95 rue Beaubourg, 75003
Pates Vivantes
This is where Parisians go for their Chinese noodle fix. Service is fast and the noodles are handmade. Things lean toward the salty side but with two Paris outposts, Pates Vivantes can handle your sudden noodle cravings.
46 rue du Faubourg Montmartre, 75009
3 rue de Turbigo, 75001
Image via Pates Vivantes
