Lunar New Year Celebrations at Café Isaka

If you're looking for a delicious idea to celebrate the Lunar New Year 2026 in Paris, head over to Isaka, this quirky coffee shop located in the 1st arrondissement. Known for its frozen fries and other inventive ice cream flavors, this spot is a must-visit. To mark the arrival of the Year of the Fire Horse, Isaka promises a special treat with five exclusive ice cream flavors inspired by symbols and traditions of the Chinese New Year. It's a delightful way to discover authentic tastes while celebrating this important Asian festival.

Explore these creations that blend ancient traditions with expert craftsmanship along Rue Thérèse, just steps from the Palais-Royal. The team at Isaka has crafted fragrances each telling their own story—ranging from good luck charms to festive symbols. And for those wishing to carry the experience home, a new frozen box makes its debut for the very first time.

What are the new Lunar New Year ice cream flavors at Isaka?

Among the five exclusive scents, the first we encounter is a Nian Gao Ice Cream, inspired by the famous, auspicious sticky rice cake. This recipe is based on that of "Nai Nai Fu" (grandmother in Chinese), Daniela’s mother, who prepares this ancient dessert following traditional Southern Chinese methods. It features glutinous rice flour, brown sugar, black and white sesame seeds, osmanthus, and red dates. An azuki bean version is also available.

The "Yin Yang" black and white sesame ice cream celebrates the harmony of opposites, blending the bold richness of black sesame with the creamy sweetness of white sesame. This flavor profile is a delightful contrast that creates a perfectly balanced and comforting experience.

When it comes to sorbets, our eyes are on the marbled pineapple blended with Wekiwa tangelo marmalade, crafted by Lemon Story. This fruit, a symbol of prosperity in Chinese culture, pairs perfectly with the tangelo—a citrus hybrid of mandarin and pomelo—delivering a vibrant and harmonious burst of sweetness and tartness.

The white peach and osmanthus flowers celebrate the fruit traditionally associated with happiness and reunion during the Lunar New Year. According to feng shui principles, the blossoming of peach trees at Tết signals a prosperous year ahead. The delicate, apricot-scented osmanthus blooms add a soft touch of elegance to this festive display.

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Finally, the mandarin sorbet with oolong tea combines the quintessential lucky fruit with the delicate floral notes of oolong. Refreshing and comforting, it’s the perfect flavor to wish oneself a wonderful year ahead.

Can You Enjoy Traditional Nian Gao at Isaka?

Great news for fans of Asian sweets: Isaka is now offering the classic Nian Gao, the renowned sticky rice cake whose name literally translates to "year cake" in Mandarin. This centuries-old, lucky delicacy comes in two varieties—with or without azuki beans—and is prepared according to the family recipe handed down by Daniela’s grandmother.

Enjoy a two-piece slice for €6, or pair it with a scoop of Nian Gao-inspired ice cream for €8. It’s a delicious way to delve into a culinary tradition that varies across Asian regions, here prepared in the southern Chinese style.

How to bring these treats home with you?

For the first time, Isaka introduces a special Lunar New Year ice cream box. This set includes five 230 ml tubs of ice cream paired with Isaka waffle wafers, priced at €34. It’s a great way to extend the festivities at home or to give as a thoughtful gift to loved ones with a sweet tooth.

You'll find Café Isaka at 9 Thérèse Street in Paris's 1st arrondissement, open daily. Hours vary throughout the week: Sunday to Tuesday from 12 PM to 8 PM, and Wednesday to Saturday from 12 PM to 10 PM. Prices are quite reasonable: €3.60 for a single scoop, €6.50 for two, and €7.50 for three. Their quick mochi treats are available at €4.60. Stay updated on the café’s latest news on Instagram.

In short, if you're on the lookout for a delicious way to celebrate the Lunar New Year 2026, this spot offers a perfect blend of cultural discovery and culinary delight, serving up creative dishes that truly stand out from the crowd.