There are plenty of Asian pastries beyond just Japanese mochi and coconut balls. Stepping away from the classic mochi shops, Chinese, Vietnamese, and Korean desserts tend to have a different vibe — often simpler, more straightforward treats like Vietnamese chè, rice cakes, or glutinous rice balls.
But in Paris, a city renowned for blending cultures seamlessly, pastry shops and tea salons combining French pastries with Asian flavors are just as numerous as those offering 100% Asian sweets. It's the perfect place to discover delightful surprises, whether you're exploring fusion creations or traditional treats, especially as we gear up for the Lunar New Year.
One of the first treats that naturally comes to mind for this occasion is the mooncake, probably because it’s one of the few iconic desserts associated with Chinese cuisine. However, in reality, the mooncake isn’t a New Year’s dessert but rather a pastry traditionally enjoyed during the Mid-Autumn Festival, commonly known as the Moon Festival. As a result, it’s not the go-to treat for Chinese New Year.
One of the classic treats to seek out in Paris is without a doubt the fried sesame balls! This beloved snack is widely enjoyed across various Asian countries, including Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, Thailand, and China. Wrapped in a crispy coating made from rice flour and sprinkled with sesame seeds, you'll find a sweet filling of soft, yellow mung beans inside. An absolute delight—best enjoyed hot and fresh!
Vietnamese sesame donuts, known as bánh tiêu, are also enjoyed during the Lunar New Year. These delicious deep-fried treats are fluffy and puffy, perfect for an afternoon snack or even breakfast. Among the desserts to seek out in the 13th arrondissement and in Chinese bakeries, don’t forget the whipped cream cake. This ultra-soft cake is layered with various flavors such as red beans, mango, or strawberry. And let's not overlook the durians cake, the legendary 'king of fruits' with a distinct aroma that some adore and others can't stand.
Wishing everyone a happy Lunar New Year, Chinese New Year, and a festive Têt! Here are some top spots to find authentic Asian pastries in Paris and celebrate in style!
Shang Palace by Tony Xu, we tested the Chinese restaurant at Shangri-La Paris
Shang Palace, the only gourmet Chinese restaurant, has unveiled its new menu under the leadership of its new Chef, Tony Xu. It's time to (re)discover the fine cuisine of this emblematic Parisian restaurant, located within the Shangri-La. [Read more]
Fu Castella opens a patisserie-tea room in the Marais for divine snacks and tea times
Fu Castella is the ultra-moist pastry shop that's already all the rage in Paris's 13th arrondissement. Fu Castella has now set up shop in the Marais, Paris 4th arrondissement, offering a beautiful tea room with exotic sweets, original tea times, ice creams and hot and cold drinks for you to try. [Read more]
Fu, the coffee shop and brunch pastry shop in the 13th arrondissement, takes you on a journey to Asia
Are you tempted by a new pastry and coffee shop with Asian flavors? Matcha, sesame and pandan, as well as durian and kimchi, enliven the cakes and dishes in this new spot opening in Paris's 13th arrondissement. From breakfast to lunch and afternoon tea, of course, it's all about unusual treats and brunch every day. We take you on a discovery tour. [Read more]
@unreve, the sublime French-Asian café and tea room
@unreve, that's the name of the new coffee shop, tea room and pastry shop that has set up shop on Avenue Parmentier in the 11th district of Paris. Imagine a nice marriage between the best of coffee shops and Asian flavors and you are in the tone. [Read more]
La Cantine Chinoise, Belleville's excellent Chinese restaurant
You may have walked past it dozens of times without ever stopping. Yet for 20 years, the Cantine Chinoise has been delighting regulars in the Belleville district. We recommend a visit to discover all the specialties of Wenzhou. Ravioli, nems, tempura, woks, kaifans, tanmians... a real treat. [Read more]
La Pâtisserie de Saison, a sweet and savoury Chinese pastry shop in the 13th arrondissement
La Pâtisserie de Saison is one of the oldest Chinese pastry shops in the 13th arrondissement, located on the famous Avenue d'Ivry. Here, you can indulge in original banh mi, baos, filled puff pastries and soft rolls that oscillate between tradition and new flavors. [Read more]
Fu Castella and her deliciously moist and airy cakes
Do you know castella? This pastry of Portuguese origin has finally arrived in Paris, at Fu Castella, a charming boutique-tea room. We bet you'll love this fine, moist cake! [Read more]
Click on the map below to see the locations of all these addresses
Where can you find delicious durian pastries and cakes in Paris? Our top picks
In Paris, durian is appearing in the sweet displays of Asian pastry shops... but that's not all! In desserts, pastries, and cakes, this iconic Asian fruit is revealing itself for a bold and extraordinary tasting experience. [Read more]
Where can you find delicious durian pastries and cakes in Paris? Our top picks
