To celebrate the arrival of the Year of the Fire Horse, Paris seizes the perfect opportunity to immerse itself in Asian festivities. From the streets of the 13th arrondissement, stretching from Avenue de Choisy to Avenue d'Ivry, all the way to the shops of Belleville in the 20th, shop windows are dressed in red and gold, while the tempting aromas of traditional Asian pastries fill the sidewalks. It’s arguably one of the most vibrant ways to mark the Lunar New Year: by biting into these small sweets laden with symbols and flavors unmatched anywhere else.
Before diving into dragon parades and fireworks, there's a whole world of sweet treats to explore. Contrary to popular belief, the renowned Mooncake isn’t a New Year pastry but a delicacy of the Mid-Autumn Festival. As the new year approaches, other specialty treats take center stage on tables and in Asian bakeries across the capital.
Among the must-tries are the fried sesame balls, golden and crispy on the outside, soft and fragrant on the inside—a treat found in Chinese, Vietnamese, Laotian, and Thai traditions alike. There’s also nian gao, a sticky rice cake with a sweet caramelized flavor whose name literally means “high year,” symbolizing a year that rises or ascends—an expression of good luck. In Vietnamese cuisine, it’s impossible to overlook bánh chưng, those square sticky rice cakes stuffed with mung beans and pork, an essential dish during Tet festivities.
What’s truly fascinating about Paris is how the city has embraced and reinterpreted these traditions in its own unique way. Alongside completely Asian-focused spots, you'll now find bakeries that beautifully blend classic French techniques with Asian flavors. Black sesame, pandan, taro, red bean — these ingredients now take pride of place in Parisian windows, far beyond the traditional Asian neighborhoods. It’s a delightful evolution that sparks our curiosity about exploring these top spots for Asian pastries in Paris, whether you’re a newbie or an avid connoisseur. Join us as we tour some must-try specialties to celebrate the upcoming Year of the Fire Horse.
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!
And among the desserts to try in the 13th arrondissement and in Chinese pastry shops, don’t forget the whipped cream cake. This ultra-soft cake is filled with a variety of flavors like red bean, mango, or strawberry, and there's also the durian cake, the famous 'king of fruits,' with its unmistakable aroma that some adore and others can't stand.
Wishing everyone a happy Lunar New Year, Chinese New Year, and a joyful celebration of the Têt or Seollal! And if you’re looking for top spots to buy traditional Asian treats in Paris, you’ve come to the right place!
La Pâtisserie de Choisy, a hidden gem in the 13th arrondissement, prides itself on its Asian-inspired specialties
The Pâtisserie de Choisy is a well-known spot in Paris’s 13th arrondissement. For generations, this charming bakery has delighted locals and food lovers from all over the city with its tempting Vietnamese and Chinese specialties. [Read more]
La Pâtisserie de Saison, the Chinese bakery in the 13th arrondissement, serving up banh mi and indulgent cakes
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]
Lunar New Year Celebrations at Café Isaka
To celebrate the Year of the Fire Horse, Café Isaka in Paris’s 1st arrondissement is unveiling five exclusive ice cream flavors just in time for the Lunar New Year. Available until February 22, 2026, these creations draw inspiration from Asian traditions, including a unique Nian Gao-flavored ice cream. [Read more]
FU Castella Cakes for the Lunar New Year
Fu Castella, located in the 13th and 4th districts of Paris, offers stunning creations for the Lunar New Year. From beloved pandan cakes to delicate chiffon cakes infused with jasmine tea and longan, our hearts are torn between these irresistible treats. [Read more]
Fu Pâtisserie’s Ruby Lychee Cake for the 2026 Lunar New Year
Inspired by the Chinese New Year, this limited-edition creation from Fu Pâtisserie explores the vibrant hue of red, a color traditionally associated with luck and prosperity. It features a light lychee mousse, a luscious strawberry insert, a delicate vanilla biscuit, and a crunchy Caramelia layer, crafting a perfect harmony of freshness, sweetness, and elegance. Offered as a single-serving or a shared cake for six at €35, it is available by reservation. [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]
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]
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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
