Kinágua: Asian and Portuguese fusion cocktail bar and tapas restaurant founded by a Koh-Lanta winner in Paris

The general public discovered him as an adventurer onthe TV show Koh-Lanta. Now, Frédéric Khouvilay is starting a new adventure behind the shakers alongside his partners Julien Bellelle-Giubellini and Damien Vieira. The winner ofthe 2023 edition of the famous TV game show is opening his own bar in Paris: Kinágua. Will this venue live up to the reward of a comfort challenge?

This new venue is located at2 n thecapital's 2nd arrondissement . It promises an escape inspired by the maritime expeditions of Portuguese navigators in Asia. Expect fusion cuisine where Portuguese gastronomy meets the flavors ofEast Asia. 

When it comes to cocktails, this fusion between Portugal and Asia is not so prominent, and for good reason: this part of the menu is more like a travel journal, with Frédéric drawing inspiration from the different countries he has visited. The recipe that best reflects the Portuguese influence is the iconic cocktail simply named Kinágua, made with Kiyomi rum, Amarguinha (a Portuguese bitter almond liqueur), passion fruit, and cranberry syrup. We also applaud the effort put into the mocktail selection, where alcohol-free drinks are just as creative as their alcoholic counterparts.

When it comes to tapas, the link between these two worlds seems more obvious: you'll find recipes for the famous croquettes mixed with ingredients inspired by East Asian cuisine, such as sardine pastries with kimchi juice.  When it comes to sharing plates, it's best to go for an average of two to three dishes per person. We particularly recommend the crispy Alheira, a revisited name with a Portuguese sausage meat filling accompanied by a fairly spicy honey mustard sauce.

This is what sets Kinágua's cuisine apart: a boldness that pushes it to offer fairly distinctive flavors, going against the grain, much to the delight of lovers of dishes with character. The beef tataki (very tender) with smoked yogurt has a certain power, the octopus ceviche has a lot of pep with its lemony accents, and the vegetarian spring rolls made with green papaya are very vinegary... These are strong flavors that give each dish a kick that we don't mind at all.

For those with a sweet tooth, theKináguabareven offersdessert cocktails. Be warned, there are no desserts on the menu, so those with a sweet tooth will have no choice but to discover this unusual format with some rather decadent creations (some of which can be adapted into non-alcoholic versions). One example is the Creamytini, inspired by crème brûlée, made with vodka, amaretto, liquid cream, egg, and vanilla. The top is flambéed, leaving a delicious caramelized aroma in its wake, while the taste reveals a cocktail full of regressivity. 

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We might as well tell you right away that if you prefer classic cocktails, there's not much point in coming to Kinágua. If, on the other hand, you're not afraid to stray from the beaten track, then you can go there with your eyes closed for a cocktail experience that should appeal to mixology enthusiasts.

For matcha aficionados, two cocktails are sure to win you over. The first, lighter option is La Traversée, made with Gin Roku, matcha tea, lemon, and maple syrup. The result is a refreshing, floral, and herbaceous drink that beautifully highlights the subtle bitterness of this famous green gold from Japan.

The second, in the dessert category, is the Matchatinni, which reveals its most indulgent side with matcha-infused vodka, amaretto and almond milk for extra smoothness, liquid cream, maple syrup, vanilla ice cream from Grom and white chocolate shavings to top it all off. Note that this creation can be adapted to be alcohol-free.

La Sirène is a creation that illustrates the careful balance with which the recipes have been developed, with its composition based on vodka, hibiscus infusion, lime, red pepper syrup, and fresh raspberries. The spicy notes are quite present without setting the palate on fire, so those with the most sensitive taste buds can rest assured!

What's more, the mocktails are every bit as good as the cocktails: they are just as carefully crafted. The Mirage, as its name suggests, is quite impressive: inspired by the Negroni, you would never guess that it is a non-alcoholic creation, faithfully reproducing the bitterness and smoky notes that characterize this recipe.

Cocktails cost between €15 and €18 (€12 for non-alcoholic versions), which can be quite expensive, although these prices are in line with those charged at other establishments of this type. Tapas cost between €11 and €18, with fairly generous portions, allowing you to keep your budget under control.

Alcohol abuse is dangerous for your health, please drink responsibly.

This test was conducted as part of a professional invitation. If your experience differs from ours, please let us know.