Jinchan Shokudo, an authentic and popular izakaya in the heart of Paris

Jinchan Shokudo is the address to note for the lovers of Japanese culture. In this authentic and popular izakaya, you will find a menu full of tapas and gourmet dishes made with fine products while remaining affordable. Who says better?

True Japanese cuisine in Paris is what many connoisseurs are looking for in the capital. Good news, we have found you an exotic, friendly, ultra-gourmand and affordable address! Let's go to the 12th district of the capital to discover Jinchan Shokudo, an authentic Japanese Izakaya which arrives in the heart of Paris!

This concept imagined by Miyo and Alban Cacace was born from the desire to retranscribe in Paris the atmosphere of a popular Japan, through an address where we forget a little the codes to take advantage of a convivial moment between friends. The setting gives us the perfect illusion of a stay in the land of the Rising Sun: lantern on the ceiling, handmade dishes, rows of Daruma, no doubt, we are far from the City of Light. On the menu, you will find neither sushi nor California, and nothing of the classic menus that Parisians are used to. Here we will find more specialized dishes, 100% homemade but proposed at an affordable price.

Behind the kitchens, Hiroki Kuroda, a real Japanese chef, is working to convert Parisians to this part of the gastronomy still unknown in the capital. To do so, the essential products such as rice or wasabi are directly imported from Japan. Beyond the ultra-specialized ingredients, Jinchan Shokudo favors short circuits. In all cases, we find the same rigor in the selection of the products and this is felt in the plate.

The fish dishes are then a must! Among the dishes not to be missed, we note especially the Toro Maguro Sashimi (22€) which allows us to taste slices of fatty tuna and bluefin tuna that should not be confused with yellowfin tuna. If this is the most expensive dish on the menu, you would be wrong not to try it at least once: we quickly understand why this delicious meat is considered an exceptional product that could easily be compared to the famous wagyu beef as far as fatty tuna is concerned. Another favorite ? The Nasu Dengaku (8€), a delicious eggplant topped with white miso with yuzu that melts in the mouth while respecting the natural flavor of the vegetable.

This is what struck us the most throughout the tasting: the respect of natural flavors enhanced by subtle combinations. To complete the experience, we recommend that you opt for a food and sake pairing: Yuki Onuma, a passionate and exciting sommelier will guide you throughout your tasting and will prove that sake is not so far from wine! Modern or traditional, we find a nice selection of bottles that encourages us to go off the beaten track. You can even taste the hot sake, a comforting preparation especially when the climate is cold, or a sparkling sake!

Impossible either to miss the famous Chicken Karaage (9€) which gains more and more popularity in Paris. This Japanese fried chicken is a sure value, with carefully selected pieces for a tender and juicy result! Last but not least, theAburi Salmon (13€). Imagine thin slices of salmon snacked, still mega-melted, all sprinkled with salmon eggs and Kizami Wasabi.

To end this tasting on a note of freshness, we finally let ourselves be tempted by the yuzu cheesecake (6€) with a touch of cream that allows us to counterbalance the acidity of this Japanese citrus fruit.

From the beginning to the end everything agrees for a faultless. We leave Jinchan Shokudo with the happiness to have discovered an address offering such an excellent quality-price ratio. We will come back there for sure!

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 mention it in the comments.