SENsation, we tested Samuel Lee's new Chinese restaurant in Paris

Samuel Lee, former Michelin-starred chef of the Shangri-La Paris, has opened his own restaurant in the 11th arrondissement of Paris. With an average price range of €50, this new restaurant is sure to delight gourmets and lovers of his exceptional cuisine.

After ten years at the helm of Shangri-La Paris' Shang Palace, where he made his mark on the Parisian gastronomic scene, Samuel Lee is embarking on a personal adventure. This Hong Kong native, who has traveled the length and breadth of China from Shanghai to Beijing, is now offering a more accessible culinary experience, while retaining his exceptional savoir-faire.

Sen turns out to be the chef's Chinese first name, so it's a play on words that gives the restaurant its name. Here, the chef was inspired by a painting of a small Chinese banquet organized by the emperor of the Song dynasty officials. The idea is to give us the impression of being the guests at a banquet, feasting in a joyful, good-humored atmosphere.

The elegant, uncluttered decor features typical touches such as stools and lantern-shaped lampshades depicting pagodas. A transparent floor at the back of the restaurant reveals part of the extensive cellar, featuring a fine list of natural wines. In addition to the various tables seating some thirty people, there are two counters: one at the bar and one facing the kitchen, where you can watch the chef and his team at work.

Restaurant SENsation on video :

At SENsation, the menu reflects the chef's heritage and mastery of Chinese flavors, as well as his discoveries. In his tasting menu, the chef reveals dishes that combine China and the West. Starters include "Lo Hei", a rosette of marinated crowned yellowtail, as well as crispy crab egg rolls accompanied by 18-month Comté cheese. There are also glutinous rice cakes with radish and Iberian ham.

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Ravioli lovers will be seduced by the "Siu Mai", steamed pork and shrimp with shiitake. Our favorite is the Shrimp Croquette with Szechuan pepper sauce. As crunchy as it is melt-in-the-mouth, it's a delight, all spiced up just right.

In terms of dishes, Sen's lacquered duck, which combines two techniques (spices and cooking), is a must. A duck dehydrated for several hours, flavored with spices and basted by the chef before our very eyes, is a wonderful discovery. But be sure to reserve 48 hours in advance to enjoy it. Other dishes to discover include French pork lacquered in cognac, braised cod with ginger and cébettes, and "Mapo Tofu" with Wagyu beef. To accompany the dish, the chef's stir-fried rice combines lacquered pork, shrimp and egg, while the "Lu Rou Fan", Taiwanese braised pork rice, is a comfort food.

For dessert, mango, grapefruit and sajou cream, the perfect ending to this gourmet journey. We finish with a small homemade digestif, and we've had our fill.

The menu features two courses, one at 48€ and a more extensive 88€, including the famous duck to order in advance. You can also choose à la carte dishes for around 50€. SENsation is now open evenings only, with service from Tuesday to Saturday from 7pm to midnight, and an additional lunch on Saturdays from 12pm to 4pm. Reservations will be available via TheFork.

A new address that will appeal to gourmets and lovers of authentic Chinese cuisine with a twist in Paris. All you have to do is make up your own mind!

This test was conducted as part of a professional invitation. If your experience differs from ours, please mention it in the comments.