Hanaa Restaurant: Where Parisian bistro charm meets Algerian cuisine

This charming and refined bubble of escape awaits us on rue du Chemin Vert, in the 11th arrondissement of Paris. Hanaa is the bistro that feels like a window opening onto Algeria, offering a taste of Maghrebian cuisine that deserves to be more widely recognized. Brightly lit, with a central olive tree, and echoing with the soulful sounds of raï music, this intimate spot offers warm hospitality and an inviting atmosphere. It’s the kind of place that quickly transports you away from the hustle and bustle of Parisian life.

The menu offers a selection that is somewhat limited, but diverse enough to cater to everyone's tastes. From Oran to Constantine, including Algiers, you’ll find specialties from all corners of the country, with recipes that are still often less known to Parisian food lovers—like the Rechta Algéroise. The couscous, a beloved favorite among the French, still makes an appearance on the menu, pleasing those eager to enjoy familiar flavors while exploring new culinary horizons.

True to its identity, the establishment offers a range of refreshing, vitamin-packed fruit juices, along with a selection of locally produced soft drinks from Algeria. There's also a gourmet grocery corner that proudly showcases the delights of the Algerian terroir. A perfect spot to inspire culinary enthusiasts and find great gift ideas for food lovers!

The tasting begins with an amuse-bouche; on this particular day, it was a creamy eggplant and tahini puree (sesame sauce) accompanied by fried cheese. In the bread basket, tradition is upheld with plenty of Matlouh, a soft, thick flatbread, alongside denser semolina pancakes.

As a starter, it's hard to resist the comforting warmth of Chorba, a classic soup whose recipe varies across different regions. Here, it's made with smoked green wheat, vegetables, tender slow-cooked meat, chickpeas, and herbs. Just a heads-up for the more delicate palates: it's quite spicy!

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We'll be utterly smitten with the Batengel Chermoula, which embodies the essence of Mediterranean cuisine through its DNA: indulgence paired with sun-ripened vegetables. Expect tender grilled eggplant with naturally sweet flesh, complemented by roasted tomatoes infused with cinnamon and topped with a generous helping of Parmesan.

It's important to plan your order thoughtfully, as the dishes tend to be quite hearty. As mentioned earlier, couscous remains a comforting classic, and the version served at Bistrot Hanaa truly stands out for its authenticity. The fluffy semolina wheat is subtly infused with the rich flavor of smen, a fermented butter essential to this cuisine. Opt for the lamb, paired with a tender, slow-cooked shank for a satisfying experience.

What we especially recommend is the Rechta Algerian-style, a dish that is both refined and indulgent. Its delicate handmade noodles, flavorful farm-fresh chicken, and especially the clear broth with subtle spicy undertones are sure to delight cinnamon lovers. And for vegetarians, both of these dishes can easily be adapted to a meat-free version!

If you have room for dessert (once again, strategic planning is key!), you'll find among the sweet offerings a basboussa with candied apples. This sponge-like cake made from semolina is delightfully moist but not too heavy, topped with a smooth vanilla whipped cream and served with a date coulis. Its tangy note might appeal to fans of lemon meringue pie. To complete the experience, a lightly sweetened mint tea pairs perfectly and helps balance the richness of the dessert!

The venue is perfect for both intimate dinners and lively group gatherings, featuring a spacious, elongated area beneath a vaulted alcove. Throughout the year, special menus are often offered to celebrate occasions such as Yennayer (the Berber New Year) or Ramadan, with a dedicated Ftour menu. Stay tuned for updates!

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