At Foodi Jia-Ba-Buay, you won't find any red lanterns or golden dragons. While the restaurant has brought Taiwanese gastronomy to the capital, it does so by leaving tradition at the door, instead relying on modern lines and a minimalist decor flooded with natural light. With its intimate size and large glass windows overlooking the bustling Sentier district and the food lover streets of rue du Nil, the place makes its stance clear from the moment you step inside: Taiwan yes, postcard clichés no.
Little known in Paris, Taiwanese cuisine reflects the island’s rich history, sitting at the crossroads of Chinese, Japanese influences, and of course, local flavors. Foodi Jia-Ba-Buay offers a focused and expertly curated take on this cuisine, with a concise menu that’s all the more welcome in today’s culinary scene.
Four appetizers, seven main courses—including two bao bao and two bento options—two sides, and two desserts. There’s no overloading the menu with choices or unnecessary fillers. Sure, for a passing foodie, the selection may seem limited, but what you gain is a guarantee against reheated microwave noodles or stale sauces that have sat too long. Operating with a small team, the wait might feel a bit lengthy once seated, but it’s the trade-off for a dish prepared fresh to order, with attention to detail.
The starters set the tone, starting with these pork and ginger wontons in red oil (€8 for 4 pieces), boasting juicy fillings and a bold, aromatic heat, just like the delicate shrimp Ha Kao (€9 for 3 pieces), translucent and subtly sweet inside.
On the main courses, the braised pork rice bowl with a boiled egg and five-spice (€16) offers comfort food that embraces a bit of indulgence, topped with pickled radishes for a delicious hot-and-cold, tangy contrast. The niu rou mian, a signature beef noodle soup (€20), is the house specialty, featuring a clear yet flavorsome broth, gently wavy flat noodles, and tender beef that's just as melt-in-the-mouth as in a classic beef bourguignon.
For lunch, expect to pay 21€ for the set menu including starter and main course, with an additional 3€ for certain dishes. The dessert, which we initially considered skipping due to a lack of appetite, turns out to be the evening’s surprise: a black tea panna cotta with lychee (8€), topped with Taiwanese tapioca pearls, lightly sweetened and incredibly delicate. A must-try!
And to quench your thirst, tea — whether hot or cold — takes up more space on the menu than food itself (literally, the tea list surpasses the dish selection!). For just €2, a "tasting" option pairs the daily specials with a seasonal-inspired cup of tea. The Taiwanese-style winter melon iced tea (€6) surprises the palate: sweet, yes, but with a buttery cake-like flavor. One more glass wouldn’t be unwelcome!
This test was conducted as part of a professional invitation. If your experience differs from ours, please let us know.
Dates and Opening Time
Next days
Monday:
from 12:00 p.m. to 02:30 p.m.
- from 07:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Tuesday:
from 12:00 p.m. to 02:30 p.m.
- from 07:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Wednesday:
from 12:00 p.m. to 02:30 p.m.
- from 07:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Thursday:
from 12:00 p.m. to 02:30 p.m.
- from 07:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Friday:
from 12:00 p.m. to 02:30 p.m.
- from 07:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Saturday:
from 12:00 p.m. to 03:00 p.m.
- from 07:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Location
Foodi Jia-Ba-Buay
2 Rue du Nil
75002 Paris 2
Official website
www.foodi-jia-ba-buay.fr
