In Paris, not far from Voltaire, Claudine offers a range of Mediterranean sandwiches dubbed “slowdwichs”. These are made from slow-cooked meats prepared over several hours. Featuring spiced lamb with 12 spices, farm-fresh chicken, or a vegetarian option, all served in handcrafted semolina bread, they’re perfect for eating in or taking away.
It’s important not to reduce Claudine to just a counter. Contrary to some reports, this spot features a proper dining area at the back, and even has a private room upstairs. Moreover, while the restaurant is open for lunch, it also welcomes guests for dinner from Thursday to Sunday.
The concept behind Claudine is simple: giving time its due. Here, the meat is slowly simmered to perfection, and the original sandwich is a shining example of this craft. Inspired by a recipe passed down by Claudine, the founder's grandmother, it showcases a 12-spice, 8-hour slow-cooked lamb leg.
Once served with couscous and a pepper compote at the center of family tables, it used to fill the entire house with its aroma, recalls the grandson. Today, it slips into a specially crafted semolina bread made exclusively for the establishment by a local baker. As for the rest, the venue prioritizes quality and short supply chains, serving organic products from nearby shops, farm-fresh chicken, and pasture-raised lamb.
The filling doesn't hold back. Tender, richly spiced meat, a generous shakshouka, and homemade yogurt sauce... The sandwich delivers a bold flavor that hits with controlled intensity, warm spices, and a lingering finish. Priced at €13 for the sandwich (or €16.50 for the plate with couscous as a side), the pleasure-to-price ratio is truly impressive.
While generosity is clearly a highlight here, with the sandwich practically overflowing with filling, eating it on the go can be a challenge. It’s definitely better to sit down and enjoy it calmly to avoid the awkward stain on your shirt!
As for the other house specialties, the menu remains unchanged. Three sandwiches, no more. It's a deliberate choice, because while some local workers might dream of new options, Claudine sticks to consistency—much like a favorite kebab that becomes a weekly or monthly ritual for loyal customers.
The slowdwich comes in two delicious variations: a farmhouse chicken cooked for 4 hours (€11 as a sandwich, €14.50 on a plate) and a vegetarian option. In winter, it features butternut squash and jackfruit, while in summer, it’s served with eggplant and jackfruit (€10 for a sandwich). It’s worth noting that all meats are halal, and each dish can be ordered as a plate, served with a side of couscous.
As a side, you can enjoy small new potatoes with homemade ketchup or a fresh chickpea salad drizzled with honey and topped with creamy cheese (4€). And for dessert, the melt-in-your-mouth chocolate fondant truly stole our hearts!
This test was conducted as part of a professional invitation. If your experience differs from ours, please let us know.
Location
Claudine
53 Rue du Chemin Vert
75011 Paris 11
Official website
www.claudine-slowdwich.com
