Paris might not be not lacking in Asian restos, but finding authentic ones outside of Belleville and the 13th arrondissement can be as daunting as trying to find an open tabac épicerie after midnight. Then consider the fact that a good number of Japanese spots are actually run by Chinese families and vice versa, and it’s no wonder they all end up falling into a category of ChinJap ambiguity.
So why do we eat it? It’s cheap, fast and easy, and there are enough traiteurs in this city to go head to head with its boulangeries. The downside? It’s mostly generic and unmemorable.
Luckily for you, there’s a relative newcomer in Paris’s exotic food scene, and it has quickly stirred up a spicy following. (Olivier Zahm, Editor-in-chief of Parisian fashion and culture mag Purple, is already a regular.)
Situated in the 2nd arrondissement, away from the Ramen-laden rue Saint Anne and 5 minutes walking from la Bourse, Kapunka is your new Thai cantine away from Thailand.
Boasting a modern, cozy décor with a branché feel resembling what you’d also find in Bangkok, NYC, London or Hong Kong, the two-story restaurant is the pride and joy of native French Emmanuel Raichvarg who has a serious amour for Asia and all that it entails. Following multiple trips to Thailand, Raichvarg has gotten Thai street food and dishes down to an art.
On the menu, you’ll find a narrow but carefully selected list of colorful and enticing entrées, plats and desserts, all prepared from fresh ingredients sur place. Far from the oversauced, underspiced dishes you’re used to getting from glass-case, neon-lit buffets, the food at Kapunka is the kind that makes you want to eat it right then and there.
Start off with a refreshing coconut milk soup bulked up with chicken and oriental veggies, or introduce your taste buds to the traditional green papaya salad that has just the right kick. The veggie and meat-stuffed nems are crispy enough without being overly greasy and served with a light dipping sauce that’s perfectly pimenté.
Once your palate is prepped, dig into an Instagram-worthy plate of pad thai, available in vegetarian or meat versions and all equally satisfying. Or go for any of the vibrant curry dishes spiced to your liking. Raichvarg has friends who eat Capsicum peppers like M&Ms, so if you want your meal authentically hot, make sure you know what you’re asking for. If needed, order a bottle of Singha to tame the steam.
To finish with something sweet, choose from an original dessert selection, including black coconut rice, Thai flan, banana tapioca soup with coconut milk and homemade lemongrass yogurt.
Whether for lunch or dinner, Kapunka’s menus are more than reasonably priced with lunch formules around 16,50 euros or less, dinner for 24,50 and plats à la carte topping off at 15. You can also take away if you feel like feasting chez vous.
Bref, everything about Kapunka is clean, fresh and simple. Service is friendly, the ambiance is zen, and whether you’ve been to Thailand or not, you’ll get the taste of it on your plate. Probably the only things missing are the Bangkok skyline and a Tuk-Tuk ride home.
Kapunka
59 rue de Richelieu
75002 Paris
Métro : Bourse, Quatre-Septembre, Palais-Royal, Pyramides
Open Monday to Friday from 12 to 3 pm and 7:30 to 11 pm, Saturday from 7:30 pm to 11 pm, Sunday brunch from 11:30 to 4:30 pm
Phone : 01 84 19 44 35
Website : www.kapunka.fr
Article : Stéphanie Holmes
