Archive for the 'Ethnic' Category

Thai Classic - Friendly Thai food in the Marais

Thai Classic restaurant in the MaraisSome cuisines are more likely to offer vegetarian options than others. It is difficult to find a good veggie option at a German restaurant, whereas Indian cuisine is filled with tasty dishes. Asian food is hit an miss, it is next to impossible to find veggie Pho, yet Thai and Korean are rather easy.

I have tried a few Asian restaurants in Paris and their options have been limited. I even found an Indian restaurant with little for vegetarians. So, it is with great relief that I stopped off at Thai Classic in the Marais district.

I knew I was going to be in luck when the fixed price menu featured a vegetarian option. They also offer 8 vegetarian plates and 5 starters. Take your pick from the standards: Tom Kha soup, spring rolls, glass noodles, red and green curries with tofu, and stir fried veggies.

I ordered the fixed price menu. It starts with an aperitif, then follows with a bento-box like tray with egg rolls, fried rice, and salad. The food is delicious and satisfying. I also enjoyed the hospitality.

I arrived just after they opened and before the main crowd arrived. I shared the restaurant with a couple from New Zealand and the owner visited during the meal. Parisians typically eat in restaurants after 8 p.m.. Early diners will usually find less crowds, more attention, and a quiet dinner. You’re also more likely to have tourists to talk with.

This restaurant has a lot of competition for your vegetarian dollars. It sits near the very popular La Victoire, Falafel alley, Potager de Marais, and many italian and french restaurants with vegetarian options Try this restaurant when you are craving some Thai food. It also features a full meat menu, so your meat-eating friends will enjoy it as well.

Thai Classic
26 Rue des Lombards (4°)
01 48 87 22 04
Metro: Hotel de Ville, Chatealet-Les Halles
Thai Restaurant
  • Overall: 4/5
  • Location: 5/5
  • Taste: 4/5
  • Service: 4.5/5
  • Vegetarian Friendly: 4.5/5
  • Vegan Friendly: 4.5/5
  • M.E.F. Friendly: 3/5

Jonaki - a not-so vegetarian Indian restaurant

Jonaki Indian restaurant in Paris
You can always count on a good vegetarian selection at an Indian restaurant. Or so I thought. I visited onaki in the 12th arrindissmont. It was a cold rainy night and I wanted to get out and try something new. The sign drew me closer and the friendly staff brought me into this small establishment.

However, I was a bit disappointed in the menu. It was stacked with lamb, fish, and chicken. The vegetarian selections were the standard Paneer-based curries. Their fixed price menus included no vegetarian options. I’m sure they would be happy to provide a vegetarian dish on demand.

The lack of vegetarian options did not keep me from enjoying my meal. Here are some of the highpoints

  • Unique and very tasty chutney/sauces. The samosa entree came with a trio of side sauces. The standout was a tamarind and banana chutney. The pickled mango chutney tasted home-made.
  • Naan with cheese. When in Rome…. This restaurant delivers a naan stuffed with French cheese. While it was difficult to tear into chunks with one hand, it tasted great.
  • The service was very friendly and the restaurant is comfortable, cozy, and quiet. Several regulars stopped in during the night for their favorite dishes.

Location

This restaurant sits on a side street in the 12th arr. It’s not an easy place to find and probably not the location for a tourist. The closest metro is probably Daumesnil or Dugommier.

Jonaki Restauran Indienne
8, rue de Wattignies 75012
Metro: Dugommier or Dugomier
01 43 46 96 62
  • Overall: 3.5/5
  • Vegetarian Options: 2/5
  • Vegan Options: 2/5
  • Value: 3/5
  • Location: 2/5