The 5 best things I ate in Paris: July-August 2012

In this series, I round up the five best things I ate in a particular city or country. Each month on the 15th, I feature a destination from my past travels; on the last day I recap the best of the month in Paris. 

This edition of 5BTIA combines the last two months as, due to my trip to London, I was only in Paris for two weeks in July and two in August. These roundups always remind me that as much you try, you can never keep up with the food scene in Paris: seven months on and I’m still discovering new places and amazing dishes.

1. Lemon meringue pie, Le Loir dans la Théière

Look at this photo. Just look at it. I think this says all you need to know about the lemon meringue pie at Le Loir dans la Théière. I’d like to thank my Parisian reader Claire for introducing me to this popular salon in the Marais with a cozy intimate feel and unique brunches (I’d also recommend the mint and goat cheese omelette). Good luck with your move to Singapore, Claire! Unfortunately, you won’t find meringues like this there.

2. French toast, Les P’Tites Indécises

I know, French toast in France, how terribly cliché. But this was unlike any French toast I’d had in the States (granted, the only French toast I had was whenever my school cafeteria did “breakfast for lunch”, so my base for comparison is quite low). This beauty had strong hints of vanilla, and at €12.90 for the set (which also included bread, jam, juice, coffee and dessert), makes Les P’Tites Indécises a handy brunch spot. Thanks to Camilla of Little Pieces of Light for bringing me here — she too is leaving Paris soon, and will be sorely missed.

3. Dim sim set lunch, Mitsou

Finally, my search for good dim sum and vermicelli turns up something fruitful. Mitsou’s crevettes dim sum were the best I’ve had in Paris so far, and the cold vermicelli “salad” tasted comfortingly similar to Vietnamese bo bun, just without the meat. A cup of gazpacho rounded out the €9 set lunch. They also have pork and vegetable dim sum, and a surprisingly delicious pea/coconut concoction if gazpacho’s not your thing. In addition, I loved Mitsou’s eclectic Asian-themed decor, which is far more chaotic than the inside of most Parisian restaurants. Thanks to Daisy for the find.

4. Kimchi noodles, Higuma

Rue Saint-Anne in the 1st arrondissement is known as “Little Tokyo” for its plethora of Japanese restaurants and groceries. Higuma is quite popular and often has lines stretching down the street and around the corner. Or so I’m told — I went on a Sunday evening and the place was buzzing, but not packed. Besides the kimchi noodles, I appreciated the open kitchen in the front of the restaurant (yay, transparency!) and their affordable menu — most noodle bowls are around €8.

5. Médélice and Jardin d’Été, Pierre Hermé

Pierre Hermé is known for their special seasonal macarons. For summer, they featured Médélice, lemon and hazelnut praline; and Jardin d’Été: lemon and caramelized fennel. Nothing reminds me why I love Paris more than biting into the odd flavor-combinations of Pierre Hermé macarons.

‘The 5 best things I ate in Paris’ will take a break in September due to a soon-to-be-announced trip, and will be back in October. In the meantime, if you have any Paris eats to recommend, feel free to leave them in the comments below!