I could live off of Chinese dumpings. Really, I find the format to be the most perfect design ever…read more So cute, easy to eat, doughy, salty and juicy. When I moved to Paris 15 years ago the dumpling options could be counted not only on one hand, but on two fingers, which is why I'm thrilled with the dumpling explosion (aka ravioli for the French) in Paris.
I find it hilarious as well that new places are opening up with names like "L'art du ravioli" since it's such a Frenchified, highly pretentious way of describing such a simple, traditional thing.
In any case, this new canteen on the rue au Maire makes a statement with its dumpling focus. The menu consists of about 8 different dumpling types as well as a range of salads and other dishes. I asked the waitress for her classics, and she suggested the pork with chinese cabbage and cucumber salad. The salad was crisp and piquant and lovely, the dumplings were good, the meat mixture was flavorful, the dough soft but the texture of the pork was a bit grainy. I inhaled the whole order happily, however.
The service was great and the prices are hard to beat. I paid 12E for an order of dumplings, my cucumber salad and a 1/4 of red.