Paris, France
From Michelin Guide
Adeline Grattard was given – and has cultivated – a rare gift: a feel for her ingredients. In her restaurant on rue Saint-Honoré, the chef chooses two or three ingredients, on which she focuses all her attention. There is no technical showmanship or ostentation, just subtle, rarely seen combinations that seem completely natural. Trained alongside Pascal Barbot (L'Astrance) and after working in Hong Kong for a few years, she combines products of extraordinary quality, mainly from France and Asia: XO sauce, vinegared black rice or shellfish jus come to mind. The food is accompanied by a rare selection of Asian teas, another source of highly convincing pairings (yam'tcha, in Chinese, means to drink tea). There's no menu of any kind: just the element of surprise and inspiration that comes with each dish made from the day's market-sourced ingredients.
From Visitor Experiences
Fusion of French Ingredients with Chinese Tea Culture: Yam'Tcha uniquely marries French ingredients with Chinese culinary elements, especially tea, reflecting the Cantonese concept of "Yum Cha" (having a meal with tea). This blend defies traditional categorization by combining French and Asian cooking without adhering strictly to either cuisine's rules.
Tea Pairings Instead of Wine Pairings: Unlike most Michelin-starred restaurants that focus on wine pairings, Yam'Tcha offers carefully selected tea pairings for each course, chosen by Chi Wah Chan, the front-of-house expert. This tea pairing is considered a fun and distinctive alternative that enhances the dining experience.
Open Kitchen with Visible Chef Activity: The restaurant features a cozy dining area where guests can see the chefs actively preparing dishes through a glass window, creating an engaging and transparent atmosphere that connects diners with the culinary process.
From Visitor Experiences
The most honored or signature ingredients at the Michelin-starred restaurant Yam'Tcha in Paris include:
XO sauce: A luxurious Asian condiment made from dried seafood, chili, and other aromatics, used to add depth and umami to dishes, reflecting the fusion of French and Asian flavors.
Vinegared black rice: A distinctive ingredient that brings a unique texture and subtle acidity, often incorporated into dishes to highlight the blend of French technique and Asian inspiration.
Shellfish jus: A rich, flavorful broth made from shellfish, used to enhance seafood dishes with intense oceanic notes, showcasing the restaurant's focus on fresh, high-quality ingredients.
Bao (steamed buns): A signature item that represents the Chinese influence in the cuisine, often served with inventive fillings that marry French and Asian tastes.
Oyster leaves: A plant that tastes like oyster, used creatively in dishes to provide a natural umami and sea flavor, paired with ingredients like grapefruit and sea beans for complex flavor profiles.
These ingredients are significant as they embody Chef Adeline Grattard's philosophy of combining French culinary techniques with Asian ingredients and flavors, creating subtle and natural combinations without ostentation. The use of these ingredients is central to the restaurant's identity and the unique tasting experience it offers.
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cntraveler.com
Nov 20, 2009 ... When friends suggested we have Sunday lunch at Yam'Tcha, a hot new Asian restaurant in central Paris, I was ambivalent.
ft.com