We all dream of that perfectly crispy skin and tender flesh. If the quest for the perfect Peking duck often seems like an obstacle course in the capital, there’s one address that could put everyone in agreement.
It’s in a Parisian bistro that the magic happens. Chef Samuel Lee has left the kitchens of the Shangri-La Paris (where he earned a Michelin star!) to open his own place: Sensation. A fitting name, as Sen is his Chinese first name and his Peking duck is a true taste experience.
Sensation: a bistro version of a Michelin-starred chef’s Peking duck
The chef’s secret? It’s a technique that makes all the difference. The duck, 100% French, is first cooked Cantonese-style to ensure tender flesh. Then it’s roasted Peking style, giving it that “extra crispy” skin we love so much. The ritual is immutable: you take a small pancake, cover it with Hoisin sauce, add a few crunchy vegetables, and of course, the famous duck pieces. The result? As the video so aptly puts it, you fly “into the kingdom of happiness”.
But Sensation isn’t just about duck. Before moving on to the main course, the appetizers are well worth the detour. Siu Mai, Hong Kong‘s signature steamed bites, are executed to perfection. And for iodine lovers, don’t miss the Gillardeau oysters. They are served with Asian flavors that awaken the palate. We were even treated to some superb sakes to go with it all!
The man behind this success is Chef Samuel Lee, or Sen from his Chinese first name, who gave his name to the restaurant. After 10 years at the Shangri-La, he wanted to create a more personal place, a Parisian bistro with Hong Kong roots. The atmosphere is there: it’s chic, but relaxed, and obviously already full of regulars, which is always a good sign in Paris.
To finish on a sweet note, the menu offers a cold mango soup with tapioca pearls or a delicious lemon cheesecake! As for price, let’s make no mistake, the bill isn’t cheap. But as the video points out, it’s a far cry from the prices at the Shangri-La. It’s the price of an exceptional product and the know-how of a great chef.
Maybe you’ll like it too… If you like chic bistros, take the opportunity to rediscover the area and its wine cellars (the one at Sensation is superb, visible from the ground!).
Practical info
📍 Address: Sensation Paris – 32 rue Saint-Maur, 75011
💸 Price: The “Dîner de Madi SEN” tasting menu is priced at €58 on the visible menu.
🧑🍳 Chef: Samuel Lee (or Sen), former Michelin-starred chef at Shangri-La Paris.