Pâtisserie Sadaharu AOKI should be no stranger.

The Japanese brand is one of the biggest names in the French pastries scene, and though the brand is Japanese, it has left bigger footprints in the City of Love, Paris.

Everyone has their favourite brands for eclairs and macarons in Paris, and for us, Pâtisserie Sadaharu AOKI will always be at the top of our minds.

There are several Pâtisserie Sadaharu AOKI boutiques in Paris itself. This speaks volume of its quality for the French are so particular about their pastries.

The maestro himself—Sadaharu AOKI—lives in France and has a deep passion for pastry. He loves simple things and believes that simple things are the hardest to create for they cannot be manipulated. With that, he hones his skills of pastry-making and today, Pâtisserie Sadaharu AOKI is renown for incorporating traditional Japanese flavours into his French pastries, mainly in the form of eclairs and macarons.

Think Houjicha, Matcha, Yuzu, Goma flavoured pastries. There will always be seasonal flavours too, such as Sakura macarons and tea.

The brand’s aesthetic is also kept minimal, true to the modern Japanese style. If you ever find yourself in Paris, do drop by their boutiques for some life-changing Japanese-influenced French Pastries.

Paris is beautiful, Paris is romantic, Paris is everything wonderful, but it may not be best known for cafes. But being such passionate people about coffee and a lovely ambiance we are, we knew we had to do this guide.

Because when we travel, we still want somewhere cozy to rest our feet, to grab a cuppa, to catch up on some emails, and to have a simple hearty meal, right? We hear you, and despite the challenge (there are only 36 proper cafes in the City of Love!), we managed to suss out some of the better ones in town.

Through locals’ recommendations, trial and error, and lots of walking, we present our Guide to 15 Cafes In Paris you must visit.

#1 BAGUETT’S CAFE

Baguett’s Cafe is a gem that is tucked away in one of those alleys farther up from Palais Royal. If you are doing your sightseeing in the area (Louvre is a stone’s throw away too!), we suggest skipping the touristy cafes you see along the main junction, and hideaway at Baguett’s Cafe instead.

It has a very rustic interior, and boasts a homely vibe that is nothing short of inviting. The sexy coffee machine got our attention, and we sure liked our cuppa that left a lingering nutty aftertaste.

Pastries were unfortunately a letdown here, so we’d say to skip that. But if you must, they have decent brownies that are baked in-house.

33 Rue de Richelieu, 75001 Paris, France
Mon to Sat: 8.30am – 6.30pm
Sun: 9.30am – 3pm
Nearest Station: Pyramides

#2 BLACKBURN COFFEE

If you are here for lunch, Blackburn has a simple savoury menu – choose from Salad (9.80), Oeuf Cocotte (10.50), or a Rillettes Tartine (11.50). The cosy cafe is a lovely space to hide in and be away from the cold, and the staff are ever welcoming.

We appreciate the mismatched furniture, but the best seat has got to be by the coffee counter where you can watch the baristas at work.

For non-coffee drinkers, Blackburn also serves a range of juices. It is definitely a place for everyone.

52 Rue du Faubourg Saint-Martin, 75010 Paris, France
Tel: +33 1 42 41 73 31
Mon to Fri: 9am – 6pm
Sat & Sun: 10am – 7pm
Nearest Station: Strasbourg Saint-Denis

#3 BOOT CAFE

Quite possibly the smallest cafe in Paris, Boot Cafe is a tiny one that is housed within an old cobbler’s in the Le Marais neighbourhood. But do not judge one’s potential by its size. Boot Cafe has proven this saying just right.

With a cheery cerulean exterior, window seats, and an array of drinks and bakes, Boot Cafe enjoys its popularity today from its earnest way of providing a hideout and a quick drinks break for the locals.

It may be easy to miss because of its sheer size, so look out for its iconic red boot sign on the building.

19 Rue du Pont aux Choux, 75003 Paris, France
Tel: +33 6 26 41 10 66
Daily: 10am – 6pm
Nearest Station: Filles du Calvaire

#4 CAFE KITSUNE

If you follow international fashion bloggers on Instagram, chances are, you would have seen Café Kitsune on their timelines before. Located in the beautiful Jardin du Palais Royal, this place is a hot favourite amongst many, and is coveted for its matcha latte and serenity.

Admittedly, Cafe Kitsune’s outdoor seats are not the most comfortable, especially during the bitter winter. But it is, nonetheless, a lovely spot in the garden to recharge at while sipping on a cup of coffee.

We were there in autumn and though very chilly, we were completely in love with the serenity and quietness of the cafe; like nothing else mattered, except time with our loved ones over lattes.

51 Galerie de Montpensier, 75001 Paris, France
Tel: +33 1 40 15 62 31
Mon to Fri: 9.30am – 6pm
Sat & Sun: 10am – 6pm
Nearest Station: Pyramides

#5 CAFE PINSON

“In detox we trust.”

This was the sign on Cafe Pinson’s door that lured us in. These people are clearly health nuts. And a dinner at Cafe Pinson surely means eating clean. Sure it was.

The menu is simple, with just a few options of starters, mains and desserts in their repertoire. Because the French have a thing for Pumpkin Soup, we had to get that as our starter, and no regrets. It was creamy, it was smooth, it was sweet. Our mains of grains and nuts came in a giant portion that was good for two. If you are one who fancy heavy flavours, do note that the food here may be a tad too bland for your liking.

6 Rue du Forez, 75003 Paris, France
Tel: +33 9 83 82 53 53
Mon to Sat: 12pm – 10am
Sun: 12pm – 4pm
Nearest Station: Filles du Calvaire

#6 CRAFT

If you are exploring the Canal Saint-Martin area, head over to Craft where every cup of coffee is crafted to perfection by the barista. We love the strong black touches of the café, and the irregular seating. What’s brewing here are the usual for every caffeine addict – Espresso (2.5), Cappuccino (4) and Flat White (4.5).

If you need some bites along with your drinks, go for the Chocolate Noisette Cookie (3). We loved this damn cookie so much, and hazelnut fans should agree! There are also Sandwiches (6) or Quiches (7) if you prefer something more substantial.

Nomads and students on the go, good news – there is also a co-working space here at Craft where one can use the premise to do work with a minimum spend of E3 per hour.

24 Rue des Vinaigriers, 75010 Paris, France
Tel: +33 1 40 35 90 77
Mon to Sat: 9am – 7pm
Sun: 10am – 7pm
Nearest Station: Jacques Bonsergent

#7 COUTUME

Coutume has several outlets in Paris, but the one that you must go to is its flagship café located in the 7th arrondissement near to Le Bon Marché. It may be ever bustling there, but it is definitely the most atmospheric one to enjoy their food and coffee.

Here, you can find a simple food menu made up of reasonably priced dishes such as Pancakes (10.50), Eggs Benedict (10.50), and Spiced Chicken (15). The latter is evidently popular, and the spices used in this dish has an addictive Moroccan touch to it. Definitely exotic; its popularity is little wonder.

The café also has a range of baked goodies – from Carrot Cake (4) and Cheesecake (4.50), to Financier (2.50) and Cookies (3). The aromatic brew here are a must-try too.

47 Rue de Babylone, 75007 Paris, France
Tel: +33 1 45 51 50 47
Mon to Fri: 8am – 7pm
Sat & Sun: 10am – 7pm
Nearest Station: Saint-François-Xavier

#8 FONDATION CAFE

You might recall seeing these iconic green cups on your social media feed. Yes, Fondation Cafe is another outlet that is highly popular among Parisians. But hold no expectations, though. It is easily the smallest cafe with the most underwhelming decor, if any.

No free wifi here too, and no food. But their coffee is really pretty darn good. We wouldn’t recommend Fondation Cafe as a place to linger and to chill out at, but rather, a swift affair with a cup of Cappuccino.

16 Rue Dupetit Thouars, 75003 Paris, France
Mon to Fri: 8am – 6pm
Sat & Sun: 9am – 6pm
Nearest Station: Temple

#9 HOLYBELLY

One of the hottest brunch places in Paris, Holybelly has garnered a strong following, so don’t be surprised to see a long queue outside the cafe – especially on weekends.

It has a gastronomical menu that is pretty much unexpected of a Parisian cafe. The popular Pancakes with fried eggs, bacon, and maple syrup  is at E13, and something perfect for breakfast is the Eggs & Sides (12.50) that can be poached, fried, or scrambled with two sides of your choice.

19 Rue Lucien Sampaix, 75010 Paris, France
Mon: 9am – 6pm
Thu & Fri: 9am – 6pm
Sat & Sun: 10am – 6pm
Tue & Wed: Closed
Nearest Station: Jacques Bonsergent

#10 KOOKA BOORA (KB CAFE)

Sitting in the Pigalle neighbourhood is a cafe called Kooka Boora, or KB cafe in short. And we love this place.

The cafe is relatively huge, and segmented into different parts – outdoor seats, a long communal table indoor, corner cushioned seats, and your regular small tables. As with the need for different spaces, the cafe offers a variety of drinks and snacks for every patron who steps in with their purposes. The hot chocolate is pretty decent with the right amount of density.

Pick up some daily fresh bakes if you need a quick bite. And yes, wifi is available. Awesome.

53 Avenue Trudaine, 75009 Paris, France
Tel: +33 1 56 92 12 41
Mon to Fri: 9.30am – 6.30pm
Sat & Sun: 9am – 6.30pm
Nearest Station: Pigalle

#11 LA CAFÉOTHÈQUE DE PARIS

A coffee institution in Paris, La Caféothèque de Paris is place to go to for coffee lovers in Paris. Clearly loved by both locals and visitors to the city, La Caféothèque sits next to River Seine and is just a short walk to Île Saint-Louis.

The outlet is huge, with ample seats by the window, individual tables by the corners, and long sofa seats for huge groups. Upbeat music is put on loop, and the crew are all jovial and passionate about coffee; you bet coffee is fantastic here. No one leaves La Caféothèque without ordering coffee – any sort at that – for these people are geniuses in their brew.

La Caféothèque also provides wifi, so it makes an ideal resting stop from all that walking and sightseeing.

52 Rue de l’Hôtel de ville, 75004 Paris, France
Tel: +33 1 53 01 83 84
Mon to Sat: 10am – 8pm
Sun: 12pm – 8pm
Nearest Station: Pont Marie

#12 LOUSTIC

Another cafe in the Le Marais neighbourhood is Loustic, a space that boasts warm lights and a relaxed vibe. The interior is segmented into a lounging area with sofa seats and individual work spaces where you can catch up on some work. Wifi is free for all patrons.

The drinks here are just alright, though the latte art is one of the better ones we’ve seen in Paris. But they do bring in fantastic croissants that are buttery and prettily flaky. Do note that the people here aren’t the friendliest though, so don’t expect smiles and hospitality.

40 Rue Chapon, 75003 Paris, France
Tel: +33 9 80 31 07 06
Mon to Fri: 8am – 6pm
Sat: 9am – 7pm
Sun: 10am – 6pm
Nearest Station: Arts et Métiers

#13 STRADA CAFE

For some reason, cafes in Paris are really tiny and Strada Cafe is another of those tiny spaces with minimal interior. Just great coffee and bakes; that’s quite enough to please on a cold morning when we just want a simple breakfast.

Strada Cafe has pretty decent coffee that comes with a rather strong acidity, and their daily assortment of pastries are pretty fantastic too. We had the pound cake and it was crumbly, moist and sweet. They are on rotational basis though, but try your luck at that if you are there anyway!

94 Rue du Temple, 75003 Paris, France
Tel: +33 1 44 61 09 28
Mon to Fri: 8am to 6pm
Sat & Sun: 10am – 6pm
Nearest Station: Rambuteau

#14 TEN BELLES

Stepping into Ten Belles is a happy thing to do. The coffee place is tiny, but no less charming. It boasts a chirpy vibe, and everyone seemed to be enjoying their time in their space – with coffee, scones, and breads.

Over here at Ten Belles, breakfast is a simple affair with a selection of daily bakes. There are scones (E3.50), granola (E5.50) and banana bread (E3.50). The same menu is available for tea. Drink Cappuccino (E4) and Espresso (E2.50); these peeps take their coffee seriously and you can be assured of the quality of the brew.

If you are here for lunch, they offer sandwiches (E7.50) and salads (E6.50). You see, sometimes, you do not need to be over the top to be successful.

10 Rue de la Grange aux Belles, 75010 Paris, France
Tel: +33 1 42 40 90 78
Mon to Fri: 8am – 5pm
Sat & Sun: 9am – 6pm
Nearest Station: Goncourt

#15 THE BROKEN ARM

This gorgeous space called The Broken Arm is a cafe integrated with a lifestyle concept shop. The entrance is a photo-worthy spot, and the interior is even more visually arresting. Brightly lit with warm sun rays streaming in through the tall glass windows, The Broken Arm is a wonderful cafe to sit down at for a midday break.

Though the cafe does not offer their wifi to patrons, and the staff were among the most unfriendly ones, we can forgive them on account of the ambiance and drinks. The tea selection suffices to satisfy non-coffee drinkers, but if you need your Cappuccino, yes they do it well here.

12 Rue Perrée, 75003 Paris, France
Tel: +33 1 44 61 53 60
Mon to Sat: 9am – 7pm
Sun: Closed
Nearest Station: Temple

If you follow international fashion bloggers on Instagram, chances are, you would have seen Café Kitsuné by Maison Kitsuné on their timelines before. That iconic white cup with a sharp black font – probably taken against the row of trees, or on a squarish black table with some catalogues in the background. Yipe, that is it.

Developed by founders Gildas Loaëc and Masaya Kuroki, this small stand-up coffee bar has a clean and simple design with the charm of a quaint European café. This is Maison Kitsuné’s second coffee shop, after the success of its first outlet in Tokyo.

Located in the beautiful Jardin du Palais Royal, Cafe Kitsuné is a hot favourite amongst many, and is coveted for its matcha latte and serenity.

You will see a fair mix of locals and visitors here at this tiny cafe; we may not speak the same languages, but we can appreciate good coffee altogether.

Birds fly low here, and sun rays pierce through the densely-lined rows of trees. Admittedly, Cafe Kitsuné’s outdoor seats are not the most comfortable, especially during the bitter winter. Yet, this lovely spot in the famous Parisian garden is one quaint location to recharge at.

With a good book in hand, and the love of your life, an hour at Cafe Kitsuné can be a marvellous time-out from all that walking in the city.

We were there in autumn and though very chilly, we were completely in love with the serenity and quietness of the cafe; like nothing else mattered, except time with our loved ones over lattes. Of course, the lattes are what you must have.

To be honest though, we did not quite enjoy our Matcha Latte, but that is only because we prefer ours stronger with a heavier matcha taste. But the Flat White was certainly a comforting cuppa on that cold morning; with photogenic latte art, no less.

Cafe Kitsuné Paris
51 Galerie de Montpensier, 75001 Paris
Tel: +33 1 40 15 62 31
Mon to Fri: 9.30am – 6pm, 10am – 6pm
Nearest Station: Pyramides

Paris is always a good idea. There is something magical about the City of Love; an irresistible charm, an inexplicable beauty. Every turn is a surprise, and every corner is picturesque. Taking a trip to Paris is akin to picking up an international best-selling novel – with every chapter, you get sucked in even more, and you never want to put the book down; you only want to read on. It is like a never-ending quest to reach the ends of the city, and the only wish is for time to stand still so that you can be lost in this awe-inspiring spot on the globe.

Exploring Paris was an exhilarating experience for us, and apart from the language barrier that had us stuck in several situations and left us to communicate via sign languages, our week at Paris was nothing short of fulfilling. For first timers to the city, here are some of the things that you can do and see when you have 48 hours in Paris.

When in Paris, sip luxe hot chocolate at Angelina and queue up for world famous Ladurée macarons. But if you are a fan of heterogeneity, you will be delighted to know that Paris is a land of infinite possibilities when it comes to artisan sweets.

Patisseries and boulangeries are everywhere, and no matter which street you are on, you will be spoilt rotten for choices. You may not have guessed, but even the most basic croissant from any random shop in the regular Parisian neighborhood can easily beat Singapore’s best. We also went to sugar heaven with the best lemon meringue tarts and berry crumbles we ever tasted in our lives.

Paris is also home to many fashion giants. Spend a day or two over endless shopping along Avenue des Champs-Élysées, Montaigne and Galeries LaFayette. You will be thrilled to know that Paris has the most competitive prices for luxury items, so please remember to increase your credit card limit before your trip. Chanel lovers, gear up and be prepared for long queues and don’t forget to visit the one-and-only Coco Chanel house at 31 Rue Cambon.

Take morning strolls along River Seine, and cross over to Notre Dame, also known as “Our Lady of Paris”. Be in awe of the cathedral’s French Gothic architecture and park yourself on the outdoor benches for a session of people-watching and a little chat with your lover.

Never leave Paris without having a meal at Le Relais de L’Entrecôte. This famous steakhouse has only one item on the menu – an awesome steak frites. The queue is easily an hour during meal times, so make sure to get there early.

Cafe Constant is another of our favourite dining spot in Paris. It is a small two-level bistro by Christian Constant (who also owns three other restaurants on the same street), and it serves excellent good. Go during lunch for the value-for-money sets – a 2-course lunch is only €16.

And a trip to Paris would not be complete without endless photo moments with Eiffel Tower – the world’s greatest beauty. No amount of words can articulate the majestic feeling of standing before the iconic structure, for its grandeur is one-of-its-kind, and nothing else comes close to being right there at Tour Eiffel Paris – at that part of the world where everyone dreams to be.

There is really nothing quite like leading the high life in Paris – even breathing the Parisian air is quite a frivolousness that we will indulge in all over again, and again.

Words by The Little Teochew, photos by ladyironchef.

I think Audrey Hepburn said it best in Sabrina – “Paris is always a good idea.” Ah, the city of lights, of love and all things lyrical – what’s not to like? Beautiful cities are aplenty, but Paris has a certain je ne sais quoi that draws you in, keeps you enthralled and makes you yearn for more. Little wonder that it constantly tops the list of “Most Visited Cities in the World”. Instead of sharing the well-grooved tourist tracks we visited (which a gazillion other people have already done), we thought it would be better to give you a tongue-in-cheek take on how to enjoy Paris.

Here are 5 life lessons learned from travelling in Paris.

1. Bring money, lots of it.

A Parisian holiday doesn’t exactly come cheap. Of course you can still enjoy this beautiful city on a shoestring – which I did as a poor student, and which I am thankfully not anymore – but if you want to eat and stay reasonably well, keep your pockets padded.

At the time when we were there, the exchange rate was €1 to S$1.76 and expenses certainly added up very quickly. Here’s a glimpse: accommodation in a centrally located 3-star hotel costs roughly €180 per night. An average 2-course lunch at a brasserie would minimally set you back between €15-€17 per head… but being foodies, we usually opted for 3-courses. A cup of vin chaud along Avenue des Champs-Élysées, €3. A mini entremet at a random patissiere when the sweet tooth strikes, €7. Throw in a few pains au chocolat, croissants, macarons and tartes peppered throughout the day, and you get the idea. Did I mention we’re foodies?

Of course, when big ticket temptations abound in the form of luxury goods – think Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Hermes – the figure instantly balloons. But hey, with a 12% refund on VAT, it makes perfect sense to get that bag or wallet you have been eyeing.

Add that all up in Euros and cents, and you get The. Time. Of. Your. Life. After all, what is a vacation if you are scrimping, saving and counting? Do that before the trip, but while in Paris, indulge. Money can always be earned, but happy memories stay with you for years to come. And from what I hear, so do Chanel bags.

2. Forget water, drink wine.

You’re in Paris! Wine here is abundant, good and cheap – even cheaper than water. This is where a glass costs €3 to €4 at a brasserie, and for the same price, can get you an entire bottle at the local Carrefour supermarket. If you are new to wine, now’s a great time to get acquainted. And if you already love wine, welcome to heaven. Each time I perused a wine list, I wish I lived here; each time I walked along the aisles of the wine section, I didn’t want to leave. We had wine everyday, at every meal, after every meal –  you get the picture. So, drop the Evian and pop the bubbly. À votre santé!

3. Dress chic, especially if you are a woman.

One of the things you would notice quite immediately in Paris, is how slim and fashionable the women are. They all come in one size – small; and in one look – chic. They may wear very little make-up and/or dress simply, but they always look impeccable and stylish. You know how people always advise tourists to dress down in order to avoid unwanted attention? Not here. This is where you dress up to blend in with the crowd. Paris is not one of the world’s fashion capitals for nothing, so go all out and embrace its style. Look Parisian, feel Parisian.

4. Eat as you go.

You are in culinary mecca, so ditch that diet, please. We did not have a fixed itinerary, which made every meal an adventure, and we literally ate as we ambled along. In the process, we discovered many gems – from the humble but delicious Nutella crepe at a nondescript traiteur, to the stellar moules marinière at La Dorade Royale. All wonderful! And who can forget that morning we strolled past Les Gourmandises d’Eiffel? Its dazzling display of breads and pastries beckoned us in, and we ended up eating the most sublime tarte au citron. EVER. I mean, nothing else even comes close.

In fact, we did not encounter bad food in Paris. Not once. Either we had amazing luck in choosing the right places or we were simply surrounded by good food. I would like to think the latter, so eat whatever comes your way. Bon appetit!

5. Keep an open mind.

Much has been said about Parisian hospitality, or lack thereof. Someone I know just returned from Paris and lamented that she was met with churlishness everywhere. I do not doubt her words – they are after all her personal experiences – but I found it hard to empathise. Throughout our stay, we never felt unwelcomed or ignored. Sure, there were a few instances when the reception were a tad icy, or waiting times that were a little stretched, but they never bordered on ugly. Perhaps it was the bonjour and merci that always got us the assistance or service we needed, oftentimes with a smile.

Rude? Or misunderstood? Experiences will vary, but it always helps to keep expectations in check … and it sure doesn’t hurt to throw in a friendly French word or two.

This guest post is brought to you by The Little Teochew (or as you’d say in French – La Petite Teochew).

HELLO FROM PARIS!!!

Everything has been amazing so far. Like really awesome. I’ve always wanted to visit Paris, but I never would have imagined I would get the chance so soon.

I was thrilled when I received an invitation from Martell to join them on the Martell Puregourmet tour to Cognac. We got an insider view of what goes on behind the scenes in Martell, and it was really fascinating! We drank, we ate, and we drank some more.

I’ll be sharing more on that in another post. Meanwhile, I’ve been eating my way through Paris during the past few days. Before I leave the land of bread-cheese-crepe-foie gras-macaron-wine for Barcelona, let me show you some photos of Paris in HD Full Colours.

I love Paris!

I will be travelling to Barcelona, Lyon, and London next. Leave me a comment if you have recommendations on what to do/where to eat. I will be blogging about my Martell Puregourmet experience soon!

ladyironchef travelled to Cognac via Paris as a guest of Martell. No monetary benefit was received, only the air tickets and hotel accommodations were sponsored.