Double Dragon, an Asian-inspired bistro in Paris
Sisters Katia and Tatiana Levha run an Asian-inspired bistro with a tropical feel in Paris, just 150 meters from their restaurant Servan.
The bistro, with its light-colored walls and enormous fan, is run with an iron fist. Katia and Tatiana Levha manage it, and under the direction of chef Botoum Sok, the cuisine truly takes off.
The menu, with its Asian inspiration, is ostensibly dedicated to the Philippines, the sisters' roots, but it adds a tropical touch with peanuts, rice noodles, cashews, and tamarind. In reality, the sliced pig's ears with chili sauce have a Sichuan feel; the KFC, or Korean fried chicken, is a humorous nod to fast food and a strictly Korean, spicy delicacy; and the crispy pork belly is bathed in gyeoja, also Korean.
The lunch we sampled included bao buns filled with Comté cheese and kimchi, and a Filipino kinilaw, or tartare, of Banka trout with a subtle hint of citron. To finish, a very famous tiramisu, brimming with cardamom, whose aroma lingers long after leaving the restaurant.
The wine list is interesting and informative. Among the options are Stella Maris, a Sauvignon Blanc from Noëlla Morantin (€6.50 per glass); Josette, a Fer Servadou from Aveyron by Nicolas Carmarans (€8); a Viognier-Roussanne from Hervé Souhaut (€48 per bottle); and Habibi Chéri, an Orange Gewürztrading Wine from Anaïs Fanti (€58). There are also vermouths from the Mosse family (€7) and homemade iced tea with jasmine leaves (€5).
Prices range from €5 to €9 for appetizers, €11 to €20 for main courses, and €8 to €10 for desserts. The children's menu costs €11 and includes fried chicken with a mild, chili-free sauce, rice with pickles and syrup, as well as crayons and coloring pages. The restaurant welcomes children of all ages.
