Chamroeun Crimée — Restaurant in Paris

On a cold and rainy day, I can imagine few better pleasures than a comforting bowl of pho. When I visited a few weeks ago, it was neither cold nor rainy, but I nonetheless found the spicy and savoury satay pho delicious. My girlfriend was keen to recommend Le Chamroeun Crimée , describing it as the most visited spot of her exchange in Paris thus far.

Unassuming on the outside, upon entering, we were greeted by a full restaurant, a lively atmosphere, and a full view of a large pot simmering with broth. Upon seating, I was instructed to order a satay pho and my girlfriend and I opted to share a plate of deep fried nems. As we watched the pho being ladled into our bowls, my girlfriend explained to me that her loyalty to the restaurant stemmed not only from the pho, but a jar of pickled chillies accompanying every table. Our pho arrived first, and was quickly followed by a loaded plate of nems and an assortment of herbs for wrapping in a lettuce leaf.

We tried the pho first. The broth is delicious and full of satay flavour. An addictive spiciness and savouriness was balanced with a hit of freshness from a generous squeeze of lime and fresh thai basil. I was surprised by the quality of the meat, thinly sliced and tender. The pho was standalone, delicious, but on a subsequent bite with the addition of the pickled chilli, I understood my girlfriend's position. The chillies are sour and spicy, and a delicious addition to elevate the flavours already prevalent in the bowl. The nems were also good, fried and paired with an assortment of fresh herbs and the lettuce.

Overall, I would be quick to revisit. The atmosphere, a hodge-podge of people coming in out and the delicious food are captivating elements that made me a decided fan of Le...

I really wanted to like this place.

There was a mixup in communication. I said to the waiter "please leave the menu, if I'm hungry after my food comes I'll need the menu as I may want to try the bao". This translated to "order 1 bao".

Upon having it served, I was excited. But parts of the pork were undercooked.

I ordered the pad Thai as just chicken. No shrimp. I'm allergic to shrimp.

After a couple bites something smelt off. They had added tofu & I could smell elements of shrimp too. I didn't ask for tofu or shrimp.

I asked to return it & get spring rolls instead. I was told exchange not possible. They took it to the back to remove the tofu & tried to serve me it again. After that I was done.

I got the bill - including the pad Thai that I didn't eat.

At the entrance a homeless guy was asking for food. I went back to get the pad Thai in s takeaway box to give it to him. For 11 euros the homeless guy at least had something to eat tonight.

Very disappointed.

Ps the spring...

I still think about this place a lot. The Pho there was absolutely incredible!! The owner of the restaurant doesn’t speak English but that wasn’t an issue at all. He’s very lovely and was so humbled by us returning again and again... and again during our short stay. Trust the Parisians, they have good taste and know good food - every evening this place was absolutely packed. They have managed to cram as many seats and tables in there as physically possible so bumping into the person behind you when getting up is expected. I personally loved it cause it reminded me of the little garage restaurants in Thailand. I miss this place and aim to go there again when I visit Paris again. Highly...