Xinh Xinh

The famous banh cuon (rice pancakes filled with pork and mushrooms, steamed and served with bean sprouts and slices of gio, a type of Vietnamese ham) or the vegetarian version with prawns; the banh tom (steamed sweet potato fritters sprinkled with minced shrimps); and fried noodles with pork, chicken, or shrimp are all available at Xinh Xinh. You may also try something a little more unusual, like true Vietnamese caramelized pork — the authentic sauce recipe is much lighter and more flavorful than the sticky syrup found at many a conventional Asian restaurant.

The bo bun, however, is the major reason to visit Xinh Xinh. It's pricier (€12 for the larger version with chopped noodles inside), but the quality of the ingredients is worth it: salad and fresh mint, vermicelli noodles, seasoned and grilled beef pieces, shredded carrots, and crushed peanuts. Finally, the cheerful proprietor will certainly offer you a Vietnamese cream and soya noodle dessert - all part of this modest, highly recommended experience.

Location: 6 rue des Wallons, 75013 Paris

Website: restaurantxinhxinh.fr