In my first foray at food writing in France, I came up against somewhat of a hurdle: While I love French bistro food, I simply cannot eat it every day – or even every week. After moving here, my nights out were filled with falafel and pizza al taglio and more pho than one person should ever really eat. And that didn’t seem to be the kind of restaurants most folks reading English-language restaurant reviews about Paris (read: fellow Americans) wanted to read.
But times, they are a-changing. Not only are many of the Americans I encounter interested in trying non-French fare when they visit, but the expat pool is expanding, and we need places to eat too. Which is why it is with pride (and not with my tail between my legs) that I introduce you to one of my latest discoveries – albeit one that’s been around since 1972.
Funky Ba is a tiny Thai spot on rue Cadet – so tiny, in fact, that the only tables are literally in the street. (Albeit slightly covered and with pretty, fluffy blankets to diminish the chill.) The storefront shields the tiny (read: 1 square meter) kitchen, where the talented chef cooks up portions of ultra-reasonably-priced Thai fare. Papaya salad is just 4 euro; pad Thai costs 11.
Fresh Panang fish curry (11 euro) is creamy and rich with coconut and peanut, served with perfectly steamed rice.
Pad see ew, one of my favorite Thai dishes of all time, is here served with veggies or meat (I opted for the generous vegetarian option studded with peppers and broccoli). Pillows of omelet and thick rice noodles slick with sauce are a delicious lunchtime offering…
…rendered more delicious still when seasoned to taste with fresh or dried chile and a sweet-and-sour sauce made with lemon, nam pla, and soy.
In spite of the small space, the menu is rich with choice, and I can’t wait to go back to sample even more of this tasty food. That the proprietor is so warm and welcoming is just icing on the cake.
8 Rue Cadet, 75009