Samuel Lee opens SENsation restaurant in Paris

Mathilde Bourge | 3/3/25, 5:27 PM

The former chef of Sang Palace has just opened his own restaurant in Paris. His Chinese cuisine is more accessible, but as modern as ever.

After making his mark on the Parisian gastronomic scene at the Shang Palace, chef Samuel Lee is embarking on a personal adventure with the opening of his own restaurant: SENsation. Nestled in the heart of Paris's 11th arrondissement, this Chinese neo-bistro reinvents Cantonese cuisine in a festive, refined setting.

An immersion in Chinese culture

SENsation immerses diners in an atmosphere steeped in Chinese aesthetics and culture. The decor is inspired by the traditional paintings of Jiu Xi, a concept celebrating conviviality and the pleasure of feasting. The restaurant offers several seating areas: at the bar for an immersive experience, at the chef's counter to observe the culinary art in action, or in the dining room for a more intimate ambience.

True to his heritage, Samuel Lee's menu revisits the great classics of Cantonese gastronomy with a contemporary twist. Among the creations to be discovered: ballotines of yellowtail marinated in lemon caviar, crispy vegetable nems sublimated by a 12-month-aged Comté cheese, or a delicate mango cream accompanied by pomelo and sago. All of this is enhanced by a carefully selected wine list, exploring the finest French terroirs.

A contemporary vision of Chinese cuisine

Originally from Hong Kong, Samuel Lee forged his expertise traveling throughout China, from Shanghai to Beijing, before settling in Paris in 2014. After ten years at the helm of Shang Palace, he has now decided to offer a more accessible experience, without sacrificing any of the culinary excellence for which he is renowned.

With a menu hovering around €50 per person, SENsation promises to seduce lovers of refined Chinese cuisine and epicureans in search of new experiences.

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