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Chilam
Cuisine: Comfort Food, Latin, Mexican
10Best Says
There was a time, back in the mid-80s when Mexican food, or, more precisely, Tex-Mex, was a big trend in Paris. Then, as happens in big cities, food trends shifted elsewhere. But now it's back,... Read More
There was a time, back in the mid-80s when Mexican food, or, more precisely, Tex-Mex, was a big trend in Paris. Then, as happens in big cities, food trends shifted elsewhere. But now it's back, Mexican food that is. And this time it's the authentic Mexican food that is getting its day in the sun.
Chilam is decorated reminiscent of the famous Blue House, the museum in Mexico dedicated to Frida Kahlo. Reproductions of her paintings adorn the walls here, including an all blue modernistic tableau the exact color blue of the famous museum.
The menu has also gotten an upgrade at this new location of the restaurant, just near the Bastille. Yucateca (chicken), Michoacana ( pork & beans) and also heaped full pulled, marinated duck tacos are on offer for starters. Pair these with a piled high bowl of housemade tortilla chips and rich, delicious guacamole and you've got yourself a meal. But if you do have a bigger appetite, go for the spicy, grilled gambas (marinated prawns) of the smoke-charred and grilled beef filet. There are also two types of margaritas, spicy and regular and each are served in a salt-rimmed glass, blended with ice. For the warmer months, this is an ideal stop for lunch, afternoon snack or dinner.
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EXPERT TIPS BY:
Paige Donner
Paris Local Expert
- Best Value: "Seating is light and airy in a blue room adorned with Frida Kahlo masterpiece reproductions. The frozen margaritas here are the best I've tasted in the city. Much on a big bowl of tortilla chips washed down with a cold cerveza while watching the hipster Marais folks saunter in, and this is pretty much Mexican heaven in Paris."
- Recommended as Best Value Because: Parisian people finally have a great place for real corn tortilla tacos made with fresh ingredients served with real guacamole.