A Malaysian escape just moments from Pigalle ? That’s the unique experience offered by Mantra, the new fine dining restaurant in Paris’ 9th arrondissement, imagined by Malaysian chef Manogeran Shasitaran and his partner Jonathan Caron. A true playground for culinary expression, each dish evokes the chef’s childhood memories with near Michelin-star precision. Ready for a journey between Paris and Malacca ?
An intimate and elegant setting
Nestled in the heart of the 9th arrondissement, this refined space designed by Gabrielle Noor promises an intimate and exclusive moment. The walls and ceiling are painted black, creating a raw yet elegant atmosphere, while the round tables are adorned with stunning napkins embroidered with the restaurant’s emblem: a bird of paradise.
All eyes are then drawn to the fully open kitchen, allowing guests to admire the chefs at work. The best seat in the house ? The majestic green marble counter, offering a front-row view of the action. Attention to detail extends all the way to the tableware: each plate has been carefully selected, some even custom-made, to enhance every dish down to the finest detail. More than a meal, Mantra is a timeless experience : an invitation to travel and to contemplate every gesture, like a living culinary performance.
A bridge between Malaysia and France
At the helm of this new restaurant is Malaysian chef Manogeran Shasitaran, whose love for cooking comes from his mother, and whose technical excellence was shaped by experiences in some of the finest restaurants. On the plate, his cuisine is bold and vibrant, seamlessly blending the flavors of his Asian childhood with the techniques he mastered in France.
Each menu unfolds as a succession of dishes that impress at first glance and delight from the very first bite. A broth, poured tableside, prepares the palate for the journey ahead, setting the tone before moving on to a pressed pork dish glazed with honey, delicately presented like a jewel on a pristine white plate.
The culinary epic continues with a three-way interpretation of scallops, a nod to Malaysia’s three main communities. While the poached version, served with a generous piece of pork belly and beetroot caramel, is a favorite, the raw version with rose flower vinaigrette is just as exquisite. Another delightful surprise follows with a Medjool date fritter, onion cream and Lardo di Colonnata, a refined reinterpretation of pisang goreng, the traditional Malaysian banana fritter.
Desserts bring this journey to a beautiful close : a grey shrimp chocolate mousse (surprisingly subtle, we promise) with cocoa crumble, black sesame and candied ginger, followed by a refreshing kalamansi sorbet with seaweed and mandarin confit. Our absolute standout ? Ultra-crispy dried kale paired with coconut cream, fermented plum and irresistible drops of vibrant green sauce.
Open Monday to Friday from 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm, and Thursday and Friday from 12:15 pm to 2:15 pm. Pantai menu : €39 (Friday lunch only). Bornéo menu : €89. Nyonya menu : €145. Wine pairings : €49 for the Bornéo menu and €89 for the Nyonya menu.
© Aurore Nguyen
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