Ogata Paris, a Japanese oasis in the Marais
In the Marais district of Paris, tucked away in a 17th-century hôtel particulier on rue Debelleyme, you'll find Ogata Paris. Step inside and be transported to a world of Japanese elegance and sophistication, where refined Japanese traditions combine with contemporary Western trends. This unique place is a temple of gastronomy, art and culture where you can escape the hustle and bustle of the city. The venue consists of a sabō (Japanese tea house), a restaurant, a boutique and a gallery.
Sabō, a contemporary tea house
Ogata's sabō is all about the traditional Japanese tea ceremony but with a modern twist, including innovative flavour combinations and contemporary presentations. Here you can enjoy sophisticated seasonal menus and wagashi, handmade Japanese sweets. I was really keen to discover the art of Japanese tea drinking, so I booked the formula Sajiki.
Sajiki
Sajiki is a three-course tea tasting menu that combines Japanese tea with ochauke and wagashi.
The first tea is a Gyokuro from Fukuoka, known for its rich umami flavour and delicate aromas. Gyokuro is a top-quality Japanese tea and at Ogata, it's served in four infusions. The first two have a strong umami flavour and aren't usually drunk in Japan. The third infusion has a mild grassy aroma and is served with a chestnut-based candy. The last cup is a cold seasonal infusion with fresh yuzu. The tea leaves are presented as a tasting plate, with a little ponzu sauce on the side.
The second course is a classic matcha tea with a delicious mochi sprinkled with green soya powder.
Finally, I taste an on-site roasted hojicha, a smoky tea drawn from the stems of the tea plant, and with that I enjoy a small selection of ochauke, sweet and sour condiments.
Arts and crafts
Ogata Paris' boutique is a treasure trove of Japanese crafts, with products including handmade ceramics, exclusive teas, regional sweets and decorative objects. Each item is a reflection of Japanese perfection. The gallery offers temporary exhibitions of both traditional and modern Japanese art.
The restaurant, gastronomic delights
Ogata Paris' restaurant offers a modern take on Japanese family food and regional specialities, all served up in a tranquil and chic setting. The seasonal dishes are made with carefully selected ingredients that will stimulate all your senses.
We decide to have lunch and get a seat at the bar that looks out over the kitchen. We enjoy a tasty mix of six appetisers, followed by a Japanese omelette. For the main course, we order breaded beef fillet, served with seasonal vegetables, brown rice, miso soup and tsukemono, Japanese pickled vegetables. For dessert, we tuck into a blanc-manger with matcha and a small piece of pastry. Everything was super delicious, and the custom sake-wine pairing is highly recommended.
Whether you are a lover of Japanese culture or just looking for a unique culinary experience, Ogata Paris is a place you've got to check out.
