Gourou: Where to Eat Indian Food in Paris

A buzzy new address in the Charonne district draws a trendy, food-loving crowd as early as 6:30 pm on school nights. Behind a classic stone facade, a vibrant and colorful world awaits. Marigold garlands, bright neon signs, tea tins and spices, stacked cases of Kingfisher beer… Gourou transports diners to India with its vibrant ambiance and food.

This fun address is the brainchild of Valentin Bauer and Adrien Bouchaud, the duo behind the popular Tripletta pizza chain, who sought to create a Parisian homage to India after falling under the country’s spell after multiple trips there.

The menu runs the gamut from traditional curries, tandoori, and biryani to street food like vada pav. (This insanely good sandwich comprises a brioche bun stuffed with a potato-chickpea dumpling, topped with chutney and pickled pepper). Everything at Gourou is made in-house: paneer, ice cream, plant-based syrups for the homemade sodas and cocktails. Speaking of which, kick off your meal with a Mah Sour, made with cardamom syrup, ginger, lime and MAH, an Indian spirit.

Note: There are a number of vegetarian and vegan dishes on the menu, providing a delicious and varied selection for vegetarians who are often challenged by Parisian kitchens, despite the increasing number of plant-based addresses in the city.

The terrific food and ambiance makes for a winning combo. It’s worth noting that this address used to be home to the Bistrot Mélac, an Aveyronnais institution first opened in 1938. It was famed as much for its saucisse-aligot as for its annual wine harvest festival. The owner retired to the countryside, but the place still retains traces of its past life: the facade, inscribed with the words “Le Bacchus de Charonne,” is covered with grapevines, and the dining room walls, now decorated with vintage portraits of Indian celebs, still have traces of imprinted wine bottles from the old cellar.

With its new incarnation, 42 Rue Léon Frot continues to be a lively social hub for Charonne, open every day of the week.

DETAILS
Gourou
42 Rue Léon Frot, 11th
Tel: +33 (0)1 40 56 35 95
Lunch menu for 15 euros. Starters from 6 euros, curries from 14 euros.
Reservations recommended.
Open Monday to Friday from 12 noon to 2:30 pm and 6:30 pm to 10:30 pm.
Continuous service on weekends from noon to 10:30 pm.