La Joie

Tucked away in an old butcher’s shop in Paris’s 11th arrondissement, La Joie brings the vibrant, soulful flavors of Sri Lanka to the French capital. This cozy neighborhood gem offers an authentic taste of the island nation’s culinary traditions without requiring a trip across the Channel to London—previously the closest option for proper Sri Lankan fare in Europe.

The kitchen excels at both classic preparations and dishes inspired by the chef’s personal history. Start with the egg hopper, a delicate bowl-shaped pancake that arrives crowned with seeni sambol and pol sambol, a fiery coconut condiment that wakes up every bite. Rolling that paper-thin pancake around its toppings creates a perfect bundle of sweet, spicy, and savory notes. The garlic-laden roti deserves attention, as do the lamb croquettes served with a tangy mustard-sour cream and fruity apricot chutney. Don’t skip the lentil curry either—it delivers wonderful depth with pops of crispy chilli throughout.

The setting reflects the space’s heritage with straightforward French school canteen-style furnishings. While charming, it’s best suited for relaxed lunches or quick dinners rather than lingering evenings. Solo diners will feel particularly at home here, though small groups seeking a casual meal will find plenty to share and enjoy.

For dessert, the watalappam is essential—a cashew-studded custard pudding that rivals French crème caramel in its satisfying sweetness. La Joie represents exactly the kind of neighborhood restaurant that makes Paris such a rewarding city to eat in: unpretentious, focused, and delivering flavors you won’t find anywhere else nearby.