Seemor
Mei XiB+Worth Trying
54 Bd Diderot, 75012 Paris, France
· Asian restaurant, Chinese restaurant, Chinese takeaway
· 4.7/5 Google (266 reviews)
Takeout
Warm, family-run Chinese canteen near Gare de Lyon serving tasty, inexpensive bowls with exceptionally kind hospitality; best earlier in the day for selection.
Why it gets a B+ for overall quality
Mei Xi delivers solid neighborhood dining through exceptional service warmth—the owner's personal touches and attentiveness stand out—paired with reliable, satisfying home-style cooking at genuinely generous prices. The modest setting and occasional late-day selection limits prevent a higher grade, but consistent execution and loyal repeat customers confirm this casual canteen punches above its weight for quick, honest meals before a train.
Restaurant Summary
Steps from Gare de Lyon, this tiny canteen runs on warm hospitality and comforting bowls. Diners gush about the woman at the counter who remembers faces, adds a clementine to-go, and checks if you need tea. One guest summed it up: "It felt like we were guests at home, not just customers." Expect quick service and prices that are gentle on the wallet. The cooking leans classic canteen style: bo bun, simple noodles, dumplings, and a few Thai-leaning plates. It is not fancy, but it is fresh and satisfying, the sort of food that travels well and hits the spot before a train. Come earlier for the best selection; close to closing they sometimes sell out and may improvise with what remains. Families do well here. Kids can stick to familiar noodles, chicken, rice, and mild sauces, and there are vegetarian options like tofu, vermicelli, and veggie sides. There is no formal kids menu, but the simple, buildable plates and friendly service make it easy to keep everyone happy.
At a Glance
- Exceptionally kind counter service with small complimentary touches
- Excellent value with mains mostly €8-11
- Fast, reliable for pre-train takeaway
- Selection can be limited late in the day when items sell out
- One report of pay-by-weight pricing confusion leading to a high bill
What Sets It Apart
- exceptional_hospitality_gestures
- budget_friendly_near_major_station
- fast_takeaway_for_travelers
What People Love
- Heartfelt hospitality that feels personal
- Comforting bowls and noodles
- Low prices for central Paris
- Speed and convenience for takeout
Points of Concern
- Late visits can mean fewer choices as popular items sell out
- Small space; brief waits or queues at peak times
- One detailed complaint about per-kilo pricing and heavy sauce increasing weight
- Review patterns show overwhelmingly positive tones; as always, individual experiences may vary
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleCounter With Seating
Average Cost€12-16 per person
ReservationsNot required
What to Order
- Choose a Bo Bun (€8-9) plus a €2 starter for a filling budget meal
- Vegetarians: Bo Bun Végétarien or tofu with rice/vermicelli and sautéed vegetables
- Light eaters: 3-piece entrée mix (€2) and a fruit salad (€2.5)
Perfect For
- Quick pre-train meal near Gare de Lyon
- Budget-friendly casual lunch
- Solo travelers seeking a warm welcome
- Families wanting simple noodle and rice plates
Location Insights
Area: Busy transit zone by Gare de Lyon with commuters, travelers, and locals seeking quick, affordable meals.
Safety: Well-trafficked and generally safe, especially daytime; typical big-station bustle.
Nearby: Steps from Gare de Lyon; surrounded by cafes, takeaways, hotels, and services for travelers.
Bel-AirBel-Air is a calm, residential neighborhood with a village-like atmosphere. The dining scene is characterized by neighborhood bistros, casual cafes, and some contemporary eateries catering mostly to locals rather than tourists. It offers a relaxed and authentic Parisian experience away from the more tourist-heavy central arrondissements.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday11:45–20:30
Tuesday11:45–20:30
Wednesday11:45–20:30
Thursday11:45–20:30
Friday11:45–20:30
Saturday
Sunday
Available: Takeout
View full analysis on Seemor →