What if we told you that at this Chinese restaurant, the show begins even before the first bite? At Les Thermes Kong Fu Pâtes, which opened in Toulouse in December 2024, the noodles are made by hand, right before customers’ eyes. In the open kitchen, the dough is stretched, pounded against the counter, and cut using time-honored Chinese techniques. A must-try spot to break away from the routine of traditional restaurants.
Three techniques, a true spectacle
Here, each type of noodle has its own method of preparation. The Lanzhou technique involves gradually stretching the dough to form long, thin, and even strands. With Biang Biang noodles, which originate from Shaanxi, the dough is stretched and then slapped onto the work surface to create wide ribbons. Finally, in the Shanxi tradition, a large ball of dough is carved with a curved-blade knife. Three different techniques, but the same passion for homemade noodles.
XXL noodles and a melt-in-your-mouth beef rib—the restaurant’s signature dishes
The star of the house? Biang Biang—wide, generous noodles that can reach nearly 2 meters in length. Inspired by the cuisine of Shanxi, a region in northern China renowned for its noodle-making tradition, the menu features gourmet recipes and flavor combinations that offer a refreshing change from the Chinese classics typically found in France.
Among the new dishes to discover, the Biang Biang with beef short ribs are sure to tempt even the most discerning foodies. The long noodles are served with short ribs slow-cooked at a low temperature for 8 hours, until the meat is exceptionally tender. A generous plate, perfect for sharing!
Another facet of Chinese cuisine to discover
Beyond the spectacle, Les Thermes Kong Fu Pâtes aims to introduce a culinary culture that is still relatively unknown in France. “We want to show that Chinese noodles aren’t limited to the dishes people are used to seeing in France. There’s a rich culture surrounding noodles in China, with very different techniques, regional variations, and recipes,” explains the team. Between the precise movements in the kitchen, the impressive noodles, and the artful plating, this spot has everything to appeal to lovers of culinary discoveries.
What’s next? The team is preparing a new menu, with morevegetarian options for both main courses and appetizers. That’s sure to give you another reason to stop by this Toulouse spot!
📍 Les Thermes Kong Fu Pâtes — 44 Boulevard Lazare-Carnot, Toulouse.
