Chef Samuel Lee : “Cantonese cuisine takes its rhythm from the seasons, with respect for nature”
- Chinese neo-bistrot with Cantonese root curated
- Authentic Cantonese cuisine with a French flair
- Only Chinese restaurant in France to have a Michelin star for 10 years
More One Star Chefs. More Chinese chefs
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The only Michelin-starred Chinese restaurant in France. Since opening in September 2011, Shang Palace has been dedicated exclusively to China’s Cantonese cuisine and become a popular estination for gourmets seeking to sample the delights of authentic Chinese food prepared by a starred kitchen. In March 2015, Samuel Lee took over the kitchen as Executive Chef before pening his own place in Paris in 2025.
The Guangzhou region of China is renowned for possessing one of the world’s most refined culinary traditions. Samuel Lee, originally from Hong Kong with deep roots in the Guangzhou region, developed his passion for cooking alongside his mother’s family. Since relocating to Paris in 2014, he has embarked on an extensive journey across Europe, immersing himself in European culture, studying local dining habits, and exploring regional ingredients.
During his nearly ten-year tenure at Shangri-La Hotel, Paris, he led his team in maintaining a Michelin one-star distinction and established himself as a key figure in the Chinese culinary scene
in France. In early 2025, the chef founded his own restaurant brand, SENsation, introducing a contemporary Chinese bistro concept to a wider audience. By combining Cantonese culinary
techniques with the freshest locally sourced, seasonal ingredients, he is dedicated to promoting authentic Chinese cuisine throughout Europe.
SENsation, a Chinese neo-bistrot with Cantonese root curated by Chef Samuel Lee. Inspired by the dynamic culture of « Jiu Xi 酒席 » (the Chinese feast), Chef Samuel is dedicated to reinvent the experience of traditional Chinese cuisine. At SENsation Paris, the menu is composed of a various selection of classic dishes with modern touch. Meanwhile, a diverse wine & champagne choices enhance and complete the SENsation journey. Come and enjoy a convivial and immersive moment, where the Chinese authenticity meets a contemporary touch.
Although in the Chinese world we are accustomed to taking Western first names, the chef’s first name in Chinese is “Sen 森”, the ideogram for “forest”. Always written SENsation, with the first three letters in capitals, the name of the restaurant is thus a play on words, evoking both the hef’s first name and of course, the “feeling” that we hope to offer you in a complete sensory dining experience “SEN”, deeply rooted in the spirit of the « Jiu Xi 酒席 » (the Chinese feast) of the Literary Gathering.
