Thiou: the chef who made Le Tigre cry

Apiradee Thirakomen, known as Thiou, is one of the leading figures in Thai gastronomy in Paris. Her signature dish, Tiger Cry, has marked a generation of gourmets.

In the 90s, as Asian cuisine began to seduce Parisians, many addresses still mixed traditions under the “Chinese cuisine” label. It was in this context that Thiouat the mythical Bains Douches. She offers a different approach: refined Thai cuisine, playing on spices, contrasts and exceptional French products.

The Crying Tiger: a culinary legend

His name will forever be associated with a dish that has become legendary: the Crying Tiger. Inspired by suea rong hai, this tender grilled sirloin is enhanced by a secret, spicy yet balanced sauce. This unexpected combination of intensity and delicacy has shaken things up and quickly won over the Parisian scene. Today, many restaurants offer their own version of the Crying Tiger. Yet it was Thiou who introduced and popularized this dish to the French public, elevating it to the status of a gastronomic benchmark.

A Parisian setting for auteur cuisine

After the festive nights of the Bains Douches, the chef has chosen to set up her table on rue Balzac, a stone’s throw from the Champs-Élysées. Her Tigre qui pleure can now be enjoyed in a more intimate setting. Thiou remains faithful to the spirit of its beginnings, but adapted to today’s expectations. The place attracts both Thai food enthusiasts and the curious in search of a distinctive culinary experience. In Paris, where the gastronomic offer is constantly diversifying, Thiou is a sure bet for those wishing to discover or rediscover this now iconic classic.

Practical information

Restaurant Thiou
📍 9, rue Balzac – 75008 Paris
Tigre qui pleure selon Thiou: 45 €
Lunch: Monday to Friday
Dinner: Monday to Saturday

Other addresses if you like Asian cuisine