Breton crepe or Senegalese mafé? This Parisian restaurant blurs the lines

What if your taste buds embarked on an express round trip between Dakar and Brittany? In the heart of Paris, that’s the challenge of Sénégalette, an astonishing place that blends regional traditions and African roots with disarming aplomb.

Sénégalette: where Breton terroir meets Senegalese warmth

Bassirou Ndiaye opened his first crêperie in Paris in 2011. Fallen under the spell of Brittany, he adopts its codes with passion: buckwheat galettes, golden crepes, local ciders. At the stove, an all-Senegalese team. Soon, a question comes up, almost at every service: “But where are the Bretons?” The team laughs heartily and jokingly replies, “In Dakarnnec!” This improvised nickname already heralds a turning point. During the covid, Bassirou begins to think deeply about the identity of his restaurant.

In 2019, he decided not to choose between his Breton love affair and his Senegalese origins: the crêperie became Sénégalette, and the concept took hold.

Senegalette, crepes like no other

The result? A short but punchy menu, where each dish tells a story. The eponymous Senegalese dish is the best example. Inspired by traditional mafé, it combines simmered chicken, cooked peanut butter, sweet potato and Emmental cheese, all nestled in a buckwheat pancake. Surprising at first glance, but perfectly balanced when tasted. The sweet crêpes are not to be outdone: they are gluten-free, thanks to the use of manioc flour, an innovation that is winning over more and more customers.

From bissap to cider: unexpected pairings

Another signature of the place: carefully selected beverages. Homemade bissap juice rivals traditional Breton brut cider. There’s also iced ginger juice and a few well-chosen wine references. Each drink is designed to sublimate the house recipes, without ever overpowering them.

Teranga on the table: rare hospitality in Paris

But what really stands out, beyond the food, is the atmosphere. In this 30
-covered dining room, the kitchen is open, the smiles are sincere, and Teranga – the art of hospitality in Wolof – pervades every exchange. A spirit of sharing, almost family-like, that transforms a meal into a privileged moment.

📍38 rue Poissonnière, 75002 Paris

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