“33”: A Journey of Escape in China
Perched on the hills above Geneva’s Old Town, you’ve surely walked past 33 Place du Bourg-du-Four before. With its ceiling adorned with dozens of white lanterns, this small Chinese restaurant proudly displays a decidedly modern look. The quality of the food and the attentive service complement the decor, further cementing 33’s reputation. We’re taking advantage of the beautiful autumn days to sit out on the terrace for a lunch with a Chinese twist.
Appetizers
Between the soups and appetizers, we decided to begin our culinary journey with pan-seared pork and ginger ravioli, topped with a surprising mustard and sesame sauce. Stir-fried in a wok and served in half-dozen portions, these gyozas are filled with a juicy, subtly seasoned filling that contrasts beautifully with the sauce. This appetizer sets the stage for great things to come as the meal continues.
No sooner had our plates been cleared than the waiters were already busy setting up the hot plates for our next courses. In no time at all, here they are! From a selection of Chinese specialties—crispy beef, shrimp hot pot, or stir-fried noodles—we opt for the generously portioned Cantonese-style roast duck, served with pineapple fried rice.
The centerpiece
The duck’s crispy skin contrasts with its tender meat, making this dish exceptional. The accompanying hoisin sauce, glossy and syrupy, reveals a delicate hint of cinnamon on the finish, which complements the caramelized notes of the duck. However, the pineapple’s overly subtle flavor doesn’t give the rice the depth we were hoping for. A bolder seasoning and a spicier curry could have provided a nice contrast to the fruit’s sweetness. This is a minor detail, though, given the quality of the dishes and the precision of the flavors that won us over.
A far cry from the traditional norms of Chinese restaurants, Le 33 offers a contemporary experience where the ambiance blends seamlessly with hearty, characterful cuisine. It’s a place that took us on a journey for the duration of a lunch, and where we enjoyed lingering.
