“Many say Parisians aren’t nice,” says former surgeon, now Le Cordon Bleu-trained patissier and founder of the city’s LÂM, Bakers & Fine Cakemakers, Abdul Latif Alrashoudi. “But what I love most about Paris is its people.”
Having formed a diverse group of friends during Covid, 36-year-old Abdul Latif now has what he fondly calls a very tight-knit Paris family. Indeed, what particularly enamours him with the place is the locals’ openness to discussing serious subjects and ideas, making it feel “vibrant and intellectually rich”.
Beyond that, it’s the “history, beauty, and incredible food” that all combine to captivate him. And now it’s a world-class food scene he’s a part of, following the success of LÂM, the bakery he refers to as a “love letter to his culture and country”, where he serves up “a piece of Saudi in Paris” via his Middle Eastern flavours crafted in a French way. The smell of Saudi coffee, the Saudi clientele, sweet flavours including chocolate tahini alongside savoury bites such as zaatar feta buns.
“It’s a comforting space I’ve created,” he says, and which means he, fortunately, rarely feels homesick.
Born and raised in Riyadh but originally from Al Qassim, Abdul Latif is now based in the French capital’s Stalingrad, having originally tried out a spot near the Panthéon in the 5th arrondissement. His current neighbourhood is “full of artists, culture, and movement, a place where things are happening. It feels authentic and alive.” Abdul Latif has felt the pull of Paris for most of his life. “I visited as a child and immediately fell in love,” he shares. “Since then, I knew I wanted to live here. I worked towards it, and now I’m here.”
So, does that mean he’ll be here forever? “Paris is home for now,” he says.
“Wherever I go in the future, I’ll always carry a strong connection to the city.” Here he reveals where that connection has taken him most to so far in this roundup of his personal tips. Number one on the list? “When you visit Paris, step away from the tourist spots,” he advises. “Spend time on terraces, talk to locals, and take in the real rhythm of the city. That’s where its true beauty lives.”
Foodie Finds
Evidently a pastry chef living in Paris is going to have lots of thoughts about where to eat. La Grande Épicerie de Paris at Le Bon Marché is top of his list.
“It’s a stunning gourmet food hall where I can grab a bite and enjoy the beautiful setting,” he says. Try the dumplings from the Asian corner. Then there’s Rori, where he recommends the potato pizza: “It’s simple, different, and really good.” The venue’s laid-back vibe doesn’t hurt either. Similarly “casual, quick, and consistently delicious”, Delhi Bazaar serves a “colourful, generous, and tasty” vegetarian thali, while the Japanese restaurant at Marché des Enfants Rouges is an authentic hidden gem he found walking around the market through friends.
Markets and Mooching
Which brings us neatly to shopping. The Saint-Ouen Flea Market is a must, “especially the small, independent stalls and vintage dealers – ideal for discovering unexpected, stylish pieces and one-of-a-kind treasures”, says Abdul Latif. Thanx God I’m a V.I.P., meanwhile, is his number one vintage destination, “full of character and bold finds”, and Citadium is “a great spot for streetwear and trending labels”.
Gift-Giving
Abdul Latif’s list of boutiques to bounce between when browsing for presents is short but essential. Parle Moi de Parfum is “a beautiful perfume house with a contemporary French touch”. Fragrances are clean, elegant, and each one tells a story. “It’s one of my favourite places to buy gifts,” he says. “It’s personal and luxurious without being overly commercial.” Milky Musk and Totally White are the standout scents.
Then there’s Sessùn in Le Marais, the spot for minimal, thoughtful French design. “I’ve picked up accessories and scarves here that always make perfect gifts – they’re stylish and timeless.”
Only in Paris
For a truly unique Parisian experience, you can always, like Abdul Latif, join a haunted neighbourhood tour during Halloween. “It revealed a completely different side of the city,” he recalls. However, if you are stopping over during one of the less ghoulish months of the year, Rue Montorgueil is where he always takes guests. “It’s full of charm, cafes, and pastry shops – and home to the oldest patisserie in Paris. It’s a pedestrian street that feels timeless.” And for some peace once they’ve gone? It has to be Yvon Lambert in Le Marais, “a beautifully curated art library and bookshop with rare finds and a serene atmosphere”.
LÂM Bakery Paris,
24 Rue de Notre-Dame de Nazareth, Paris 3ème
Open Monday to Friday, from 8.30am - 7pm
Open Saturdays from 10am - 7pm
Photographs were taken in Paris by List's Executive Editor Tarek Hijazi
