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A Culinary Haven for Table Tennis Enthusiasts during the Olympics

Discover the ultimate culinary haven for table tennis enthusiasts during the Olympics! Enjoy a unique blend of gourmet dining and thrilling matches, where flavors and sports collide for an unforgettable experience.

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A Culinary Haven for Table Tennis Enthusiasts

As Tang Zhongqiu knows all too well, there often comes a moment during an Asian traveler’s journey through France when the ceaseless array of baguettes and croissants becomes overwhelming. Many find themselves yearning for the comforting simplicity of a bowl of rice. This sentiment rings true not only for adventurous backpackers and busy businesspeople but also for celebrated Olympic table tennis champions.

While Tang anticipated a rise in customers at his Chinese eatery, Yang Xiao Chu, located in the 15th arrondissement of Paris, following the conversion of a nearby convention hall into a table tennis arena for the Summer Olympics, he never imagined it would be to this extent. Over the past two weeks, his modest restaurant has transformed into a lively, unofficial hub for table tennis enthusiasts—a sport that is passionately followed and expertly practiced in China.

His establishment, one of the closest Chinese restaurants to the arena yet discreet enough that it requires a conscious effort to find, has been nearly bursting at the seams with current Olympians, former gold medalists, team staff members, journalists, and a plethora of eager fans.

“I didn’t expect we would be this busy during the Olympics,” Tang remarked one morning, just before the lunch crowd descended. “I treat them like family, making sure they feel at home.”

Tang remains unfazed by the lines that often form outside his restaurant, choosing instead to cultivate a welcoming atmosphere. “I advise my customers to be patient; if we rush the dishes, they won’t turn out as well as they should,” he explained with a warm smile.

Chinese fans, many of whom travel extensively to follow their favorite athletes, have turned out in droves, filling the Olympic table tennis venue day after day. Their enthusiasm adds to the vibrant energy surrounding both the sport and Tang’s restaurant, where the aroma of authentic Chinese cuisine mingles with the excitement of the games.

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