Mantra, Malaysian cuisine tinged with French gastronomy

A few weeks ago, a singular new address set up shop on rue Rodier, in the 9ᵉ arrondissement of Paris. Mantra, with just eighteen covers, is a confidential table designed by Jonathan Caron for Malaysian chef Manogeran Shasitaran. After two years spent in Mers-les-Bains, the chef has moved to Paris with an address that resembles him: personal, free, deeply linked to his history.

A cuisine shaped by a journey between Malaysia and France

Born in Malaysia, Manogeran Shasitaran discovered cooking at an early age with his mother. Arriving in France in 2008 after a stint in England, his path was initially chaotic, before a decisive encounter in Joigny with David Le Corre, at Paris-Nice. Spotted for his talent, he began training as a chef. Little by little, he joined a number of top-ranking establishments and forged a solid technique.

In 2023, Jonathan Caron entrusted him with the kitchens at L'Itinérance, in Mers-les-Bains. Together, they developed a cuisine in which the Picardy coast regularly dialogues with Malaysia. Mantra is a natural extension of this. Behind the open kitchen, the chef combines childhood memories with French know-how.

On the plate, there's little room for meat, but no vegetarian menus: instead, fish, shellfish and crustaceans, caught on small boats, are given pride of place. Fermented products, including shrimp paste, give structure to the plates. French technique remains discreet, in the service of a profoundly Malaysian expression.

The chef moves forward with no fixed framework, adjusting his cuisine as time goes by and as he interacts with his customers, setting up an intimate table in Paris, the mirror of a singular career path.