Babar Description

Named after the French cartoon elephant that just so happens to be the venue’s mascot, Babar is Donghu Lu’s newest French bistro-meets-bar-meets-comptoir, backed by owner Simon Briens (Blaz) and consulting chef Guillame Tu (previously of Spread Bar à Tatine, Villa Le Bec, Mr & Mrs Bund). 

An avid believer in the power of feng shui, Briens invited a feng shui master to the space that used to be Wagas, just after sorting the lease. His analysis revealed the layout to be that of the shape of an elephant, with the kitchen representing its legs and the long window-lined banquette embodying its trunk. 

In Chinese, Babar mimics the sound of double eight (ba-ba) – an easily pronounceable and lucky number – with the second syllable emphasizing “bar” in both languages, as the wine program is the venue’s key focus. 

Like the quality one would find at a boullion – a spacious, early 20th century restaurant serving classic French fare at pocket-friendly prices – Babar is at once unpretentious and trendy, offering creative snacks with an equally impressive wine menu in an approachable setting.