Four amazing pâtisserie / dessert / pastry cafes in Tokyo that you totally must try!

Tokyo is undeniably the gourmet champion heavyweight of the world. The Michelin guide rates 217 restaurants in the city worthy of having at least one star; in contrast, Paris 'only' has 79. It's not only the restaurants, though: Over on the desserts side of the table there's a dizzying array of desserts, cakes and pastry chefs, each trying to stamp his or her own culinary mark on the sweet tooth of dessert lovers everywhere.

Today we'll touch on just four of them though - focusing on French-influenced pâtissiers. As casual visitors to Japan we can't possibly claim that these four are the best; but we can claim that you won't be disappointed if you pay any of these shops a visit!

---

Pierre Hermé Paris
Location (click for Google Maps link): La Porte Aoyama near Shibuya


The first shop we visited was Pierre Hermé's Chocolate Bar near Shibuya. As its name suggests, this Pierre Hermé's chocolate-centric outlet, serving up a commendable array of chocolate bars of different origins and intensities, and some amazing original chocolate creations. If you'd like some variety, the Fetish Mogador (An assortment of pineapple and citrus themed chocolate-based pastries) is interesting, but our vote goes to the Coupe Glacee Infiniment Chocolat: A super delicious blend of various chocolate ice creams, brownie bits, chocolates and chocolate mousse.

The elegant cafe is on the upper level of the shop; expect to spend around ¥2,000 and up per person. On the ground level you can buy Pierre Hermé's other pastries, chocolates, macarons and other cakes.

---

Sadaharu Aoki Paris
Location (click for Google Maps link): Yurakucho near Tokyo station


Sadaharu Aoki is a master of the éclair, and marrying Japanese ingredients with other classical French pastries. If you're dining in and would like to sample as wide a variety as possible, make sure to order the degustation - a sampling of six cakes of varying flavours and textures. All delicious, of course. Don't leave out the éclair, though - choose whichever flavour sounds the most interesting, they're all delicious. ¥1,500 and up per person

---

Hidemi Sugino
Location (click for Google Maps link): Ginza


Of all the pâtissiers in Japan, Hidemi Sugino is perhaps the most accomplished, having won the La Coupe du Monde (World Cup of of Pastry) in 1991. His cafe in Ginza also possibly has the longest queue: We arrived at 10:30am on a Saturday morning (he only opens at 11:00) and there were already two dozen people waiting.

Hidemi Sugino seems to focus on mousse cakes - of all the four creations we tried, mousse was the common denominator. If you're a fan of chocolate (and even if you aren't), make sure to order the Ambroisi: A sublime chocolate-and-raspberry mousse cake so complicated to make that just reading the recipe can tire you out.

Expect to pay ¥1,500 and up per person. Oh, and Hidemi Sugino officially doesn't allow photographs (at all), although the wait staff seem to turn a blind eye when you're seated in the eat-in area.

---

Echire Maison du Beurre
Location (click for Google Maps link): Chiyoda; in between Tokyo station and the Imperial Gardens


OK, this one isn't really a cafe - it's more accurately a bakery that serves up staples such as croissants and madelines. All made with Echire - the queen of butters, of course. Somewhat annoyingly there isn't any actual seating available, but there's a pleasant open area with trees, plants, benches and a water fountain nearby.

So grab a croissant, some madelines, and some vending machine coffee and have yourself a little picnic!


That concludes our post for today - as always, we hope this was useful for you. If you're interested, check out our itinerary and write-ups of all our previous Japan trips here, and don't hesitate to leave us any questions you might have in the comments below!

All in One Rainbow Cupcake and Cake! So fun to bake~

Rainbow cake is so interestingly fun! I made it in 2 different ways.

CUPCAKES

CAKE

Base Sponge Cake Ingredients
250g Premix Sponge Flour
4 Eggs
50ml Water
50ml Vegetable Oil
1 teaspoon of Vanilla or Fruit Essences (according to your preference)

Whisk together the Premix Sponge Flour, Eggs, Water and Vegetable Oil on high speed for 8 minutes.

*** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** ***

Rainbow Colours
7 Bowls
7 Metal/Plastic Teaspoons
1 teaspoon Red Food Colouring
1 teaspoon Orange Food Colouring
1 teaspoon Yellow Food Colouring
1 teaspoon Green Food Colouring
1 teaspoon Blue Food Colouring
1 teaspoon Indigo (Purple + a little Blue) Food Colouring
1 teaspoon Violet (Purple) Food Colouring

Step 1 Divide the Sponge Cake Mix evenly into 7 bowls. Fold in the Food Colouring until even, increase the Food Colouring to desired brightness.

Step 2 Preheat the oven. Place the cupcake paper on the cupcake trays or spray vegetable oil on your silicon mould.

Step 3 For cupcakes, scoop 1 teaspoon (or more depending on the size of your cupcake) for each colour it will reach approx fill up 3/4 of the cupcake. For cake, just pour in the middle to create a bull's eye at the end.

Step 4 Place in the oven to bake at 160ºC for 15 to 20 minutes. Use a cake tester stick or wooden stick to check, if it pulls out clear it's done!

Step 5 Cool in the tray for 10 to 15 minutes, then remove from tray to totally cool.



HAVE FUN & ENJOY!!!!!!


Click here for our blog page Baking Classes for more recipes. Hope you will be inspired~

Baking Exploration ::: Cornflakes Cookies / Cereal Cookies

Despite of my work and wedding planning.....

Here I go! Another new batch of Cookies for this festive season! However, believe this recipe is suitable for all occasions.

My mom bought me 1 kg of Cornflakes! What should I do to them other then baking cookies for dear's & my family reunion gathering coming up this Saturday? Our very last CNY apart, as we will be celebrating everything together after March!


Ingredients:
2-3 cups of coarsely crushed Cornflakes or any Cereal (depends how much you're rolling on the dough)
**Tips: Purchse the thick Cornflakes not the thin one as it does not work!)
200g Salted Butter
150g Fine Sugar
2 eggs (lightly beaten)
1 teaspoon Vanilla Essence
300g All Purpose Flour
30g Corn Flour or Corn Starch
Mini Papercups

Step By Step
Spend some time by crushing the cornflakes.
**Tips: Place some of the cornflakes into a bowl and use a flat bottom cup to crush it. Then pour it into a sieve to remove all the powder crumbs. Place the coarsely crush cornflakes in to a separate bowl / tupperware.

Beat the butter and sugar till it's well mixed where is it pale and creamy.

Add in vanilla essence and continue mixing until it's combined.

Stir in the lightly beaten eggs.

Slowly pour in the flour and fold in the flour mixture including the corn flour. The mixture must not stick to the mixing bowl.

Pre-heat the oven at 180°C.

Arrange mini paper cups on to your trays.

Using a teaspoon, scoop out about 1 teaspoon of the cookie dough and gently roll it into the coarsely crushed cornflakes.
**Tips: Rolling is a little slow. Method I suggest is to scoop some of he coarsely crushed cornflakes in a light plastic blow, place 2 to 3 teaspoon of dough apart then lightly toss it around! Wahhhh...la.... ^_^ 2 to 3 cookies are ready! splendid & quick method.

Place it on to the mini papercups and lightly press on to it.

Repeat until the tray is full!


Bake for 23mins or until golden brown.

Remove from tray and put on the cooling rack to cool for 30 to 40mins then place in an air tight bottle.



Click here for our blog page Baking Classes for more recipes. Hope you will be inspired~

Best Dessert in Perth?!? - the Corica Pastries's Apple Strudels

Offtopic: We are now on Twitter, so Follow Us on Twitter to get first-hand updates whenever we ... update!

The sounding name of Corica's well known Best Apple Strudels in Perth comes to mind & words of mouth, when our dearest friends and family know we're heading to Perth...



It's so popular that to catch up with the customer demand, it's pretty common to make sure you get your share, is to call in to book a day earlier, leaving your name & contact number. (Check out more details at the end of the blog) Without doubt we call in a day early to book 4 Strudels to bring back to Singapore!



Minor unpacking and we both can't resist and slice ourselves each one serving!

Digging in the softness of the lightly buttery thin fluffy layers of pastry, the light cream with the crunchy juicy and aromatic cooked apple! *Heavenly*



Shortly after finishing this serving we continue unpacking our bags, till we heard the calling for another slice of Corica's Apple Strudels. are we addicted already?

Neither do i need to describe much! One more close up pictures for you to drool on~



Price on 2011 is AUD19.
Price on 2015 is AUD22.
Place it in the fridge it can last up to 5-6days upon pick up. ^^


Corica Pastries
106, Aberdeen Street. Northbridge, WA 6003
08-9328-8196 (booking a day before collection!)
8a.m. - 5:30p.m. (Mon. - Fri.)
8a.m. - 12:30p.m. (Sat.)
Closed (Sun.)

Light Fruity Japanese Tarts @ Fruit Paradise

Offtopic: We are now on Twitter, so Follow Us on Twitter to get first-hand updates whenever we ... update!

Have a sweet tooth and hankering for something light and indulging after a meal? Visit Fruit*Paradise, Tokyo Fruit Tart Shop & Cafe! Original Recipe from Japan



Mango Banana was our choice! SGD7.80
A very interesting match in fruits for us, but turned out pretty nice. Semi-sweet Tart base, with layers of fresh cream, thin layer of sponge cake, banana & mango. The top of the Tart is nicely decorated in fashion, with slices of Banana and Mango fruits and covered with sparkles that make it looks more delicious and keep the fruits fresher.

Domo can't wait again!



There are TONs of different selections!
Whole Tart for party's dessert or to replace birthday cake, comes in 8" and 11".
**Remember to place your order 2 days in advance**

Price range up to date is as the below picture taken for YOU~
Click the photo for a larger view in flickr.



Check out their website: Fruit*Paradise Fruit Tart Shop

They have 4 outlets:
Tampines 1
10 Tampines Central 1
#03-16/19 Manpuku
Tel: 6789 6810

Raffles City
252 North Bridge Road
#B1-44F Raffles City
Tel: 6333 4849

Orchard Central
181 Orchard Road
#05-51/52 Orchard Central
Tel 6509 9920

Vivocity
1 Harbourfront Walk
#01-59 Vivocity
Tel: 6376 9978

Canelé Pâtisserie Chocolaterie ~*~ LOVELY ~*~ Mont Blanc & Le Royale

Offtopic: We are now on Twitter, so Follow Us on Twitter to get first-hand updates whenever we ... update!

Tumbling across an amazing Pâtisserie. By the look of the Pâtisserie displays you will not know which one to choose as all their choices are tempting. Since it was just dear, me & Domo, we came down to these 2 selection.

Surprising Domo who have been waiting in the room without food.
Domo peeping into the beautiful box with 2 lovely selection from Canelé!


Domo can't resist and have already taken up a fork and wants to attack!!!
His facial expression definitely fits the unbelievable irresistible looks.


Here are the 2 selection we made which we didn't regret every bite into them.


On the Right, the one as beautiful as a Red Rose. It's name is Le Royale, SGD7.94. It's "Chocolate mousse 66% layered with hazelnut feullitine, almond success and chocolate genoise with rum." as describe in their Canelé website The blend of textures and flavours, is a 100% love by us. The chocolate sponge soft texture with a hint of rum. The smooth textures and luxurious taste of dark chocolate, followed by the crunchy hazelnut feullitine fragrant spikes the flavor. All combine, leads both of us going "yummmmmmmmmmmmmmm............."

On the Left is Mont Blanc, SGD6.54. This is for chestnut lovers out there! I have come across this interesting and fabulous flavor. It has a soft chestnut pureé that revolves around a 2 layer core of light cream and spongy chestnut cream, on top of a classic French Tart.

Packaging also plays an important marketing role, it shows the standards and also reflects why you pay more to have something good. Check out their take away box & bag! I'm giving it a 10/10!


These 2 selection that we have tried & review here has set Canelé Pâtisserie Chocolaterie at a very sophisticated Pâtisserie place in Singapore for us. Will we be able to find a better place for Pâtisserie? But, we'll definitely go back to try the rest on display and share. Hopefully we can resist without ordering back the same! >.< We visited here: Raffles City Shopping Centre
252 North Bridge Road,
#B1-46/47.
Singapore 179103
Telephone : (65) 6334-7377
Facsimile : (65) 6334-7977
Opening Hours:
10 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily

check out their website for more locations!

Open Recipe @ Carrefour, Puchong Utama

It has been a dream for me to actually have my own bakery shop to so all of you can actually drop by my Bistro Bakery too, so all of you can enjoy my recipes off the racks and order for your party. Being extremely amazed that my college friend has opened "Open Recipe" Bakery shop early this year, I personally decided that i should pop by to check it out their signature Mille Crêpes cake. Do not worry as I will not be bias just to attract you all there. True sharing are promoted in this Look-See-Eat blog so you all can have the best out of the best and make no mistakes. ^_^

What are Crêpes? It originate from France. It's actually very thin pancake tossed in a pan, click here to read more about Crêpe. Mille Crêpes here you can imagine layers after layers of Crêpes sandwich with whipped cream and in different selected flavors that can be found here in Open Recipe.

Headed there for tea-time with my little brother to be able to sample 3 of their signature Mille Crêpes cakes.

The friendly & simple decorated cafe style has limited sofas for people who would like to sit and chill out while enjoying their free wifi and also enjoy their current offer of add RM0.10 for either Coffee or Tea (Hot or Cold) with any purchase of a slice of Mille Crêpes! Great place for husbands or boyfriends who would like to Chill Out while waiting for your ladies to do their groceries shopping at Carrefour.


My little bro and my favorite also Open Recipe HOT SELLING Item is "Mille Crepes Milky Caramel". The sweet sweet nice Caramel blends will with the Milky Whipping Cream. Surprisingly, once you take your first mouthful you'll fall in love with it as it is not sweet at all and you just keep going on. Not only us but a few customers that pop by also ordered. MYR7.50.

Second in line is the Mille Crêpes Oreo Cappuccino. It's freshing and decently flavored with Oreo crunch along with the fresh oreo mixed whipping cream. Worth trying out too. However, the name mentioned Cappuccino but there was no Cappuccino taste in any bite. Good for Oreo lover, go get it! MYR8.50

Since I am a Chocoholic, listening to this name I immediately decided to order it, "Mille Crepes Belgium Chocolate Velvet". Feeling disappointed with it actually as it was not chocolaty enough for neither me nor my little brother. We describe it as eggy cream chocolate Mille Crepes. The taste does not live up to the Belgium Chocolate. We look forward for the improved version :). MYR8.50

We were actually given their NEW RECIPE BUN fresh from oven, no names given both are delicious can be compared to Berry's Bakery who has something similar but with different topping.

Just received name from Open Recipe Boss:
Left is Mayo Sausage Bun
Right is Island Crab Bun


There are other assorted buns on the rack where some looks pretty interesting.

Not only cakes there are other Set offers:
Tea Talk Set at RM5.90 available at 3pm-10pm
Set Pizza available all day at MYR9.90
Sandwich Set at RM8.90 available all day too.
Not forgetting cookies D'Amour, 100g at MYR4.50 are also sold there.
Like all bakeries, there are actually full whole cake sold too. Pre-order are also available with just a call to ensure the freshness of your Mille Crêpes.

Wondering how their full cakes looks like & need to get to know more about Open Recipe check out their webpage and facebook page.

Open Recipe is located at
F02, First Floor, Carrefour Shopping Centre Puchong Utama
Lot 4029, Persiaran Puchong Utama, 47100, Selangor.

Telephone: 03-80605370 (Cafe Manager: Fairah)
Mobile: 012-2611045 (for wholesale order and whole cakes order)

Travel Series: Dubai International Airport

So I'm starting a new mini-series! Gonna be somewhat similar to the Mauritius and Kenya posts I've had up a few months ago. And what better place to start than at an airport - to be exact, the Dubai International Airport - which is possibly the busiest transit airport in the world. I mean, I know a lot of people who transit in Dubai on their way to Europe, or to the States, or to the Africa region, but none who actually get out of the airport (other than the handful of you who actually work there).


Anyway this is my 5th transit in the last few months - and since I only had about an hour's layover this time (i.e. not enough time to find a place to sit, get comfy and sleep), I thought I'd walk around and see if it was possible to snap interesting photos ... at an airport!










I thought these were decent shots - but you be the judge! And oh, since this is still supposed to be primarily a foodie blog, I did stop for some tea (or supper, depending which time zone you measure by) at Paul pâtisserie.


They've got a delightful selection of pastries, bread and assorted cake.


I have no idea if this Paul is related to that apparently très awesome French pastry maker of the same name, or if it's just some remarkably similar looking knock-off.


In any case, my regular cappucino was average in every way. The anglaise apple, while tasting decently good, was as cold as your windows on a rainy morning. Yuck. And before you point out that I could have asked them to heat it, I'll point out that for AED 32 (RM27) for a slice of pie and a miserable coffee, there shouldn't have been any need to ask in the first place.

Boo Paul, boo. I sure hope you aren't the real Pareesian Paul.