Tiong Bahru Bakery : NEW Classic French Desserts

Some people may think that food in Japan tends to be better in Singapore. True most of the time but there are plenty of exceptions too. Having been to Gontran Cherrier's boulangerie in both Singapore and Tokyo, I must say that Singaporeans are luckier because the selection of the tarts and cakes are far more extensive in Singapore at Tiong Bahru Bakery (at least twice the number).

Recently, it has introduced 8 new French pastries to the existing selection which are authentic and truly traditional classics. From fruit tarts to eclairs, these are the fundamental items that a pastry student would learn at any French culinary school. And my first bite at the Paris Brest (my all-time favourite) tells me that the rest of the pastries are going to be a solid display of the finesse.

The addition of crisp craqueline pumped up the original choux pastry in the Paris Brest but this is not something to be taken for granted because many outside still fail to pay attention to this aspect. The praline cream, folded in with nuts, is rich yet not too greasy like a full-fledged buttercream. The layered coffee-chocolate Opera Cake ($8.50) or the chocolate eclair ($6.50) are also fine role models that every opera or eclair should aspire to be. The acidity of the lemon curd for the Lemon Meringue Eclair ($7) could be sharper but this is just perhaps my personal preference towards a brighter tang.

The Tropical Cheese Cake ($8), a combination of cheesecake mousse, mango-pineapple confit and an almond cake base soaked in calamari syrup, appeared rather too safe and predictable, though the textures are pleasant.
Likewise, a little dash of salt in the intensely bitter and rich chocolate ganache would send the Chocolate Slippers ($7.50) to a whole new dimension. But don't get me wrong as I truly adore the simple yet glorious cacao tones that united beautifully with the crisp pate sable. I would love to wear this chocolate slippers every day without getting bored. 

The Mixed Berries Tart ($8.50) is flawless, tastefully presented with a tart raspberry frangipane below the vanilla pastry cream.  

 

What I wish to have more is the Vanilla Millefeuille ($7.50), as the pastry layers were light, crisp and flaky (in fact, better than the chocolate millefeuille in its Tokyo outlet). And nothing gets better when it is matched with a formidable vanilla cream. Nope, this is not any over-the-top indulgence. It is paying tribute to the classic Parisian sweets, by simply eating it :)

Tiong Bahru Bakery

Raffles City Outlet:

252 North Bridge Road, #B1-11/12 Raffles City Shopping Centre, Raffles City, 179103

Mon-Sun 8am to 10pm

For more details, visit http://www.tiongbahrubakery.com/