Monday, 11 May 2015

TOKYO'S BEST PATISSERIE - THAT I VISITED

Must admit, some of the desserts I found in Tokyo were yet the best I’ve tried in my life. I am a dessert person, and I enjoyed the long walks and train rides around Tokyo because I know I carried my fat body, including the expectations, curiosity and excitement in the heart. I WAS MENTALLY PREPARED FOR ALL THE SWEETS! In a nutshell, pastries in Tokyo were crafted beautifully, and in a way tasted - don't know if it's the proper word - premium (probably the ingredients), less sweet (since they’re VERY health conscious), but one thing for sure: PRETTY! Unfortunately, not every patisserie allow photo-taking (but suck on that bitch I am getting mine!). Pretty sure it’s not because they raise a spiritual “pet”, but it’s just the Japanese culture to appreciate the food more without the picture taking, some outlets even have the regulations for the customers to finish the pastries right on the spot! In a way, it’s crazy and nonsense, but I found it more as awesome! Okay, gonna stop yakking now and will let you guys enjoy the list.

I’ll make sure you drool! List is in alphabetical order.


Echire
2-6-1, Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, Japan
03 - 6269 - 9840
Opening hours: 10 AM - 8 PM
Echire’s popularity & reputation as one of the most established butter producers needs no more recognition, but for those who don’t know, they also produce incredible butter croissants, butter mille feuille & butter ice creams. The awesome thing about their creations is the fact that the creamy butter flavor doesn’t overpower the palate with milky flavor, they’re more caramel-like flavor.

Henri Charpentier
3-6-17, Kyobashi 1F, Chuo-ku, Tokyo - Yonei Building
03 – 3562 - 2721
Opening hours: 10 AM - 9 PM (salon opens at 11 AM)
Henri Charpentier is highly known for their premium desserts with high end presentation (which then came with high end pricing), but for those of you who appreciate the art of expert dessert & plating, this is one patisserie that you shouldn’t skip. I personally love their Ginza outlet, it looks like a royal tea saloon with class & elegance.
Hidemi Sugino
〒104-0031 Tokyo, Chuo 京橋3−6−17 京橋大栄ビル 1F
+81 3353 86780
Opening hours: 11 AM - 7 PM (CLOSED ON MONDAYS)
FACEBOOK
Hidemi Sugino is one of the most popular as well as the finest patisserie in Tokyo as claimed by a lot of people. The small patisserie’s located somewhere in the alley of Ginza, I honestly didn’t expect Hidemi Sugino to be that isolated and small, but it’s still accessible by Google maps. It opens at 11 AM but the queue started to get very long at least 30 minutes before the opening hour so you really gotta come early, not to mention their cakes could easily sold out one hour from the opening hour. I know right, insane.

Hidemi Sugino is one of the patisseries that won’t allow photo taking being done inside their store, but you know me *evil smile*. I highly recommend their Ambroise (760 yen), ultra smooth pretty chocolate mousse cake (glacage au chocolat) wrapping the four layer cake: biscuit joconde au chocolat (base), mousse au chocolat noir, framboise pepins, biscuit au pistaches & mousse ala pistache, in a way, the multiple character and quality of petit gateau. Beautiful balance of flavor, texture and basically everything, and also their Bresilienne (650 yen) if you love the beautiful blend of coffee and caramel in a cake.

Laduree
銀座4丁目-6-16, 銀座三越 2F, 銀座三越 Chuo, Tokyo 104-8212, Jepang
+81 3-3563-2120
Opening hours: 11 AM - 8 PM
WEBSITE
Worldwide famous French patisserie, Laduree, also expand its existence by opening its flagship store in Ginza Mitsukoshi in Tokyo. I love their particular outlet in Ginza, especially when you’re lucky enough to get the window seating as you can see people crossing the road it’s like the mini version of Shibuya crossing. The outlet was also designed beautifully, parisian like with their signature pastel color and good access to the daylight. If you think their macarons are mainstream enough, I highly recommend their Fraise Laduree (1123 yen), the strawberry shaped cake with strawberry cream mousse, coconut flavored dacquise biscuit and some other glorious ingredients! Stay tuned as I’ll write the full review soon.


Sadaharu Aoki
WEBSITE


Sadaharu Aoki is another established Japanese pastry chef and already a household name in his origin country. Starting his career in France, the pastries are very influenced by the French pastries like croissants, macarons, and all that infused with the Japanese flavors. They also don’t allow photography taken inside the outlet, but as long as you take away, you’re fine. They are highly famous for their green tea croissant, assorted macarons (they have the genmatcha, yuzu and sesame flavor that you have to try), strawberry cakes & eclairs. The filling of the eclair was just fantastic, it's probably one of the yummiest I've had too! In Japan, they currently have four outlets (island and official flagship) located in Shibuya-Hikarie ShinQs, Shinjuku Isetan, Tokyo Midtown, and Maronouchi!
Pierre Herme
When it comes to macarons, one of the most frequently asked questions is: are you team Laduree or team Pierre Herme? Well for me, I think I am stuck in between. I really like the texture of Laduree macarons, but as for the filling, Pierre Herme won me over, but really, both are awesome. One of the best pastries I’ve had on the Japan trip was Pierre Herme’s 2000 layers Mille Feuille. It was hands down, perfection! Crispy flaky pastry layered with rich creamy hazelnut custard filling, it’s a total must try! As they have several outlets in Tokyo, you should check their website for the complete address, but I went to the one in Shibuya Hikarie ShinQs.
Viron
33-8 Udagawa-cho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
03 - 5458 - 1770
Opening hours: 9 AM - 10:30 PM
Boulangerie Patisserie Viron, or simply known as Viron is a beautiful patisserie & brasserie located in Shibuya. While you can enjoy their beautiful breads & cakes on the first level, the second level is functioned as brasserie.
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