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2013-05-23
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For full review and photos: http://gninethree.com/2013/04/15/laduree-renowned-parisian-patisserie-chain-opens-in-singaporeA mere 5 days after Hong Kong’s Michelin Star Dim Sum Restaurant- Tim Ho Wan opens its first international outlet in Singapore, world-renowned Parisian Patisserie Chain- Ladurée has followed suit by opening two outlets in Takashimaya Shopping Centre.Fans of their macarons can choose to either take the express route via the counter on level 1 or immerse themselves in the more
A mere 5 days after Hong Kong’s Michelin Star Dim Sum Restaurant- Tim Ho Wan opens its first international outlet in Singapore, world-renowned Parisian Patisserie Chain- Ladurée has followed suit by opening two outlets in Takashimaya Shopping Centre.Fans of their macarons can choose to either take the express route via the counter on level 1 or immerse themselves in the more chi-chi boutique on the second floor which carries a wider range of Ladurée products, namely their macarons, jams, chocolates and even perfumed candles in beautiful packaging.
While there was a queue outside the Ladurée boutique, it was nowhere as maddening and insane as the one Tim Ho Wan had on its grand opening. Perhaps a large contributing factor was due to the fact that there was no sitting area and everyone was simply there to do a takeaway.
I for one could not resist joining the queue and it was my turn in no less than 10 minutes (the wait can be up to 20 min during peak hour!). The macarons are sold at $3.80 apiece and any purchase less then 8 will be put into a paper bag, which implies that you have to spend at least $30.40 here to have your macarons packed in a box. Various different designed gift boxes are also available at an extra cost if you do not want the regular standard long boxes. If you feel like splurging and particularly indulgent, there are gold-speckled chocolate macarons going for $7.60 apiece.
There were about 18 flavours available and these were the 8 I chose- Salted Caramel, Rose Petal, Vanilla, Pistachio, Marie-Antoinette Tea, Praline, Chestnut and Chocolate Yuzu. Others include Strawberry Marshmallow, Chocolate Coconut Marshmallow, Lemon, Raspberry and Red Fruits.I would definitely recommend getting the Strawberry Marshmallow, Marie-Antoinette Tea, Pistachio and Rose Petal!
Texture wise, the shells were crisp on the outside and a little chewy soft inside with just the right amount of filling that was not cloyingly sweet. Most will usually compare them with Pierre Hermé's but I personally refuse to pick a side as both were aesthetically pleasing and satisfied my sweet tooth cravings. And while the exorbitant price tag will probably be a deterring factor for some, I hear that these macarons are directly imported from Paris every single day, keeping the authenticity factor intact.
Hopefully in the near future, Ladurée will decide to open a cafe concept for high-tea here in Singapore and bring in their specialty pastries as well!
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