Scarlet ($5.60)
I have a soft spot for desserts. Can’t live a day without my requisite dose of sugar.
My idea of heaven, comprises fluffy clouds made of cotton candy, raindrops made of glimmering honey, pillows injected with luscious whipped cream, bed lined with perky gummy bears, pool filled with molten chocolate, and the list goes on and on, and on. This celestial paradise only exists when I slip into reverie.
For those who used to not believe in the existence of heaven, we now have Ciel Patisserie to thank the stars for –to dismiss existing cynicism, and to revel in heavenly sweet treats.
Ciel Patisserie is a Frenchly piece of heaven smacked in the heartlands of Hougang. Ciel, pronounced as see-el, means ‘sky’ or ‘heaven’ in French. Its appellation is nothing short of befitting; it’s got brilliant creations to justify.
To the delight of French pastries lovers here in Singapore, this humble bakery is the brainchild of two young entrepreneurs, aged 22 and 25. One of which is an incredibly talented young lady who’s graduated with a Diploma in Patisserie at the renowned French Culinary Arts School, Le Cordon Bleu Paris.
Fraiche – Fresh Fruit Tart ($4.60)
Despite being located off the beaten track, Ciel Patisserie’s popularity is on the rise. Patrons come from all parts of Singapore –not just the residents of Hougang that forms its customer base.
Opera (French style Joconde sponge layered with dark chocolate ganache and coffee buttercream, finished with a chocolate glaze; $5.80)
Without any dismay, Ciel Patisserie delivers French pastries that will please discerning palates, and likewise on the wallets without the hefty price tags.
Every morsel I put in my mouth generates jolts of excitement.
Strawberry Shortcake ($5.60)
Strawberry Shortcake. Judging by the cream to cake ratio, I never expected myself to approve of this. (In case you were wondering otherwise, I actually love more cream to accompany my cakes!) After my first bite, my standpoint shifted. I totally approve of this. It is light with no lack of moisture.
Madeleines ($2 for a bag of 3)
Sel (Sea-salted buttery shortbread base, a layer of dark chocolate ganache; $4.80)
What left the deepest impression was Sel. A beautiful accident that occurred in the midst of experimenting in the kitchen, led to the birth of this revelation. As opposed to its simplistic façade, its taste is beyond ordinary. The addition of salt heightens the taste dimension, without vanquishing the integrity of its role as a dessert. This salty dessert comes with surprise, rather than confusion.
Satiné (Satin smooth ream cheese mixture baked atop crunchy biscuit base; $4.80)
Peche – Sweet Peach Tart ($4.60)
Tarts are also worth trying. With crust so crunchy rather than cloying, and cream filling well infused with quality vanilla bean, the question now is, how are you going to stop at one.
Lemon Meringue Tart ($4.20)
Chocolate Almond Tart ($4.20)
Chocolate Caramel Tart ($4.20)
Apart from the fruit tarts, I also fell in love with the Chocolate Caramel Tart. It is possibly everything you could ever ask for in a chocolate tart, and more: dark chocolate ganache is accompanied by sea salt caramel. Ooh la la.
Tiramisu ($3.60)
Fuji ($5.20)
Fuji. It’s not my (sweet tooth’s) ‘cup of tea’, but I appreciate that it spells effort in every aspect –from conceptualisation to execution. Perched on a soft green tea sponge base, there’s an element of surprise in this dessert. Dig deeper beneath the pyramid-shaped green tea mousse, and be rewarded with a complementing lychee gelee.
Bombe (Fresh blueberries, rich chocolate mousse bombe, crispy hazelnut feulletine base; $5.80)
Quiche (ham/caramelised onions/shrooms; 1 filling $3.20, 2 fillings $3.60)
Despite how much I adore desserts, I still like to have a balance of sweet and savoury. The quiche comes in as my knight in shining armour, impeding the occurrence of a sugar high.
Thank you, Chara, for being such a lovely host, accommodating to my insanely huge appetite for all things sweet. Cravings: satisfied.
Ciel Patisserie
Blk 124 Hougang Avenue 1
#01-1444
Singapore 530124
Tel:
Website: http://www.ciel.com.sg/
Facebook page:
Opening hours:
Tues-Thurs: 11am – 8pm
Fri-Sat: 11am – 9pm
Sun: 3pm – 9pm
Closed on Mondays