Mr Sadaharu Aoki from Japan first opened his first patisserie in France. For a Japanese Pastry Chef he didn’t seem at all putting up a direct challenge with the local Frenchies. He is doing very well actually, on an earlier visit to his Paris store, I swore he made the best macarons in Paris during that trip beating even Laduree. But on yet another visit it was still good and may be still making into the Top 3, but just. The determining factor was going to be the other offerings.
You know how many think Macarons are artificially colored and fake? -
I often think of Macaron Gerbets as candies, you don’t need it but it is like a childhood treat. A lot of the Sadaharu Aoki stuff are so colorful as well and made to impress you visually.. I really enjoyed the eye-candy part, but fingers crossed it will also deliver in the taste equation.
Earl Grey to Start -
It was decent but not overly oily.
Matcha Green Tea Éclair -
Even in Paris, many know this is meant to be one of the best eclairs. The choux pastry texture wasn’t as decent as Jacques Genins, but wasn’t far off and the Green Tea flavour was accurate! Choux-wise it was better than my Fauchon experience, which were also colorfully presented. And it was fresher also than my Patisserie des Reves experience in Paris. ~ 9/10
Ispahan Inspired Macaron Dessert -
It was definitely an interpretation of the Pierre Herme and Laduree version. The shell was good if not a bit chewy this time. It also didn’t seem to have lychee in it. Absolutely no need to order this. ~ 7/10
Macarons -
Matcha Green Tea, Pistachio and Raspberry.
The texture this day was a little too dense. A lot of other shops have different problems of being either too hard or too sugary-syrupy. The filling flavours here are still good enough. ~ 7/10
Mini Croissant -
Ever since my last visit and looking back at the pics, I lament the fact that I didn’t order these, even if I have tried the Tokyo stores but can’t remember much. This was very very buttery, something u take for granted. The texture is crispy on the outside but still too soft inside, it wasn’t the best croisant I ate in France or even Europe. But compared to Hong Kong context, this would come out on top easily bar Robuchon Macau. ~ 8/10
Cassis Chocolat -
With an almonds chocolate biscuit, cassis blackcurrant and white chocolate cream, and feuilletine praline. This was enjoyable because the amount of cassis fruity flavour was good. I think this wasn’t so interesting as a tray cake but it tasted alright enough! ~ 7/10
Earl Grey, Hojicha Tea, and Ume Plum with Black Sesame -
The Plum/Apricot version was the best out of the lot here but sadly no longer available after the Japanese earthquake last year. The young apricots/plums are sourced from that region normally, but Chef Aoki decided to wait and see… The other tea flavoured macarons were exotic and so Japanese! They were simply great if they can be less dense ~ 8/10
Zen – Pate Sucre Sesame, Matcha Macaron, Matcha Dacquoise,
Sesame cream, White Chocolate and Cognac -
Interesting combo of flavours but it was another tray cake. This was very sesame in taste. You will either like it or not like it depending on how much you’re into sesame. I thought this was decent. ~ 7/10
Green Tea -
Nicely brewed.
Apple Tea -
This is a signature tea by Sadaharu Aoki. It has a pretty strong dried Apples flavour over 2 tries and balanced with the tea leaves. I miss this tea so much! ~ 10/10
Pastries here look Neat -
I admire both taste and presentation. Here, I thought it looked very clean and neat, and the flavour was nearly as good as the next best Parisian pastry shop.
Aoki nearer Night Time -
Aoki closer to day!
Price: €20
Ease of Access: 3/5 (Near Segur Station but on a Hidden Side Street)
Food: ♕♕♕♕♕
Opening Hours -
Tues-Sat 10:00am - 19:00pm
Sun 10:00am - 18:00pm
Mon - Holiday
Address: 25 Rue Pérignon, 75015 Paris, France
Ph: 01 45 35 36 80
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