Pâtisserie CLÉ – a happiness boost

Cakes and pastries are comfort food. There is the theory that sweet and starchy desserts prompt the release of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that can help promote good mood. That is all the excuse we need to visit Pâtisserie CLÉ, a local pâtisserie specialising in French desserts, a place for a happiness boost.

Pâtisserie CLÉ at Paya Lebar

Joy and Germaine, formerly pastry chefs at Les Amis and Joël Robuchon Restaurant, launched Pâtisserie CLÉ in 2018 as an online business. In 2020, they took a physical space in Paya Lebar Office (a repurposed fire station at the junction of Paya Lebar Road and Sims Avenue). Pâtisserie CLÉ Paya Lebar was just for takeaway.

Earlier this year, renovation works were done to turn Pâtisserie CLÉ at Paya Lebar into dine-in concept which would also serve coffee and house-made sodas. Then P2(HA) kicked in. So dining in is not possible and Pâtisserie CLÉ is still only for takeaway only.

Pâtisserie CLÉ Paya Lebar is a compact cafe. There would be only a few small tables for dining-in guests. The interior is simple and stylish with a blush & cream colour palette. The main attractions of the place are the beautiful tarts and entremets on display.

Pâtisserie CLÉ Tarts

We choose 3 of the tarts on display Cognac Caramel Chocolate Tart, Orh Blanc and Bourdaloue Tart ($8 each). We needed to buy 3 tarts so that they would come in a box which would be placed into a nice looking paper bag.

The Cognac Caramel Chocolate Tart was our favourite item. The crust of crisp and buttery. Layered with cognac caramel and dark chocolate ganache, the tart was packed with delightful flavours. Chocoholics and closet alcoholics would love this one.

The Orh Blanc was local Teochew orh nee given a French twist. The tart crust was baked with coconut cream and layered with fresh yam paste, vanilla chantilly and candied gingko nuts. It was not as sweet as the real Teochew orh nee, and probably better from the healthy eating perspective. It was not bad but we would prefer the actual orh nee if we were made to choose between the two.

Tarte Bourdaloue was the classic French almond and pear tart. The pears, poached in a syrup of vanilla & cinnamon, buttery almond cream and crisp tart crust made the tart a splendid combination of flavors and textures. If you have to avoid alcohol, the Bourdaloue Tart should be among the top picks at Pâtisserie CLÉ .

Pastries

We also tried some pastries. The Cinnamon Sticky Bun ($4.80) was a buttery brioche piped with cream cheese and covered with cinnamon glaze. It looked rather plain but it was real comfort food – tasty and satisfying.

The trendy Kouign Amann ($5.50) with its many folded layers looked like a abstract art piece. It was buttery, sweet, salty and simply delicious – like good croissant but denser and sweeter.

Place for happiness boost

This local pâtisserie has a wide variety of interesting tarts in different sizes and a fair range of pastries. It has croissants and cruffins as well as whole cakes. Their coffee is pretty good too. It has an online store and has recently opened a new takeaway only outlet in Lucky Heights.

We think Pâtisserie CLÉ is a pretty safe prescription for anyone who needs a mood lift. A visit to the pâtisserie is more likely than not to boost your happiness.

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Pâtisserie CLÉ Paya Lebar
29 Paya Lebar Road, Paya Lebar Office #01-01
Singapore 409005

Tel: +65 8127 3925

Opening hours: 11.30 am – 5 pm
Closed on Tuesdays

Pâtisserie CLÉ Lucky Heights
79 Lucky Heights, Lucky Court
Singapore 467627

Website

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The Ordinary Patrons | Real Dining Experience of Ordinary People
an independent Singapore food blog