On my last trip to Singapore I stumbled upon Paul, nestled strategically in Ngee Ann City. What started as a humble family-run bakery in Croix, France in 1889 has expanded to become an internationally renowned French bakery restaurant with more than 450 stores that can be found in over 20 countries.

No thanks to the fact that it was public holiday, I had to wait for quite some time to get a table. As soon as I was escorted to my table, I was already famished to the point that even the most ordinary food would taste great. Glancing through their menu, everything seemed so mouth-watering, from their hot food to their cakes.

I started my lunch with something savoury; the Piece de Beoeuf, which is a beef sirloin accompanied with salad, sauteed potatoes and shallots. The beef was very tender, but overall, the dish lacks the wow factor.

I decided to give Paul another chance by ordering what it is famous for; the breads and pastries. To avoid another disappointing order, I went with the waiter’s recommendation, the Millefeuille Fraises, which is supposedly the best selling item in the restaurant. Basically, it is a Napoleon cake with strawberries/mango slices and creme patissiere filling.

I finally understood the magic that kept the bakery going for more than a century. I was deceived by the Millefeuille’s sweet appearance. It turns out the combination of the fruit slices, cream and pastries created a perfect balance of sour and sweetness. The layers of pastries were also delightfully crispy and kept me wanting more.

I also ordered the Moelleux Citron Framboise, which is a lemon and raspberries sponge cake. It was more hit than miss but was nothing compared to Paul’s Millefeuille.

At this point I was feeling a little bit greedy. I continued with the traditional Eclair Chocolat, a pastry that looks deceivingly simple to make but hard to execute excellently. Paul continued to impress. The Eclair’s filling has the right level of sweetness and the pastry texture was light and airy.

A friend of mine also ordered Paul’s Eclair filled with raspberries and whip cream which also made into my must-order list the next time I visit Paul. Highly recommended to raspberry fans out there.

To end my gluttony, I ordered the Tartelette Citron, which is a lemon cream pie. I have always been in love with lemon tarts but had trouble finding one comparable to the amazing one I had in Bourke Street Bakery, Sydney.

I am happy to say that this particular one is as close as it can get. The filling is refreshingly tangy but not overly sour, delightfully contrasted by its sweet base.

Overall, Paul’s pastries saved the day. I admit I went slightly over-the-top with my dessert orders.

Good news for my fellow Indonesian foodies, Paul’s first flagship store in Indonesia will be opened in Galeries Lafayette, Pacific Place. I will definitely drop-by for a little taste of France.

Food: |***  |           Ambience: |***  |         Price: |$$   |

Opening Hours: Mon-Sun (09.00am – 09.30pm)

Location: 391 Orchard Road, Takashimaya Shopping Centre #03-16/17, Singapore

Phone: +65 6836 5932

Posted by FidoDido