It's great to indulge in desserts now and then... but having such an outlet right in front of your doorstep can be devastating! This is the first branch of what could become a new patisserie chain. They have certainly opened in the right spot. Katong is a vibrant area, with lots of new creative food retail shops opening up around the area. In terms of desserts, I can mention Gobi, Obolo and Awfully Chocolate and they have all succeeded in Katong. Indulgence is designed for take-aways, although there are a couple of seats for those who can't wait and have the urge to tuck into their dessert asap. They are located right in front of the check-out of Cold Storage in Katong Mall, and they are open until late (22:00).
Indulgence proposes a distinctly different style of desserts as compared to its neighbour competitors. Their chef was trained in France, and he produces a good range of classic French desserts. The initial impact is not as convincing of their closest rival, Canele'. However, once you will try some of their deserts, you won't regret of having indulged.
Apparently the most popular choice, the profiteroles ($1.50 each) are filled with a choice of custard or nougat cream. In my opinion, these should be eaten on the first day that they are delivered from their kitchens (deliveries happen on Sundays, Wednesdays and Fridays), otherwise they tend to dry up a bit.
I find their chocolate pavlova particularly exceptional. I love the way the meringue is internally layered with Valrhona chocolate, topped by a creamy contrast of milk chocolate and nougat mousse. A crunchy "chocolate caviar" tops the creation, adding an extra layer of texture.
It's not actually that easy to find a good Creme Brulee, even when you try it at some French Restaurants. Sometimes it's too 'eggy', sometimes too creamy, rich or soggy. Their vanilla creme brulee has the right balance of creaminess, sponginess and consistency, without feeling too heavy towards the end. They caramelise the top as you order, although they recommend that you should have it within a maximum of 2-3 hours since it's been caramelized in order to enjoy the crispy caramel topping. They also have different flavours besides the original vanilla, including Earl Grey, chocolate, coffee and cinnamon.
My second favourite is their version of tiramisu. It might be the Italian in me, but I can say that although this is not actually a tiramisu (it's a patisserie version, inspired to the original dessert), it's an extremely tempting variation. Like the original dessert, their tiramisu, exposes different layers of textures and flavours, keeping your interest throughout the eating experience!
Finally, I tried some of their pannacotta's, topped with fruit coulis. This has never been my favourite dessert in the first place, although I believe that they do it well. Maybe I am just not too keen on the traditional sweet/sour coulis topping , and I am waiting to see the launch of a more innovative pannacotta in Singapore.
I am extremely delighted to see new businesses such as this opening in Katong, especially when they are genuinely offering authentic, quality, adequately priced products as Indulgence does. They are still working on some new creations, so keep an eye on this space and pay them a visit!
Website: http://www.indulgence.sg/
7 comments:
Katong is always filled with good food... I wonder if I were to blog about the cakes from the East, how long will I take...
Hmm... comparing with Canele... can't wait to lay my hands on their chocolate creations then...
Fen, I wouldn't say it's the same as Canele', but it's certainly filling a gap in Katong, and it's filling it well.
Their Valrhona chocolate cake is good indeed, although it's too be for me on my own, go with someone, and share with them!
the desserts look really good, and i really wanna try the pavlova!
i'm not a fan of sweet sour coulis on panna cotta too and i think the 'vanilla cream cheese panna cotta with coffee gelee' in the crave dessert book by the obolo people is something different :D
I have never noticed that at Obolo, but it sounds so appetising I will definitely give it a try!!
oh they're not selling it at the shop. what i meant was, i have the book written by them, there are 60 cheese dessert recipes inside, and the vanilla cream cheese panna cotta with coffee gelee is one of them. i tried out the recipe and really liked it :D
Hey, I'm glad you like some of their stuff. I love the creme brulee! I must try that chocolate pavlova too! Looks and sounds yum!
I didn't know there was an Obolo book of recipes. I think I will get hold of that!
My favourite pannacotta was one served at a 1 Michelin star Chinese restaurant in London, called Hakkasan. It was designed by an Italian chef who also happens to be a friend of mine. It was a Shezuan pepper pannacotta. Quite special and delicate. I never tried making it myself, but I might, one of these days...
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