Talked about Paris Baguette recently, but I’ve now finally checked it out for real. Had to, as it seems like the hottest place in town at the moment. I’m always curious about new places. Although you can probably only truly tell how popular the place is once the initial euphoria dies down. It was packed during lunch hour and there were a large number of pretty female Korean patrons. Not surprising if the place has been popular in Korea for a quarter of a century.
It’s at Wisma Atria at Level 2 (replacing the Taiwanese restaurant, Din Tai Fung, which I’m not that fond of, and can’t understand why everyone seems to be, – but that’s now at Level 4 within the Food Republic.)
Previously I just walked by and browsed the menu, shocked that the price of the tea is similar to TWG which seems much fancier. Now that I’ve actually tried the tea I think TWG tea is much superior. Even though here at Wisma the staff readily filled out pot with more hot water when we asked (but somehow the tea became too dilute by then). TWG doesn’t allow additional hot water because they prepare the tea to perfection and remove the leaves so that they are not left to steep for too long and get bitter.
The coffee is just slightly better than what I get at Starbucks. The flat white I had needed sugar as it was a bit bitter. Somehow better coffee don’t have that bitterness or acidity and doesn’t require sugar (I’m thinking of the lovely coffee at the indie place Forty Hands). The coffee art was very pretty though. Good job, whomever behind the counter did that.
The cakes and pastries were all so pretty, but they left me wanting more. Very light and airy though so I guess that’s a plus and it’s no wonder I saw a predominance of ladies at the cafe.
The sandwiches were enticing as they reminded me of finger sandwiches you get at high tea. But sandwiches filled with a generous dose of mayo and which use white bread, leave me feeling famished even after I’ve had a few. I find the bread too soft and processed. In this way it seems to differ from the bread at other Parisian Cafes which truly originate from France.
I prefer hard bread that’s chewy. The kind that makes me feel more satisfied and for that I prefer Maison Kayser. The cafe au lait there is superior to what I had here and at a similar price. I truly wish there was table service here. It was hard to even find a menu myself but I saw one at the counter and was shocked that the brunch items like pancakes were about S$17 a set. The bill at the end of our meal semmed exhorbitant still even though we didn’t order any of the brunch items but stuck with the ala carte ones we picked from the counter.
Drinks:
Cafe Latte: S$6 (OK I guess)
Anastasia Tea: S$11 (TWG is better value)
Sandwiches:
Chicken Avacado & Tuna: S$8.50
Mini Croissant: S$7.00
Egg Brioche Sandwich: S$7.60
Cakes & Pastries:
Berry Berry Buttons (pastry): S$3.50
A teaspoon of sweet (lemon tart): S$7.00
With tax the total bill came to S$50.50 (about S$25 each) and for this amount I’d rather have high tea at a tea salon. Truly though, I’d rather not pay this much for brunch or lunch. I could have a much satisfying brunch at Maison Kayser or Tiong Bahru Bakery. And I need to revisit 40 Hands for the unbeatable iced latte. Even Dean & Delucca seems to be better value for money.
I must say that as you walk by the counter you want to pick everything – that is, before you realize how hefty the bill is going to be. These custard buns seem ok at S$2.20 though. So I guess some items are not as expensive.
The mostly Korean staff were very polite and welcoming. Service wise, full points, but I really do wish there was table service like at Maison Kayser and you only need to queue if you want to buy items for take away. Perhaps they will once they hire more staff?
If I do come again I will only sit down if I can get one of the cushy grey arm chairs. It’s not worthwhile to sit on the regular hard chairs knowing you have to pay through your nose.
I also find the cafe too open and not cosy. Don’t like being gawked at by people walking by. At least have planters around the place or something?
Only a non-parisan cafe would use the word Paris in it’s name, just like something like Singapore noodles in the US (which you can’t find in Singapore at all). I guess that’s an unfair comparison as curry powder fried noodles is an abomination and insult to Singapore cuisine, but it was the closest thing that came to mind. Also you don’t see Paul or Maison Kayser or Tiong Bahru Bakery use the any symbols of Paris in their logo. Yes I know, I’m nit picking, but if I don’t it’s not use blogging about food. I blog to discover the best out there for myself and my family. That’s why I include all these food posts in a personal blog.
It’s nice to see everything being freshly prepared. So clean and lab like too.
A pamphlet about the opening with some information about the cafe chain.
