Differences Between a Boulangerie and Pâtisserie in Singapore?

France is famed for its decadent and luxurious pastries. From flaky, buttery croissants to sweet and indulgent desserts, the French have turned baking into a creative art form. French pastries are unique because they tend to distinguish themselves from other pastry types by including layers of pastry cream, mousse, whipped cream, ganache, meringue, and more. As such, it’s hard to deny that there’s something about French pastries that keeps you coming back for more. These delicious creations may cause you to whip up a tartine for breakfast or maybe even crave for some macarons for dessert.

You don’t have to fly to Paris to taste authentic French pastries. Head to any boulangerie or pâtisserie in Singapore, and you’re sure to find your favourite French desserts and french-inspired breads. But of all the choices that are easily accessible, you might be wondering about the difference between a boulangerie and a pâtisserie. It’s time to learn these French jargon and discover their differences.

What is a Boulangerie?

Bread is a staple in every French meal, which is why a boulangerie is essential to French life. Boulangerie is a French bakery that’s primarily focused on making bread. A Boulanger, also known as the bread baker, is skilled at working with rising dough. For an establishment to be called a boulangerie, its bread must be made from scratch and baked in-house. Although boulangeries may also sell pastries, their main products are popular sweet and savoury French breads. Some of these include baguettes, brioche, ficelle, pain complet, pain de campagne, and fougasse.

What is a Pâtisserie?

Pâtisserie refers to the French baked goods and the shop where they are produced and sold. A Pâtissier, also referred to as a pastry chef, works with mostly cold ingredients such as puff pastry, butter, and more. They are highly skilled and are trained to create authentic pastries like they are works of art. Pâtisseries sell a variety of French baked delicacies including macarons, éclairs, millefeuille, tarts, croquembouche, madeleines, and more.

Popular French Pastries Typically Sold in Pâtisseries

What makes French pastries unique? These delicate and elegant desserts have a flaky texture because of the amount of butter used. Layered pastries are delectable but require a skilled pâtissier to create them. The rich, creamy, and mouth-watering taste of each pastry makes them famous and widely imitated all over the world. If you want to have a taste of France, try these most popular French pâtisseries that are able to capture the palates of dessert connoisseurs in Singapore.

1. Tarts

Tarts are French pastries made from a pastry base and a savory or sweet filling. Unlike a traditional pie, tarts have an open top. These days, it is common to find tarts that are filled with a sweet filling and topped with fresh fruits. Other tart varieties include meringue tart, treacle tart, tarte tatin, and quiche. French pâtisseries in Singapore usually serve their own unique tart creations to cater to a local palate much like the Orh Blanc Tart from Pâtisserie CLÉ. Inspired by Singapore’s popular dessert, the Teo Chew Orh Nee, this tart is a delicious homage to a local favourite with its creamy yam orh nee, delicate vanilla chantilly cream, and sweet candied gingko nuts.

2. Cakes

French cakes are light, soft, and buttery. They are often layered with cream, custard, or ganache. Fruits are sometimes used to add more flavour and serve as a type of décor. French cakes are as delectable as they appear, with each luscious bite sure to tickle your taste buds. The perfect alternative to the traditional cakes some are used to,  French cake varieties include the Charlotte, Fraisier, and Petit Fours, amongst others.

Have a taste of France while you're at home in Singapore. Reminiscent of the Frasier, Pâtisserie CLÉ’s Pink Lady is a beautiful cake made from a delicate rose sponge and topped with fresh raspberries, strawberries, and vodka-soaked lychees. This cake is packed with a punch despite its elegant look. The softness of the sponge goes perfectly well with the tart flavours of the fresh strawberries and raspberries, while the lychees take this cake to a whole new level.

3. Choux à la crèmè

Choux à la crèmè, also known as cream puffs, are a gift from the heavens. These sweet puffs are made from choux pastry or pâte à choux and are filled with custard, pastry cream, whipped cream, or even ice cream. These glorious bites can be eaten plain or can be served with generous drizzles of caramel sauce or chocolate ganache on top.

4. Macarons

Macarons are confections made from almond flour, icing sugar, and egg white (similar to a meringue). Food coloring is added to create colourful and flavourful little cookies. These delicate cookies have a crisp interior and are sandwiched between a buttercream, ganache, or jam filling. These flavourful dainty cookies have a hint of almond and have a slight crunch and chewy texture with each bite.

5. Croissants

A croissant is a laminated viennoiserie with a flaky texture. It’s made from puff pastry and other ingredients such as milk, cream, sugar, and eggs. It’s typically consumed during breakfast or as a snack with butter or jam. Croissant dough can be used to create different other varieties of viennoiserie including pain au chocolat, pain au raisin, aux amandes, and others. Pâtisserie CLÉ’s Indulgent Box includes sweet and savoury croissants in unique and delicious flavours.

Enjoy Your Favourite Pastries with Pâtisserie CLÉ

Knowing the difference between a boulangerie and pâtisserie makes it easy to find the exact kind of pastry you're looking for. Head to any pâtisserie in Singapore if you’re in the mood for tarts, cakes, macarons, and other sweet pastries. However, if you’re craving bread or viennoiserie, head to the nearest boulangerie.

Pâtisserie CLÉ is a French pâtisserie in Singapore that creates French pastries with a hint of home. Our menu includes tarts and cakes for when you fancy something sweet. Our croissants are also available for when you want a light snack or a quick meal - perfect with a cup of coffee or tea.

If you prefer a bit of everything, try our Tea Party Set. It includes some of our delectable French pastry creations such as our chocolate tart, raspberry tart, strawberry shortcake, and more. Share your love for French pastries and send a sweet gift to your friends and family. Simply drop us a message for your orders and enquiries.