“The UK has a longstanding love affair with chocolate, and you’ll find some of the finest desserts and chocolatiers represented in London,” Singaporean chef Janice Wong declares. And the 39-year-old – who has gained the coveted title of “Pastry Chef of the Year” on the World Gourmet Summit Awards not as soon as, however thrice – is completely spot on. From divine truffles at Paul A Young and dainty eclairs at Maitre Choux to decadent cups of sizzling chocolate at Dark Sugars, there’s actually no scarcity of locations within the English capital to fulfill your candy tooth.
This is exactly why Wong determined to arrange store in London in October 2022 – within the iconic Selfridges division retailer on Oxford Street, no much less. In the sprawling confectionery corridor on the advanced’s decrease floor flooring, guests will discover retail stands by artisanal chocolatiers from around the globe – together with Wong’s eponymous line, which is the primary Singaporean confectionery model to hitch the Selfridges household. “When you think of shopping in London, you think of Oxford Street. And when you think of Oxford Street, you think first of Selfridges. Where else would we want to start?” she quips.
At Janice Wong London, buyers can take their decide from a vibrant array of bean-to-bar chocolate slabs and handcrafted bon bons (from £15 to £66) infused with inventive Asian-inspired flavours, similar to Coffee Kopi, Gula Melaka Pandan, Laksa Leaf Lemongrass and – Wong’s favorite – Kaffir Lime Caramel. “We want to showcase our local flavours since they reflect our heritage and represent us on a global scale,” Wong shares. “We keep everything authentic by sourcing local herbs and spices for our products, which is what I’ve been doing for the past few years.”
Starting from November 2022, Wong’s confectionery will even be obtainable to buy at The National Gallery in London, the place they are going to come clad in limited-edition, art-themed packaging – a nod to her penchant for combining meals and design. Looking additional forward, she hopes to deliver her distinctive wares to different places throughout the UK and Europe. “Launching in London is a big step forward for our brand, opening us up to more consumers and markets in the near future,” she shares. “We want to keep telling stories, talking about our heritage, and getting people excited about the future of design meets art meets dessert.” We requested Janice Wong to share her prime three dessert spots in London.
1. Arôme Bakery, Covent Garden
Known for his or her croissants, ache au chocolat and the signature Honey Butter Toast, Arôme Bakery was co-founded by French-born pâtissier Alix André and Singaporean restaurateur Ellen Chew. “I keep coming back for its baked goods, which are made with high-quality ingredients and are well-balanced. I really like the egg tart as it reminds me of home, as well as the delicate and well-made honey toast.”
2. Café Kitsuné at Pantechnicon, Belgravia
“What I love about Cafe Kitsuné, which serves delectable Nordic and Japanese pastries, is that it combines a unique offering with a good location [in the heart of central London]. The double-baked matcha croissant and caramel miso rice pudding brioche are two of my favourites.” And, as its title would counsel, the café was conceived by the eponymous Japanese-French document label based by Masaya Kuroki and Gildas Loaëc.
3. Buns From Home, Notting Hill
“I go to this simple takeaway bakery near Portobello Market for its classic cardamom buns and pistachio buns. They’re just simply delicious!” Buns From Home can also be identified for his or her generously sized flaky cinnamon buns.