Get transported to Japan at AMI Patisserie, the brand's first physical concept housed in a Kyoto-style wooden townhouse at 27 Scotts Road. Helmed by Chef Makoto Arami, AMI Patisserie first gained popularity online with its European-style pastries and desserts made with premium Japanese produce.
First, an introduction to Chef Makoto Arami, who hails from Hikone in Japan's Shiga Prefecture. His family ran a business in wagashi (traditional Japanese confection) as far back as 1935, and his father later evolved the business to serve yogashi (crafted Western-style desserts made with Japanese ingredients). Having been involved in the business from a young age, Makoto has trained at prestigious culinary schools like Tsuji Culinary Institute in Tokyo and Dominique Ansel Bakery in New York, interspersed with roles at Michelin-starred restaurants like Beige Alain Ducasse in Ginza, Restaurant Ryuzu in Tokyo, and Beni in Singapore.
AMI Patisserie is Makoto's first solo venture, starting out as an online business during the pandemic lockdown days. At the new patisserie café, his years of craft and creativity come to the fore in a wide selection of a la carte sweets, savouries, and viennoiseries, as well as a six-course Chef's Table Discovery Experience ($118 per person) in the intimate Tsudoi Dining Room.
Must-tries are the beloved choux pastries (from $11), which come in flavours like classic Tahitian vanilla, uji matcha kinako, and berries pistachio. In characteristic attention to quality and detail, Makoto uses Hokkaido flour (which has higher gluten content) to ensure that these delicate pastries hold the fillings and toppings. Similarly, AMI Patisserie's seasonal fruit and vegetable tarts swap out the usual tart base with layers of filo pastry brushed with honey and butter – all the better to withstand Singapore's humidity. Other ala carte items include parfaits (with premium Japanese fruits like Amaou strawberries and Shizuoka melons) and savoury croissants.
Don't be surprised to find vegetables as the star in AMI Patisserie's pastries too. You can try some of these in the Chef's Table Discovery Experience, which includes a tomato tartlette on a crispy bed made of 24-months aged parmesan cheese and the Nasu Brulee, featuring eggplant custard with a caramelised sugar crust, topped with seared eggplant and miso ice cream. This curated menu is prepared and presented à la minute, accompanied by warm service and personal attention from Makoto himself.
AMI Patisserie is now open for booking here. If you wish to enjoy these tasteful creations at home, you can also pre-order online for self-collection here.