Cover The best madeleines in Singapore that even Proust would approve of (Photo: Getty Images)
The best madeleines in Singapore that even Proust would approve of (Photo: Getty Images)
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We ask award-winning pastry chefs in Singapore to share their go-to spots for madeleines
In Marcel Proust’s literary masterpiece, a morsel of madeleine dipped in tea unlocked a torrent of involuntary memories. So much so, it gave meaning to “madeleine de Proust”, a popular French saying used to describe a memory triggered by a scent, taste, sound, or an experience. For discerning pastry lovers, the iconic shell-shaped confections, while diminutive yet deceptively complex, should offer not merely sheer satisfaction but also what Proust himself sought.
From butter-saturated classics to trigona honey-infused experiments, these are the best madeleines in Singapore, according to top pastry chefs, whose palates and piping bags we trust implicitly.
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Maison Boulud
Above The classic madeleines dusted with powdered sugar at Maison Boulud (Photo: Instagram/@maisonboulud)
The classic madeleines dusted with powdered sugar at Maison Boulud (Photo: Instagram/@maisonboulud)
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Ong Ai Li, consultant pastry chef of Saint Pierre
“I have loved the madeleines from Maison Boulud for over a decade, since it was originally known as db Bistro. Mandy Pan, Maison Boulud’s pastry chef, delivers that signature thin crunch, ultra fluffy centre, and a burst of tang from the lemon. It is always served warm and is very addictive.”
Brasserie Gavroche
Above The signature madeleine to end every meal at Brasserie Gavroche (Photo: Instagram/@gavrochegroup)
The signature madeleine to end every meal at Brasserie Gavroche (Photo: Instagram/@gavrochegroup)
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Louisa Lim, pastry chef of Odette and winner of the Best Pastry Chef award at Tatler Best Asia 2024
“I prefer to have my madeleines baked fresh and served right out of the oven. The best ones I had were from Brasserie Gavroche, served fresh from the oven (and complimentary) at the end of the meal.”
Makoto Arami, chef-owner of Ami Patisserie and winner of the Best Pastry Chef award at Tatler Best Singapore 2025
“My favourite madeleine is from Brasserie Gavroche. The sponge-like cake is beautifully moist with an amazing buttery flavour.”
Brasserie Gavroche
Address: 27 Mohamed Sultan Road, S(238971)
Le Pristine Singapore
Above Kelly Cheah recommends Le Pristine for the perfect madeleine (Photo: Le Pristine Singapore)
Kelly Cheah recommends Le Pristine for the perfect madeleine (Photo: Le Pristine Singapore)
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Kelly Cheah, pastry chef of Le Pristine Singapore
“I love the ones we serve at Le Pristine. We make ours with burnt butter and trigona honey from Java, which gives them a distinctive flavour. I recommend enjoying them as soon as they’re served, when they’re still warm.”
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Odette
Above Janice Wong recommends Odette for the perfect madeleine (Photo: Janice Wong)
Janice Wong recommends Odette for the perfect madeleine (Photo: Janice Wong)
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Janice Wong, chef-artist of 2am: Dessert Bar
“The madeleines at Odette are a perfect way to end a meal. Deceptively simple, head pastry chef Louisa Lim showcases the quality of her ingredients by allowing the subtle notes of vanilla and rich butter to shine. The result is a moist, fluffy, and delicate madeleine, contrasted with a crisp crust.”
Délifrance
Above Classic madeleines by Délifrance (Photo: Instagram/@delifrance.sg)
Classic madeleines by Délifrance (Photo: Instagram/@delifrance.sg)
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Soh Hui Shan, head pastry chef of Wakuda Singapore
“An oldie but a goodie. I enjoy old-school and classic flavours, hence I can never go wrong with madeleines from Délifrance. They bring back fond childhood memories, as my grandmother bought them for me every weekend.”
Délifrance
Address: Stores Islandwide
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