Arisa writes, LUNA, a local patisserie that was born out of a passion for desserts in March 2019, successfully gained its patrons through the most challenging COVID years.
They won fans with consistency of quality ingredients as well as generating constant innovative sweet creations with a local twist in flavours. Located in Amoy Street, LUNA have ventured into the foodie district of Joo Chiat in the East Coast.
A sleek industrial look for this second outlet, a contrast to their first with minimalist interior. The moment I walked in, the raw concrete walls and exposed brickwork caught my attention. Exuding a very casual atmosphere yet the textured stone and marble counter lifted this space with fancy desserts on display. A clever way indeed to shift focus and shine the spotlight on what mattered.
All of LUNA’s classic signatures such as Orh Nee cake, Goma x PB, Matcha Opera and it’s famous LUNA 2.0 can be found here but there’s more to offer at this new outlet. From Savory bakes such as Forest mushroom quiche and Salmon Spinach Pesto quiche, to a new collection of cakes and tarts aptly named “New Frontiers”, created using unconventional ingredients like buckwheat, rhubarb, cassis and tofu.
When a plate of “New Frontiers” was served to the table I must say the look of these sweet creations were breathtaking. They were presented in the most delectable form and shape, lifting my mood instantly, even before I got to taste them!
I started with the humble looking Tofu ($8.50). Unlike the tofu we eat at home, this beautiful creation makes tofu an exciting element in cake which is hard to imagine. The smooth and silky exterior replicates a more refined bean curd look yet the amazing flavours in a cute square blew my mind.
Layers of moist vanilla sponge, vanilla mousse and a charming combination of hazelnut praline and silken tofu in the center, further highlighted by the crunchy toasted buckwheat base! What a success in blending healthy ingredients in sinful treats. Any reason not to have more?
Next was my favourite Rhubarb Strawberry! The velvet sweet strawberry mousses would melt any heart. Filled with tangy rhubarb strawberry compote in the center coupled with a base vanilla tart of fragrant almond fillings. All elements complemented each other so well, not to mention details that went into presentation. From the glossy pink mirror glaze, fluffy desiccated coconut skirting and delicate fuchsia blooms and edible silver foil. Truly too beautiful to eat.
Alongside the Cassis Chocolate, another lovely creation of chocolate sponge layers and crispy white chocolate feuilletine, sandwiched with black current cremeux center. Texture wise it was a mixture of soft cakes and Mille-Feuille, infused with a fruity melody of cassis where the vanilla-infused mascarpone atop gave the rich chocolate a tangy balance.
Frankly speaking, the sophistication and effort involved in these beauties could well be served in fine dining restaurants. For fine desserts at this level, I wouldn’t bother attempting them at home knowing that quality bake Ingredients would cost and arm and a leg. Plus skills involved were way too complicated. Yet these beauties were so well priced at LUNA for $9 a piece. What a steal!
I tried the Caramel Banana Chocolate last as it had rich-flavoured ingredients, just a matter of whether you like it or love it. Apart from these luscious ingredients, what made it stand out for me was the amazing final touch - a glossy transparent jelly with beautiful purple flower petals on top.
Classic signatures and amazing sweet creations at LUNA in the window display are not all. Additional options like vanilla or pistachio madeleine ($2.50 each) and Lemon or Orange pound cake ($7 each) are available if you just want something simple at teatime.
Be aware that “new frontiers” offerings are exclusively at their Joo Chiat outlet so if you are curious, make your way there and I promise you won’t be disappointed. I do hope LUNA will include these delights on their online menu. It would make for easy access to my doorstep!
While Christmas approaches, LUNA also offers 2 holiday Christmas specials which can be ordered online from 5th to 31st December.
From past experience I have found many festive treats to be overly complicated where presentation overrode taste. Hence a big disappointment! But the Triple Chocolate Christmas Tree at LUNA changed my mind. It was certainly one of the rare adorable looking Xmas treats that did not compromise taste.
As amusing as it looked, the Triple Chocolate Christmas Tree sent my palate on a journey starting from almond sponge and crispy fleuilletine base to the luxe bitterness of dark chocolate mousse then a contrast of sweet caramel milk chocolate mousse. Finishing with a mildly tangy yoghurt and cream cheese white chocolate top, proportions of each ingredient were just right. I can see this being a hot favourite with adults and kids.
If you are more of a high tea kind of person who loves indulging in sweet varieties then the Sweet Celebrations Christmas Set may be the perfect choice. Comprising four exquisite pastries including Apricot Pear Bauble, Orange Cherry Pistachio, Hazelnut Paris-Brest and Coffee Chestnut Tart, the design of these pastries are so festive and they taste so good.
Like a Christmas themed high tea delight, at $39 a box, this could be a special treat for yourself or a gift to make someone’s Christmas delightful. A great contribution to a Xmas party for sharing, I am definitely taking some to my next party. I am sure guests will be impressed!
To enjoy these limited festive treats, simply go online and place your order online, for either self-collect at Amoy street or island wide delivery at $7.
Pre-orders are now open for delivery or self-collection (at LUNA Amoy) until 31 December 2022. Order now from luna.sg.
a. 121 Joo Chiat Rd, Singapore 427410
w. luna.sg
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