This Indonesian patisserie is drawing queues on Paris’ Rue Saint-Honore

On Paris's prestigious Rue Saint-Honoré, a new patisserie named La Petite Manis is drawing crowds with its unique blend of French pastry artistry and Indonesian ingredients. Opened by Indonesian celebrity couple Raffi Ahmad and Nagita Slavina, the establishment aims to prove that Indonesian flavors and craftsmanship can rival the best in what is considered the world's most demanding pastry city. The shop has been selling out by 2 p.m. during peak times, a testament to its growing popularity.

Helmed by Indonesian pastry chef Kevin Krisna Pratama, who trained in France and draws inspiration from his Indonesian roots, La Petite Manis offers familiar viennoiseries and patisseries. However, these classics are elevated with high-quality Indonesian ingredients. For instance, single-origin Sulawesi chocolate is used in their pain au chocolat, and a signature item, the Cinnamon de Java, features Indonesian cinnamon and gula jawa (Javanese palm sugar). This approach allows the Indonesian elements to enhance, rather than overshadow, the traditional French pastries.

The founders deliberately chose Paris as their proving ground, believing that success in such a discerning market would lend credibility to their brand globally. "We didn't want people to come because it was Indonesian," explained Kevin. "We wanted them to come because the pastries were good. The Indonesian ingredients should enhance the pastry, not distract from it." This philosophy guides their strategy of executing classic French pastries to exacting standards while subtly incorporating the distinct flavors of Indonesia, aiming to earn the trust of Parisian customers through quality and taste.

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We didn’t want people to come because it was Indonesian. We wanted them to come because the pastries were good. The Indonesian ingredients should enhance the pastry, not distract from it.