COCONUTS HOT SPOT — The idea of a patisserie specializing in vegetable-based desserts is unique enough to make people stand-up and take notice, but does it actually work at turning veggies into delicious desserts? Coconuts went to find out.
A new Japanese dessert franchise, Patisserie Potager, has landed in Bangkok on Thonglor soi 5 after its popularity in Japan. While trying to keep its magic by using original dessert recipes, the Bangkok branch has also incorporated Thai vegetables — ivy gourd and yardlong bean.
Ivy gourd soup, sure. But does it taste as good when baked in a cake?
The menu has a decent list of desserts with cute little doodles above each choice. Of course, I had to try the Green Shortcake (THB165), which is blended with ivy gourd and has slices of tomato between the layers. It looks as if it’s made of matcha and filled with slices of strawberries. At first bite, I must say they did a great job at blending the greens into the cake. Honestly, I wouldn’t even know there were vegetables in my cake if nobody had told me.
The Green Shortcake tasted sweet with no hint of the ivy gourd, but when I reached the tomato layer, the reality hit me that I was chewing vegetables and vanilla cake.
Yardlong Bean Cake
I then tried the Yardlong Bean Cake (THB165), although knowing there are beans in it spoiled my appetite. Thankfully, the matcha layer in the middle of the cake helped to soften the pungent aroma and flavour of the beans, leaving only its chewy texture in my mouth.
If you’re not keen on the idea of having ivy or beans in your cake, the Burdock Chocolate Cake (THB190) and Red Capsicum Cheesecake (THB165) are recommended by the baker, who claims they are popular choices among foodies.
Zucchini, Mint, Coconut Milk Smoothie
For the drinks, a wide range of tea, coffee and some smoothies are offered. All the teas are organic whether Twinings or Higher Living — which are perfect to wash away the sweetness of the desserts.
But I didn’t want to play too safe with all the branded tea or fresh coffee, so I ended up with the unusual Zucchini, Mint, Coconut Milk Smoothie (THB135).
I was told that all smoothies are sugar-free. At first, the smoothie transported me to a tropical island with notes of coconut and banana. However, the addition of zucchini and mint left a horrible aftertaste on my palate. I’m giving this smoothie a score of 7 out of 10.
Bitter Melon Mousse. Photo: Patisserie Potager
After two cakes and a smoothie, we neither have enough room nor courage to try the Bitter Melon Mousse (THB145), though they say it’s not actually that bitter.
Before we left Patisserie Potager, the baker told us that more dishes will be added to the menu in the near future.
Still wondering why you should visit? My final thought is that Patisserie Potager has differentiated itself from Bangkok’s mainstream dessert cafes with its creative-meet-healthy sweet recipes and glasshouse-like décor. It’s basically a new place for you, foodies and those who are in the neighbourhood to check out.
And if you loathe eating vegetables (or know someone who does), this is one smart way to trick yourself into eating greens. It’s also a lovely place for health conscious couples to enjoy a date in a cute, photogenic setting.
FIND IT:
Hours: 10:30am – 8:30pm
Thong Lor soi 5
BTS Thong Lor
Reader Interactions