Flan pâtissier is a traditional French sweet experiencing a revival in its homeland – and one now tipped to become the latest in Japan’s never-ending succession of food trends. The growing Japanese popularity of this custard tart-like confection is said to be partly thanks to a pop-up specialist, Paquet Monté, that appeared last year at Shinjuku’s Isetan department store. Paquet Monté has now opened its eagerly awaited debut store in quietly hip Yoyogi-Hachiman.
A sense of luxury pervades this renovated two-storey residence, despite the relative affordability of the treats on offer. The second floor features a private space (¥3,000 per 90 mins for two to three people; reservation required), while Paquet Monté’s terrace is a good spot for people-watching. Another option is to enjoy a take-out treat in nearby Yoyogi Park.
The time-honoured method of creating flan pâtissier involves pouring a custard-like flan liquid (a simple blend of fresh eggs, salt and butter) into a pie dough and the baked. It is the latter element to which Paquet Monté adds something truly special: chef pâtissier Tamami Honda worked to create a special multi-layered tubular pie dough that the store claims is the first of its kind to be seen in Japan.
Choices for the flan filling include classic vanilla (¥900) plus a selection that changes each month: recent offerings have ranged from a yuzu and strawberry combination to chocolate supplied by the nearby Minimal. We advise heading to what is Tokyo’s first flan pâtissier specialist before the trend truly blows up and the inevitable queues appear.
Text by Darren Gore