Châteraisé Premium - Yatsudoki (Millenia Walk)

Chateraise should be a brand that most Singaporeans would not be unfamiliar with — having only started operations here just a couple of years ago, they have since opened many outlets at various shopping malls retailing their Japanese confections; from cakes to cream puffs, and even ice-cream, what makes Chateraise always a good option is the convenience, quality of food and the affordable price point. The brand had first introduced their premium concept Chateraise PREMIUM YATSUDOKI last year with the opening of their very first Chateraise PREMIUM YATSUDOKI in Guoco Tower at Tanjong Pagar; they have since opened the second outlet at Millenia Walk, taking over the former premises of Toast Box that is located next to the Huggs Coffee near Pullman Bakery, as well as the entrance/exit of Promenade MRT Station. Whilst the Chateraise PREMIUM YATSUDOKI outlet here mostly carries the same items as the one at Guoco Tower (i.e. some items from the usual variety available at Chateraise, as well as some cakes, pastries and even a soft-serve that are exclusive to Chateraise PREMIUM YATSUDOKI locations), the major difference between at the Millenia Walk location would be the small dine-in area where patrons can now enjoy the cakes, ice-cream and pastries in air-conditioned comfort — this would mean that the Chateraise PREMIUM YATSUDOKI outlet here also serves coffee as well. Comprising of only two high tables meant for two pax each, there is also a standing area with a counter-height table for those who do not mind enjoying their sweets standing up; there are also some al-fresco seating located outside the cafe that caters to groups of four pax.

Not sure if the Hokkaido Red Bean Paste Mochi Pie is a Chateraise PREMIUM YATSUDOKI exclusive considering the lack of mention of YATSUDOKI in its namesake, though it is an item which we have not had previously at any Chateraise PREMIUM YATSUDOKI or Chateraise outlet previously that piqued our interest. Served in the form of hand pie, the Hokkaido Red Bean Paste Mochi Pie does remind us of the various dessert pie offerings that fast food establishments typically would serve up with a bit of difference. Whilst the layered pastry crust on the exterior is all buttery and flaky, what is evidently different about the one here is the sugary crust that gives it some sort of a sweet-savoury combination of flavours. Considering how the pastry is already aptly sweet on its own, the red bean paste within the Hokkaido Red Bean Paste Mochi Pie seemed to bear a heavier emphasis on the earthiness of red bean; the paste is consistently smooth and suitably sticky as well — the thin layer of mochi hidden within the pie provides a chewy texture that didn’t feel too dense nor overwhelming. Overall, a pastry with good balance of flavours and textures.

Chateraise had gained popularity over the years for being well-priced for the quality of food they serve, bringing the masses budget-friendly Japanese patisserie-style cakes and bakes that makes them a really accessible choice considering the number of outlets they have. Chateraise PREMIUM YATSUDOKI is an extension to the Chateraise brand name; one that is able to serve up slightly more upmarket products with prices that match closer to other establishments such as dessert cafes around the island. The addition of a dine-in area for their Chateraise PREMIUM YATSUDOKI’s newest outlet at Millenia Walk is a great addition — something which we felt that was missing from their very first outlet at Guoco Tower considering how there would probably be demand from office folks around the Central Business District looking for a space to sit down over desserts and coffee during tea time or as a post-meal treat after lunch. Considering its location at Millenia Walk, Chateraise PREMIUM YATSUDOKI is a spot that is convenient for a short dessert stop that is away from the shopping crowd — somewhere which we would gladly stop by for a convenient cake and coffee whilst in town!