Here you’ll find the finest patisserie for the festive season (including macarons with Japanese whisky!)
During the festive season, everything can be more luxurious and exclusive. Hotel Okura Amsterdam knows that better than anyone; at the hotel’s pastry pop-up, you can buy the most beautiful sweet treats. And the best news: it’s affordable!
I was already a fan of Okura’s pop-up (oh, that Japanese fruit sando!), but the Christmas shop adds an extra festive touch. Macarons, madeleines, chocolate truffles and matcha cookies—each one a treat that is as beautiful as it is delicious. The pastries come with a greeting card inspired by the Japanese Shinto tradition. Highlights include the Matcha Tartelette, a blend of pistachio and cranberry, the Festive Choux with hazelnut praline, and the macarons with unique flavours such as Japanese whisky and caramelised apple.
Macaron with Japanese whisky
A macaron with Japanese whisky—how did they come up with that idea? Amy from the pastry team explains: ‘For our pop-up, we were looking for beautiful Japanese products. To create a wintry feeling, we were also looking for comfort and warming flavours. We quickly thought of a good glass of whisky. That led us to Japanese whisky, specifically Toki whisky, because its fruity, honeyed flavour with a hint of vanilla and almond pairs exceptionally well with the flavour of macarons, and especially with Valrhona’s Jivara milk chocolate. It is an incredibly creamy chocolate with a vanilla flavour.’
Besides the red-and-gold macaron with Japanese whisky, two other flavours are available in the pastry shop. The green macaron is filled with caramelised apple, while the silver macaron is filled with sake and yuzu.
Opening hours, prices and location
The festively styled pop-up, filled with twinkling lights, is located in the lobby of Hotel Okura Amsterdam and offers a wide selection of exclusive treats with a refined Japanese touch. The pastry pop-up is open until 24 December. And honestly: for these beautiful, high-quality treats, the price is very reasonable. The macarons cost 2.50 each, while the Matcha Tartelette costs 8 euros. A small Valrhona Christmas tree (150 g) costs 9.50, and a large tree (295 g) costs 18 euros. Definitely worth it if you’re looking to score a chic little gift.
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