Canelés have often been overshadowed by other pastries like flaky croissants and pretty-ornate cakes.
While some bakeries include them as part of a larger display, Hues Canele treats this French pastry as the main event.
This boutique outfit in Chinatown may be slightly hard to find at first, located on the second floor of a HDB block at 4 Sago Lane.
Then, I realised it is conveniently connected to the Chinatown Complex Food Centre via a walkway bridge. Ah…
The space is small and functional though, sporting an industrial look with a counter built from grey hollow concrete blocks.
While primarily designed for takeaways, there is a small wooden bench for those who want a quick bite with coffee.
The selection is concise but well-considered, showcasing a range of classic and contemporary flavours.
Individual canelés available included Mr. Fuji ($4.00), Taro ($5.00), Chocolate Almond ($5.00), Salted Caramel ($5.50), Earl Grey Lavender with Honey Cream ($5.50), and Matcha^2 ($5.50).
A good canelé should have a dark, almost burnt-sugar crust that provides a sharp crunch, followed by a moist, honeycomb-like custard interior.
I tried the Salted Caramel Canelé ($5.50), and this version delivered on both fronts, with the salted caramel adding a pleasant savoury depth to the sweetness.
Aside from canelés, they also serve other bakes like the Original Financier ($3.00), Matcha Financier ($4.00), Earl Grey Financier ($4.00), Brown Sugar Coconut ($4.00), and Shio Pan ($3.50).
I also picked up the Brown Sugar Coconut ($4.00) and wondered what it was exactly, only to find it was like a shell-shaped madeleine. Not bad, but less impressive than the other bakes.
The Shio Pan ($3.50) was soft with a slight crisp layer and some chew, and I enjoyed the distinct hit of sea salt on the top which complemented the buttery base.
One thing I noticed is that these pastries are best eaten within a few hours of purchase. If left for too long in the humidity, the outer shell of the canelé can lose its signature crunch and become slightly chewy.
I personally found that eating them fresh at the shop or shortly after is the best way to appreciate the work that goes into the crust.
Hues Canele
4 Sago Lane #02-123, Singapore 050004 (Chinatown MRT)
Opening Hours: 8:30am – 5pm (Mon, Wed – Fri, Sun), 10:30am – 5pm (Sat), Closed Tues
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