The connoisseur’s delicacy: Toraya Confectionery.

Japanese pastries from Toraya are for knowledgeable people. Toraya is one of the oldest confectionary in Japan; it was founded in the 16th century. From green tea based recipes to red azuki paste, it surely tastes different and the presentation is very much refined. The tea salon is everything but standard: it is a true journey to the Land of the Rising Sun.
To discover the world of Toraya, visit. www.toraya-group.co.jp

A classic: the famous mini macaroon.

The mini macaroon is not to be introduced and remains among our favourites. This tiny delicacy is just ideal. First because it is tiny… So no guilty feelings after pleasure. You can choose from a myriad of flavours and colours and follow your mood; it is a good Thank You gift; it looks nice on a table especially since Sofia Coppola’s movie Marie Antoinette has contributed to its international recognition.
The best are still the ones from Pierre Hermé and La Durée. Talent is required to play in the macaroon category so to be up to speed with what's new in the world of this eggshell-like crust, check out www.laduree.com and www.pierreherme.com.
 

One to try: the whoopies.

Directly sent to us from the States, the whoopies is the latest trendy version of the cake sandwich. A category that has expanded quite a lot since the memorable introduction of the “Oreo sandwich”.
Last fall Harrods introduced exclusively this buttercream –stuffed novelty to Londoners and London visitors. This sweet treat has the ingredient to do a tea –afternoon revolution. Are you ready to bite into a whoopie pie after your cucumber sandwich?
In need of comfort food, whoopies might be the answer. Colourful and tasteful (for those who have an extreme sweet tooth), this sponge cake is full of cream, cream and cream… Yummy!

Bad for the belly indeed, they are the highway to put on some extra pounds unless you limit the indulgence to an after cardio snack and remember that it lasts 2 seconds in the mouth and 6 months on the hips!
Ok, one mini Harrods branded whoopie cannot be so harmful… But we said only one!

Enter the whoopies world: http://www.harrods.com


Sources: www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/food_and_drink

www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/food_and_drink/

http://www.toraya-group.co.jp/english/

Text by Delphine Hervieu.