Originally a marketer and a sociologist, Ying Chen sought a career in which she could constantly create and realize her imaginations, something that would bring people happiness. Some three years ago, she left behind her office job and moved to Paris to learn the art of French pastries—and she hasn’t looked back. As a pâtissière (pastry chef), Ying believes that her creations are more than sweet things that give people pleasure. For her, pastries are a way to communicate directly with people, sharing her thoughts, aspirations and feelings.
What made you get into your profession and why do you love what you do?
I started to learn how to cook when I studied abroad in the Netherlands. Initially, it was only to feed myself, but soon I learned how interesting and challenging cooking can be. I started to dream of becoming a professional chef, but I didn't know whether to follow a general cuisine or pastry program. What helped me make up my mind is that I’ve always loved beautiful things. What I love about being a pâtissière is that it brings people happiness and it gets to people’s heart and memories so straightforwardly. You get an instant reward from people.
Dersou features an impressive tasting menu by Japanese chef Taku Sekine.
Le Toi du Moi, pastry by Ying Chen
For Ying, pastries are a way to communicate directly with people.
Summer Rain, pastry by Ying Chen
Which patisseries do you visit when you're craving something sweet and you're not in the mood to bake?
There are so many pastry shops in Paris to choose from and I always love to try new things as they also inspire me. However, my favorite one in Paris is probably Des Gâteaux et du Pain ("Cakes and Bread" in literal translation). The chef Claire Damon has worked with the pastry master Pierre Hermé in her earlier years. She has definitely inherited his magic sense for flavors but has her own sensibilities. She carefully selects seasonal ingredients (especially fruits and flowers) to create pastries that are always original delicate, and beautiful.
If you had a friend coming to town, which hotels would you recommend?
The Hôtel Bourg Tibourg at Le Marais is a plush design hotel that has a lovely interior courtyard. A friend of mine who is an interior designer has stayed there during her visit and really liked it. Plus, it’s right in the Marais where you can find lots of interesting shops, beautiful hidden gardens and museums. In general, I would recommend staying in the city center (the 1e 9e arrondissement), but the eastern side of the city (near République, Bastille and Oberkampf) is also interesting. Almost all the specialty coffee shops and bars are situated there.
What tips do you have for first-time visitors to Paris?
Paris is a very beautiful city but it also has dark sides. I don't want to scare people off, but even though first-time visitors might be amazed by its beauty, it is very likely that they would also be stunned by its dirtiness and insecurity. There are really lots of thieves everywhere in Paris. Do look carefully after your personal belongings and never have your bag on your back or your mobile phone in your hand while you are in the metro (especially near the doors). Besides that, never forget to say “bonjour” when you talk to people and when you enter a shop and "merci, au revoir" when leaving. Otherwise, it can be considered very impolite.
Where’s the best place to catch the sunset with your significant other?
Many might recommend Montmartre as this is where you can have a stunning view of the whole city, but my favorite spot would be near the water. The sunset view from Pont Alexandre III, Pont Neuf or Île Saint-Louis is really breathtaking. Taking a Seine River cruise sounds cliché, but it is really beautiful to watch the sunset on the boat. If you remember the scene in “Before Sunset,” you would know what I mean.
The perfectly manicured Jardin du Palais Royal
Lounging at Quai de la Seine
What’s a luxury experience that can only be had in your city?
That definitely would be having a journey of delicious pastries. There's nowhere in the world where you can find that many high-quality pastry shops serving incredibly beautiful and creative pastries. Apart from pastry shops, pastries in palace hotels and good restaurants would definitely challenge and refresh your understanding and knowledge of pastries. Even for those who don’t have a sweet tooth, they would admire the delicacy and the incredible craftsmanship found here. The French phrase "lèchevitrine" (literally “window-licking”) is the right way to describe such a journey. Walk along Rue du Bac (and around the Le Bon Marché), where you can find Hugo & Victor, La Maison du Chocolat, La Pâtisserie des Rêves, Angelina, Des Gâteaux et du Pain, Jacques Genin and Acide Macaron.
Small in space but big on character, the Boot Cafe is the perfect place to have a coffee.
Eat, Drink, Be Merry
1. Boot Cafe
2. Dersou
3. Colorova
4. Mamie Gâteaux
5. Café Kitsuné in the Jardin du Palais Royal
Try This
1. A luxurious tea time in one of the palace hotels in Paris. I would recommend Le Meurice Hotel Paris.
2. Walk along the Quai de la Seine or simply wander across the city
3. A morning stroll in Jardin du Luxembourg or on Île Saint-Louis
4. A summer picnic in any of the Parisian parks or by the Quai de la Seine (or on your rooftop)
Stay and Play
1. Jardin du Palais Royal
2. Jardin du Luxembourg
3. Promenade Plantée
4. Canal Saint-Martin
5. The area where most of the best professional cookware/ingredients shops (Mora, La Bovida Magasin Les Halles, Deco Relief, G. Detou and E. Dehillerin to name a few) are situated around Rue Montmartre, the neighborhood near the metro stations of Les Halles, Étienne Marcel and Sentier.
Four bridges connect the rest of Paris to Île Saint-Louis, a small cobblestoned island in the heart of the city.
To see more of Ying’s mouthwatering creations, follow her on Instagram at @applespoon and check out her blog yingc.com.
