Soon-to-Open Ladurée Philippines Is the Grandest in Southeast Asia With Fine French Pastries, a Stunning Salon de Thé
The French patisserie isn't simply reopening in the country; they're debuting their first grand flagship store in this part of Asia.
(SPOT.ph) Does any name evoke Parisian sophistication and grandeur (with just a touch of whimsy) like Ladurée? Perhaps you’ve visited one of the French patisserie and retail brand’s outlets abroad, or in the Philippines when they opened a boutique in Rockwell in 2015 that has since closed. But they’re making a comeback—a most monumental one. Opening in BGC this year is Maison Ladurée, brought our way by the Gastronova Hospitality Group.
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What we know about the opening of Maison Ladurée in the Philippines
A bigger and better Ladurée is set to open soon in BGC: Maison Ladurée, the brand’s first grand flagship store in the whole of Southeast Asia (!) that will be opening its doors in May 2025.
The store will be located at One Bonifacio Mall on BGC's 5th Avenue, which Gastronova Hospitality Group Founder and CEO Karan Gopwani calls a “prime location” bound to catch the attention of visitors passing by. The exact location will be revealed at midnight on February 15, with a grand unveiling of the boardup to mark the occassion and signal "the beginning of a new chapter in luxury and indulgence."
Under Gopwani’s leadership, the Gastronova Hospitality Group has been appointed as the exclusive licensee of Ladurée Philippines. They have no connection with the former Ladurée in the Philippines, he clarifies. "It is important to note that Gastronova Hospitality Group operates independently and bears no affiliation with the previous franchise owners of Ladurée Philippines. This new partnership marks an exciting chapter for the brand’s continued legacy and growth in the region."
What exactly is in store at Maison Ladurée? Being the brand’s first-ever grand flagship store in Southeast Asia, expect nothing less than the grandest. The upcoming boutique’s “Ladurée Tropical” concept, curated by Gopwani himself, marries the Ladurée’s brand of timeless elegance and the Philippines’ vibrant, tropical spirit.
Within the flagship would be a dedicated coffee section serving hot and cold drinks specially curated for the Philippines. There will also be a 40-seater Salon de Thé, essentially a fine-dining French restaurant that would bring the charm and atmosphere of Paris to diners.
Dishes at the Salon de Thé will be prepared by Executive Chef Katrina Torres (formerly of Palate and Lemuria), who recently returned from a six-week accreditation at Ladurée Paris. "This experience ensures that we consistently deliver the highest quality of food to our valued Filipino guests. We take great pride in having a fellow Filipino in this pivotal role, representing both our culinary excellence and our shared heritage."
Additionally, fifty percent of all SKU items will be imported directly from Switzerland, thus helping ensure "every product is crafted with the utmost precision and care." This direct supply chain would bring Ladurée's top-quality products from the hands of their master Swiss bakers straight to the palates of discerning Filipino diners.
That a Ladurée store of this scale is coming to the Philippines first within Southeast Asia is no small feat; and it's largely thanks to the flourishing economy in these parts, Gopwani shares.
“This is the perfect moment for Ladurée to re-enter the Philippine market. There's never been a better time to come to the Philippines," the CEO explains. "This is the renaissance period of the Philippines. With the Philippine government’s strategic initiatives and a robust GDP growth rate of 5 to 6% per year, the country is poised for continued economic prosperity,” he explains. “Coupled with a rising middle class and a transition from a low-income to a middle-income nation, with a GDP per capita of $4,337, the Philippines offers tremendous potential for luxury brands."
This, Gopwani explains, points to how the market has evolved significantly from 2015 when Ladurée was previously in the country. "Filipinos are already spending an average of 3 to 4 euros for premium coffee, reflecting a growing appetite for high-end experiences."
"Furthermore, with ongoing infrastructure projects aligning with the country’s economic growth, the Philippines is set for an exciting period of development over the next 5 to 6 years making it an ideal time for Ladurée to expand its presence."
With the Gastronova Hospitality Group, Gopwani is looking to "reshape" and raise the game in local F&B, by introducing "innovative brands that set new standards of excellence." In doing so, the hope is to "[position] the nation as a dynamic hub for world-class dining experiences."
Ladurée will be at One Bonifacio Mall, 5th Avenue corner 28th Street, Bonifacio Global City. For more information, check out Ladurée Philippines' Instagram page.
Location photos depict the Ladurée outpost at Champs Elysées, Paris; these are used with permission for illustrative purposes only.