We bought similar flavours from both Laduree and Pierre Herme, namely Rose, Pistachio and Salted Caramel for we prefer our macarons to be simpler and surprisingly both are unique and distinctive in their own way.
While Laduree's macarons (12.10 EUR, SGD$21.45 for 8 macarons) are clearly softer and chewer, Pierre Herme's macarons (11.39 EUR, SGD$20.20 for 7 macarons) tends to have a crispier shells. From the picture, Laduree's macarons can be distinguished from the thinner filling while the buttercream in Pierre Herme's macarons are extremely generous.
Flavour-wise, rose was subtle between the two for both were outstanding and just right in its flavour despite the big difference between the two Ispahans we had earlier the day.
Laduree's pistachio, though more crisp than its rose macaron, retains the distinctive chewy interior. On the other hand, Pierre Herme's macaron is surpringly softer than its rose macaron. Comparing both back to back, Laudree's macaron has a stronger nutty aftertaste with its buttercream almost negligible while Pierre Herme's buttercream turns out to be more outstanding than the shells.
Lastly, setting aside the chewy and thin buttercream Laduree's macarons and crisp and rich buttercream Pierre Herme's macarons, the salted caramel of Laduree has a slight saltiness of the buttery caramel while Pierre Herme's salted caramel disappointing resembles the flavour of coffee.
In general, we thought that the entremets of Pierre Herme's was memorable but Laduree seems to satisfy better when it comes to macarons. Anyway, Yuan and I concluded that regardless of what one reads from a blog, trips to both Laduree and Pierre Herme is definitely an experience for any dessert lovers and we will for sure not miss a French cabaret show, Laduree and Pierre Herme for our next visit to Paris.
Pierre Herme
72, rue Bonaparte
75006 Paris
Tel : +33 (1) 43 54 47 77
Ladurée Champs Elysées
75, avenue des Champs Elysées
75008 Paris
Tel : +33 1 40 75 08 75
3 comments:
I'm surprised at your conclusion fen. I've eaten Pierre Herme's salted caramel macarons a few times & they were really excellent each time with the salted caramel flavor coming through very distinctively.
Hmm... I think the difference is the fact that PH uses a salted caramel buttercream whereas laduree uses a thick layer of sticky caramel? The former has a more nutty flavour which perhaps contributes to the coffee taste.
I like both really but I tend to favour PH for their less chewy shells and interesting flavours. Also, PH macarons are less sweet in comparison. That said, I agree laduree is an institution in itself, and most people have differing definitions of what makes a good mac anyway.
Ice: I guessed I prefer my macaron shells to be chewier.
Oysterdiaries: U r spot on, now that you mention it, the filling is distinctively different.
When I brought back both PH and Laduree's macarons back to Singapore, PH just gets crunchy after being kept in the fridge for 3 days. Somewhat like eating cookie, whereas Laduree retains it chewiness but not as nice as eating it on the day itself.
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