[Shopdeca-fé]: The Authentique Bakery
Our next destination for The Curators Project was a quaint, little French bakery in Kemang, the heart of South Jakarta. Sophie La Boulangerie Authentique is one of the city’s top French bakeries as all recipes behind the treats are specially crafted by owner and founder, Sophie herself. A family-run business by French natives who have lived in Jakarta for over a decade, the team behind this bakery take pride in their authenticity! All their pastries and baked goods are always fresh from the oven, making for their baguettes and caneles the bakery’s most-wanted tidbits.
While taking snaps of Indonesian food and travel blogger, Hans Danial Subianto (@stanislaushans) for The Curators Project, we also got the chance to have a chat with Alexis Malaise, Sophie’s youngest son, who helps run the shop. We talked about the origins of the bakery and what inspired the family to delve into this industry. The Shopdeca.com team also got an exclusive sneak peek at the bakery’s second location that will open within the month of October!
How did Sophie’s Authentique come about?
A: After living in Indonesia for a few years, we realized we missed something from home, good french bread!
We started with a home delivery service of french bread and pastries. the target was Saturdays and Sundays family breakfast.
This was operational for 2 years and clients kept asking where was the shop located in order to come during the week, being too busy working a week job, this was only a weekend occupation without a shop.
When did you realize you wanted to start a bakery & pastry shop?
A: One day, Sophie received a phone call from a friend leaving jakarta, and offering her to take over her commercial lease for a little shop in a strategic location. The answer was an instant YES, and then SOPHIE AUTHENTIQUE was born.
Any other passions?
A: I enjoy a lot decoration both indoor and outdoor and have fun decorating all the shops one after the other.
Most recommended drinks from your café?
A: The coffee. Because we have an Italian Coffee machine and we are using our own coffee blend picked by our in house baristas, served with awesome latte art!
Come and you will be the judge.
Favourite food from your café?
A: For the sweets: Our canelé is our most perfected recipe, created by Sophie and approved by her love ones.
For the savoury food: It is the Croque madame, as it is very french, simple yet so tasty. Imagine a sandwich baked in the oven with imported cheese, home made bechamel sauce, ham, and a sunny side up egg to top it off!
What are your opinions on online shopping?
A: Online shopping is a great way to buy what you need and avoid Jakarta's terrible traffic.
What are your favourite items fromSHOPDECA.COM?
A: I really love the bags, because there is a great selection of different styles. I also have a weakness for watches.
Anything you want to share about Sophie’s Authentique and future plans?
A: Future plans: We are expanding! Our new bakery will be located at Jl. Kemang I, Splash Fun Square (behind McDonalds).