Bringing Brittany to your doorstep is Le P’tit Breton’s aim; they certainly do an excellent job. Situated in the northwestern corner of France, Brittany is known for its rustic ambiance and abundance of crepe cafes. That’s precisely what Sabrina Tan, 41, co-owner of Le P’tit Breton, hoped to give customers when the establishment opened in October 2004.
“I would like people to come here not just to taste the food of Brittany, but to have a feel of it,” said Tan. Before opening the restaurant, Sabrina and her good friend, the co-owner cum chef Christian Leys, 39, went to Brittany to get some training and to absorb the culture.
As the menu is ‘authentic,’ Tan swore that the town’s specialties, like galettes and crepes, are the menu’s staples. “Any typical creperie in Brittany will offer what we have in our menu,” Tan added. Galettes are thin pancakes made with buckwheat flour, and in Le P’tit Breton, they come with a wide variety of toppings. Bacon and cheese, ham and egg, mushrooms, seafood, and smoked salmon are just a few from the long list.
I chose the bacon and egg galette ($4.95) and a surprisingly light meal. The pancake complemented the bacon and the sunny side up, and it was eaten in an instant. Though I was a bit disappointed at feeling hungry after that, it certainly left much room for dessert. For a slightly heavier meal, the complete galette made with cheese and egg and accompanied by toppings will undoubtedly do the job. The price 1 ranges from $6.90 to $13.20, depending on the toppings. A glass of apple cider ($6) should supplement your meal as it enhances the taste of the dishes.
The crepe (sweet wheat flour pancakes) desserts are also moderate in size but positively sinful. The Apples & Caramel Breton ($6.90) is the house specialty and a must-try. Hot caramel is dribbled over soft, boiled apples, and the crepe melts gently in your mouth. Interesting crepe combinations like hot chocolate banana, Suzette, and banana rum are also available.
The restaurant is casual, relaxed, and an excellent place to go for an easy meal on the stomach. It is accessible on the wallet, andices range from $2.50 (plain butter galette) for the cheapest item to $15.95 (Boudin Noir aux pommes- pig blood sausage with apples). It’s also a cozy place, offering seating for about 24, so reservations should be made in advance to avoid disappointment. Tan and Leys are the only staff serving you, and even though orders arrive slowly when it’s crowded, the service is excellent, and they both make you feel right at home.
That said, the orange walls transport you straight to Brittany. Pictures of their seaside life gaze down at you as you eat; Singapore becomes a distant memory for a while. The decorations on the wall and the lace curtain that hangs at the entrance were all brought back from Brittany.
Le P’tit Breton provides a warm and comfortable dining experience, and its authenticity is a refreshing change.
Forestiere (mushrooms)complete
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
The Place:
Le P’tit Breton
200 Upper Thomson Road
#01-11A Thomson Imperial Court
Tel: 62594300
Opening hours:
Lunch- Wednesday to Saturday, noon to 2.30 pm
Dinner- Tuesday to Sunday, 6.30 pm to 9.30 pm
Sunday brunch- 10 am to 3 pm
Closed on Mondays and public holidays.
Getting There:
Take the MRT to Bishan and get onto bus 410 (white plate). Alight when you arrive at Thomson Imperial Court.
