The Ultimate Macarons in Delhi

French patisserie has flourished in Delhi, with local bakeries like L'Opéra, Theobroma, The Artful Baker, and Miam leading the charge. Even iconic brands like Ladurée joined the scene, opening in 2021. This high-caliber patisserie scene does come at a cost—if I’m paying 200 INR for a macaron the size of a coin, it better be worth every rupee!

What are macarons and why are they so expensive?!

I’ll admit, macarons are my weakness, and I refuse to call them overhyped. But after spending so much on such tiny treats, I eventually tried making them at home. My “macaron phase” was rewarding, although my broken oven ensured only one out of every ten batches turned out well. Still, those homemade macarons tasted incredible.

So, why the high price? First, macarons are notoriously delicate. Making them is an art—too much humidity, a second too long of whipping, or opening the oven door at the wrong time can ruin them. It's truly like walking on eggshells!

Second, they rely on costly ingredients: almond flour, egg whites, and sugar. Almonds alone aren’t cheap, so the final product reflects that. And finally, there’s the undeniable hype. While it may be partly justified, let’s be real—it doesn’t entirely account for the price tag!

Not everyone has the time or patience to make macarons at home, so before splurging on a box, take a look at our reviews of some popular spots!

Ladurée

When Ladurée opened in Delhi, I was thrilled to try it, but unfortunately, it disappointed on all three visits. The prices are as high as expected, but the quality doesn’t quite match up. Their signature Ispahan felt like a slab of butter sandwiched between mildly flavored meringue shells—not the indulgent experience I’d hoped for. The pistachio and chocolate macarons barely tasted of their signature flavors and were dominated by sugar. Personally, I wouldn’t recommend a food splurge here, but a quick coffee stop could be worth it to enjoy the charming ambiance.

L'Opéra

L'Opéra, an Indian bakery inspired by French patisserie, actually outshines its French counterpart in some respects. Their macarons are flavorful and even include vegan options, though the flavors could be bolder. Having tasted Pierre Hermé’s macarons, I feel there’s untapped potential here, and with a bit more depth, L'Opéra could truly stand out.

Theos Patisserie

Leaving the high-end patisseries behind, Theos, originating from Noida, brings something special. Their coffee macaron is the best in Delhi, with the chocolate and passionfruit flavors rivaling any high-end bakery in the city. While the setting may not be as lavish and the macaron shells can be a bit hollow, Tiramisini declares these the ultimate macarons in the capital!