Recently, I came across a new patisserie brand by the name of Lapisan Pâtisserie (Lapisan) online.
Located in Mid Valley Megamall, this spot specialises in French-inspired patisserie, with offerings ranging from cakes to pastries.
I didn’t realise at first glance, but the business is actually run by the team behind Secret Recipe.
Speaking to Darren Sim, the Business Development Manager at Secret Recipe Cakes & Café, we learnt that Lapisan’s brand statement is “Classic French Techniques, Uniquely Malaysian”.
“We identified a gap in the market for pastries crafted with authentic French techniques, blending tradition with modern innovation to offer an elevated experience that wasn’t readily available,” he said to Vulcan Post.
The new brand has been in development for over a year, he shared, as the team wanted to take the time to carefully perfect their recipes without sacrificing quality.
“We felt the timing was ideal to launch Lapisan Pâtisserie now, given the increasing consumer interest in high quality, handcrafted pastries,” Darren added.
With the opportune timing, Lapisan opened its doors in August.
A brand of its own
If you were just passing by Lapisan in the mall, you might not realise that it is connected to Secret Recipe.
“Lapisan Pâtisserie was designed to stand as its own brand, offering a distinct experience when it comes to pastries,” Darren explained.
That said, Darren shared that both brands share the same commitment in delivering the best quality and prioritising customer satisfaction.
He also shared that the new venture aligns with Secret Recipe’s overall vision of innovation and expansion. At the same time, it allows for the team to grow beyond their traditional offerings and explore new spaces while maintaining the high standards that have defined Secret Recipe’s success.
And while the team isn’t leveraging on Secret Recipe’s branding, they of course do leverage the expertise that the team has acquired over the years.
“With over two decades of success, Secret Recipe has provided us with invaluable insights into consumers preference, operational excellence, and maintaining quality at scale,” Darren said. “A few key lessons from Secret Recipe’s history includes customers, quality and innovation, and adaptability.”
Saying bonjour to French desserts
The appetite for quality pastries is higher than ever these days. In Kuala Lumpur alone, patisseries are mushrooming everywhere, from Voila Patisserie, founded by award-winning chefs, to the six-storey fine dining dessert spot, Nucre Patisserie.
This increased demand also means higher expectations and more competition.
What the team believes sets Lapisan apart, though, is their fusion of traditional French techniques with “modern innovation”, particularly when it comes to contemporary flavours.
“Additionally, our focus on using only the finest ingredients combined with a commitment to artisanal quality and consistency allows us to deliver products that stand out for their taste and presentation.”
“This, coupled with our spirit of adaptability, ensures we’re constantly evolving with market trends, introducing innovative flavours and concepts that keep our offerings fresh and exciting,” Darren said.
If you’ve been keeping up with Secret Recipe, you’d know that they’ve consistently put out innovative cake flavours over the years. Perhaps we could expect to see the same approach to Lapisan’s menu.
What Darren believes is the most important when it comes to standing out, though, is understanding the current patisserie market, from identifying customers’ demand and preferences to analysing the selections available in the market.
“We found a gap in the market that maintains the quality and sophistication of traditional French techniques while remaining accessible to a wider audience,” he pointed out.
That’s why Lapisan’s menu is all about offering high quality artisanal pastries at an affordable price without compromising on flavour or craftmanship.
A menu highlight is the Honey Toast, described as a delightful treat with a balance of sweetness and texture.
Darren also highlighted the Almond Croissant that features rich, buttery layers and the nutty crunch of almonds. For those who like savoury options, there’s the Spicy Mayo Sausage Croissant.
Layer by layer
The journey to starting a business, even for a team as seasoned as Secret Recipe, isn’t devoid of challenges.
In fact, Darren even said it would be concerning if they didn’t encounter any challenges.
“One of the key challenges we’ve faced is ensuring consistency across the products which we have dedicated significant amount of time and effort to perfect,” he shared.
“From sourcing of high-quality ingredients suited to our climate which required multiple experimentation to thorough staff training to ensure every product delivered to our customers consistently meets the highest standards.”
With this focus on quality, it’s no surprise that Lapisan’s first outlet in Mid Valley Megamall has been well received. The mall and its high foot traffic has significantly boosted the branding as well, Darren added.
Emboldened by this positive reception, Lapisan Pâtisserie aims to solidify its presence in the market by expanding its customer base and enhancing brand recognition.
Darren shared that by the end of 2025, the team is targeting to have at least five outlets across Malaysia.
“For the long term, Lapisan Pâtisserie envisions growing into a well-established brand and expanding its footprint throughout the various states of Malaysia,” he elaborated. “The ultimate goal is to be recognised as a leader in blending French techniques with Malaysian flavours, offering an unparalleled pastry experience across all outlets.”
- Learn more about Lapisan Pâtisserie here.
- Read other articles we’ve written about F&B businesses here.
Featured Image Credit: Lapisan Pâtisserie
