You wouldn't bring a neighbourhood yam tart to a birthday dinner, not because it doesn't taste good, it absolutely does, but because it doesn't feel like a moment. Pâtisserie CLÉ's Orh Blanc Tart is the answer to that.
The Origin
It Started Not in Singapore, But in Paris
In 2016, two Teochew Singaporeans were studying pastry in Paris when they received an invitation from the Singapore Embassy to create desserts for an official diplomatic event. The choice of flavour? Immediate.
As Teochew themselves, Orh Nee was the dessert of family gatherings, of festive tables, the kind of food that doesn't need explaining to anyone who grew up with it. The challenge was how to present it at a French embassy event, for a French palate.
Paris, 2016
Two Teochew Singaporeans, studying pastry, are invited by the Singapore Embassy to create desserts for an official event. They choose Orh Nee, the flavour of home.
The Problem
Traditional Orh Nee is made with lard and fried shallots. Delicious in its original context, but not right for a Parisian dessert occasion. So they stripped back the savoury elements and looked to French pastry for the frame.
The Solution
The Mont Blanc: a classic French dessert with its signature cloud-like chestnut cream silhouette. Swap chestnuts for yam. Build it into a proper tart shell. The Orh Blanc was born.
Today
Every Orh Blanc Tart you order is a direct descendant of that night in Paris, and the first item on what would become the Pâtisserie CLÉ menu.
Two heritages, one tart. The name says it all.
What's Inside
At Its Core, This Is Still a Yam Tart
Teochew Orh Nee paste, ginkgo nuts, the whole deal. But the execution has been completely rethought through the lens of French pâtisserie. Here's what you're actually eating, bottom to top:
The Food Review Breakdown
Layer by Layer: Does It Actually Deliver?
This is the kind of tart that rewards eating slowly. Here's what to pay attention to:
The French-style shell has structural integrity. It holds its shape, doesn't go soggy, and gives a clean crack on first bite. If you've ever had a pastry that crumbles before you finish it, you'll notice this immediately.
The Orh Nee is refined just enough to complement the airy chantilly without losing the distinctive density that makes it feel real. The coconut cream layer adds richness most traditional versions skip, and it works.
An audible snap from the shell, airy chantilly giving way to dense earthy yam below. Served chilled at 0–4°C. It's the kind of tart that makes you eat slowly rather than inhaling it in two bites.
This is not a solo snack. It is designed to be shared as a birthday cake alternative, a festive centrepiece, a way to bring something that looks special and tastes like home at the same time.
How It Works
Why Pre-Ordering Actually Matters Here
Every Orh Blanc Tart is baked to order, not sitting pre-made in a display chiller. That's why pre-ordering at least 48 hours ahead is required, and it's also why the shell stays crisp and the chantilly stays light when it arrives.
The yam is hand-peeled, steamed, and double-sifted fresh daily. The coconut cream is whipped to order. The chantilly is piped just before it goes out. Nothing is made in bulk and stored, which is exactly what you're tasting when you bite into it.
Both sizes ship refrigerated and should be kept at 0–4°C. Consume within 48 hours of delivery for best texture, though in our experience, it rarely lasts that long.
Quick Rundown
Is It Worth Making the Trip?
Your Orh Blanc Tart Starts Here
Check lead times and secure your slot. Slots fill up, especially around festive seasons.
One More Thing
Heritage Food Doesn't Need to Be Stuck in Time
Teochew Orh Nee has been around long before any café trend cycle, and it'll be here long after. What the Orh Blanc Tart does is give it a setting that matches the occasion: a proper shell, clean layers, and a presentation that works just as well at grandma's birthday as it does on your feed.
A yam tart that doesn't need to pretend to be something it's not. Just a better version of the one you already love, and one with a story worth telling.
If you're ready to order or want to check lead times, the Orh Blanc Tart product page has everything you need. Or if you're still deciding, explore the full tarts collection to see what else CLÉ has on offer.
Storage: Keep refrigerated at 0–4°C. Consume within 48 hours of delivery. Pre-order required at least 48 hours in advance. Available in 6" ($55, serves 4–5) and 8" ($80, serves 8–10).
