Ginko, the 19th arrondissement's nugget pastry shop with Franco-Japanese-Moroccan flavors

Ginko, in the heart of Paris's 19th arrondissement, is a Franco-Japanese-Moroccanpatisserie that has been delighting the neighborhood since it opened in April 2022. A treasure trove of international delights, right next to the Buttes-Chaumont park.

Behind this singular place lies an alliance of talents: Sayo Yamagata and Othman El Ouraoui. With over 20 years' experience in the field, these artisans have combined their bi-cultural roots and backgrounds to create a menu that is both traditional and innovative.

Sayo Yamagata, a Japanese-American, began her career in New York, where she perfected her art in prestigious establishments such as "Eataly" at the World Trade Center. Her desire to perfect her technique led her to the Ferrandi school in Paris. It was at the Hôtel Le Bristol that she met Othman in 2018, marking the start of their collaboration.

Othman El Ouraoui embodies the fusion of French and Moroccan cultures. From the age of 14, he was immersed in the world of pastry-making in his hometown of Châtellerault. With a CAP in baking, pastry-making and chocolate-making, he continued his training at such illustrious names as La Maison du Chocolat, Cyril Lignac, Ladurée and the Plaza Athénée. It was at the Bristol that they both found themselves working with the talented chef Julien Alvarez, now at Ladurée.

Ginko 's creations are an invitation to travel. Indeed, classic viennoiseries intersect with original versions, such as bread with pistachio instead of grapes. On the pastry side, enjoy a Paris-Beirut or a dark chocolate Saint-Honoré with roasted Japanese green tea.

To discover:

• Le Saveurs d'Orient: rosewater mounted ganache, mandarin marmalade, pistachio crunch.
• Dark chocolate Saint-Honoré: A touch of roasted Japanese green tea.
• Black sesame entremets
• Fig tart: Chantilly genmaicha (Japanese green tea with roasted rice).

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Viennoiseries made with PDO butter cost €1.30 for a croissant and €1.40 for a pain au chocolat. And let's not forget their cakes and cookies , which are pure delight: lemon cake, double chocolate cookie or sesame kinako (mochi flour). We fell for the super-soft almondcake with chopped almonds dipped in a white chocolate praline glaze. Special mention also for the peanut and peanut butter cookie. Beware, it's addictive!

The grocery store also offers treasures:

• Chocolate bars (with a special mention for matcha, salt butter and candied yuzu),
• Spreads,
• Homemade granola,
• Jam of the moment.
• Amlou (Moroccan spread).
  

Why the 19th arrondissement? Sayo was charmed by the area when she arrived in Pantin, and wanted to anchor Ginko in the heart of this district she loves so much. And the proximity of the Buttes Chaumont park is an undeniable asset.

In short, we invite you to discover this nugget, where the pastries are delicious and take us on a journey. An authentic experience where the flavors of the world meet. Beautiful balance, finesse, what else? Here's a good deal you won't regret. Enjoy the tasting!