Hilla Sasson and Erez Pintok opened their colorful bakery – Madame Paloma – in Friedrichshain in September 2022. You already get a glimpse of the shop’s baked treats before you walk in: brioches and quiches are displayed in the window, nestled in little glass baubles that hang down on chains. Ever the strong team, Hilla and Erez were celebrating their 21st anniversary on the day of our visit. They grew up in Israel where they met during military service. They later moved to Paris, where Erez pursued his dream of studying at Le Cordon Bleu, one of the world’s most renowned culinary institutions. At Madame Paloma you’ll find French viennoiseries with a special twist: Erez combines classic pastries with influences from the pair’s homeland. Besides sweet homemade brioches, there’s the hearty “shakshu quiche”, a reinterpretation of traditional shakshuka with poached eggs and a tomato sauce with onions and chillies. It’s a bit spicy, but the heat is tempered by the rest of the ingredients. The brioches are fluffy and come in fun flavors like milk chocolate patisserie crème and caramelized nut paste. During our visit, Hilla and Erez were busy working on their next baked goods. We can’t wait to try them.
Text & Photos: Robyn Steffen
Madame Paloma, Colbestr.3, 10247 Berlin–Friedrichshain; map
Wed–Fri 10–18h & Sat–Sun 10–17h
