Popular Products and Store Information of Yumiko Saimura Piccola Pasticceria

The Charm of Yumiko Saimura Piccola Pasticceria

What is Piccola Pasticceria?

Piccola Pasticceria is a small artisan pastry workshop located in Casale Monferrato, in the Piedmont region of Italy.

The full name, “Yumiko Saimura Piccola Pasticceria”, reflects the vision of its founder, Yumiko Saimura, a talented Japanese chocolatier who established the workshop in 2008.

The term “Piccola Pasticceria” translates to “small pastry shop” in Italian, embodying the intimate and handcrafted nature of her creations.

Yumiko Saimura moved to Italy in 2004, inspired by the rich culinary traditions of the country. After gaining experience as a chef in Michelin-starred restaurants, she partnered with Angelina, a colleague, to establish this workshop.

At Piccola Pasticceria, chocolates and baked goods are made with carefully selected ingredients.

Notably, the gianduja made with Piedmont-grown hazelnuts and chocolates featuring fruit from their own farm are particularly celebrated.

These products have received high praise not only in Italy but also in Japan.

During the Valentine’s Day season, Yumiko Saimura participates in chocolate festivals such as “Amour du Chocolat” at Nihombashi Takashimaya and other department stores, drawing long lines of fans eager to savor her creations.

You can also purchase Piccola Pasticceria products online.

Japanese Female Chocolatier Yumiko Saimura

Yumiko Saimura, born in Kyoto, is a renowned chocolatier.

She moved to Italy in 2004, gaining experience as a chef at Michelin-starred restaurants before opening Piccola Pasticceria in 2008 in Casale Monferrato, Piedmont.

Her chocolates are characterized by their delicate and profound flavors, which highlight the natural qualities of the ingredients.

She is deeply committed to using high-quality ingredients, such as Piedmont-grown hazelnuts and fruits from her own farm.

Her chocolates captivate fans not only in Italy but also in Japan.

Yumiko Saimura is also an award-winning chocolatier with numerous accolades from international competitions.

In 2011, she won the World Chocolate Masters Contest held in Rimini, Italy.

In 2015, she received the Foreign Chocolatier Award from France’s prestigious Club des Croqueurs de Chocolat.

These awards are a testament to her talent and dedication.

Through her chocolate creations, Yumiko Saimura continues to blend the cultures of Italy and Japan, crafting chocolates that are truly works of “collaborative art” between the two countries.

Awards Won by Yumiko Saimura

Yumiko Saimura Piccola Pasticceria has garnered numerous awards for its high-quality chocolates.

Most notably, Yumiko Saimura herself achieved a significant milestone by winning the World Chocolate Masters Contest in Rimini, Italy, in 2011.

This competition is a prestigious global event where chocolatiers from around the world compete, and her victory demonstrated her world-class skills and talent.

Additionally, Yumiko Saimura’s chocolates have been highly acclaimed at the International Chocolate Awards in London, UK.

This award, based on blind tastings, evaluates chocolates from around the world.

Her signature creation, “Piccolo Gianduja,” has won the gold medal at this competition for four consecutive years.

She has also received the Foreign Chocolatier Award from France’s Club des Croqueurs de Chocolat, further cementing her reputation both domestically and internationally.

These awards are a testament to the global recognition of Yumiko Saimura’s chocolates among chocolate enthusiasts worldwide.

The Features of the Signature Creation, “Piccolo Gianduja”

“Piccolo Gianduja” is one of the standout creations from Piccola Pasticceria.

This chocolate reinterprets the traditional Italian gianduja, delivering a smooth texture and deep flavor that sets it apart.

Gianduja is a chocolate made by blending hazelnut paste, and Piccolo Gianduja uses high-quality hazelnuts grown in Piedmont.

These hazelnuts are renowned for their rich aroma and robust flavor. As a result, a single bite fills the mouth with the nutty richness and sweetness, leaving a refined aftertaste.

To achieve its smooth texture, meticulous attention is given to temperature control and mixing techniques.

This ensures that, unlike conventional gianduja that may feel heavy, Piccolo Gianduja offers a surprisingly light and delightful taste.

The recipe also minimizes additives, allowing the natural flavors of the ingredients to shine.

Praised for its satisfying richness, many describe it as a simple yet highly refined treat that keeps them coming back for more.

Even those who don’t typically enjoy chocolate are encouraged to try this exquisite creation.

Fruit-filled Tablet “Preferita”

Piccola Pasticceria’s chocolate tablets captivate many with their beautiful appearance and balanced flavors. The “Preferita” series, in particular, is known as a work that embodies Yumiko Saimura’s dedication to quality, showcasing the best of fruit ingredients.

These tablets are characterized by the use of Peruvian cacao as a base, generously topped with dried fruits grown on the Italian estate’s own farm. Dried fruits such as apricots, orange peel, lemon, and prunes are lavishly arranged on the square chocolate, their flavors harmonizing exquisitely with the cacao aroma.

Chef Saimura pays close attention to the selection of fruits, prioritizing a balance of texture and taste. For example, the dried lemon has a slight bitterness that complements its mature sweetness, further enhancing the chocolate’s flavor. Apricots, on the other hand, offer both juiciness and a satisfying bite, providing a different kind of enjoyment with each bite.

This tablet has a reputation for being “delicious no matter where you bite into it,” and its gorgeous appearance makes it a perfect gift. It is a masterpiece that maximizes the appeal of both chocolate and fruit, offering a delightful experience with every bite.

The Allure of the Tart: Crostata di Nocciola

Crostata di Nocciola is a highly popular tart among the pastries offered by Piccola Pasticceria. This masterpiece is made with an abundance of Piedmont hazelnuts, layered in a three-tiered structure of tart dough, cake, and cream.

First, the tart dough boasts a crispy texture, offering a light and pleasant mouthfeel from the first bite. The hazelnut cake layered on top spreads a moist texture and rich nutty flavor, creating a luxurious yet elegant taste.

Furthermore, the top layer is adorned with a white chocolate cremino, adding a creaminess that completes the overall harmony.

Crostata di Nocciola comes in two sizes: Grande (large) and Piccolo (small), allowing for choices based on occasion and the number of people. The Grande size, in particular, is decorated with a rose made of gianduja, resulting in a visually stunning presentation.

This product is perfect for those who want to “enjoy a luxurious treat little by little.” Moreover, its availability is limited to special events, making it a rare find, and early reservations are recommended for purchase.

With each bite offering a different flavor from each layer, this tart is loved by many as a sweet treat that creates a special moment.

Traditional Italian Christmas Bread: Panettone

Panettone is a traditional Christmas cake that represents Italy and is loved not only domestically but also worldwide. Yumiko Saimura’s panettone is a masterpiece that faithfully preserves this tradition while adding unique touches.

Generally, panettone is made using natural yeast called lievito madre. Based on this yeast, the flour is fermented many times, and the dough is repeatedly matured. This laborious process creates a moist texture and deep flavor.

Yumiko Saimura’s panettone is no exception; it is made with long fermentation and careful preparation. In addition, it is generously filled with dried fruits such as orange peel and raisins.

These fruits are grown on the Italian estate’s own farm, bringing out the deliciousness of the ingredients themselves. With each bite, the natural sweetness and aroma of the fruit spread, offering a homely and warm flavor.

This traditional confectionery is also ideal as a special Christmas gift. One of the characteristics of panettone is its long shelf life, allowing for enjoyment over an extended period. It also pairs perfectly with tea or coffee, enriching the time spent with family and friends.

Cremino da Taglio

“Cremino da Taglio” is a particularly recommended gem among the chocolates crafted by Yumiko Saimura. As the name suggests, it is a type of chocolate enjoyed by slicing and sharing, showcasing attention to detail not only in taste but also in appearance.

The beautiful cross-section that appears when cut is a testament to the careful manufacturing process and high-quality ingredients.

The most significant feature of this chocolate is the generous use of hazelnuts. It utilizes high-quality hazelnuts from the Piedmont region, allowing their aroma and sweetness to spread with each bite. With a smooth texture and a full-bodied nutty flavor, it is an irresistible treat for chocolate lovers.

Moreover, “Cremino da Taglio” also boasts visual beauty. The carefully crafted layers are revealed in the cross-section, providing visual enjoyment. This visual appeal is one reason why it is well-received as a gift.

Furthermore, this chocolate has won numerous international awards, widely recognized for its deliciousness and high quality. As a result, “Cremino da Taglio” is loved by many fans as one of Yumiko Saimura’s signature products.

“Cremino da Taglio” is perfect as a gift for special occasions or as a treat for yourself. Experience this chocolate that combines unforgettable flavor and beauty.

Profumo di Orto

“Profumo di Orto” is a unique assortment of bonbons by Yumiko Saimura, created with the theme of “rediscovering everyday happiness.”

This assortment was inspired by the scents of a vegetable garden, offering a selection of unique and surprising flavors.

A Variety of Unique Flavors

Pumpkin and Ginger

This bonbon combines oven-baked pumpkin from Mantua, Italy, with a ganache made from cacao from the Dominican Republic, and ginger-flavored jelly.

The first taste is the stimulating ginger, followed by the gentle sweetness of pumpkin. The balance of these contrasting flavors is exquisite, creating a taste that is both novel and somehow familiar.

Red Pepper and Orange

This bonbon features jelly made from red peppers from Costigliole, Piedmont, combined with a white ganache flavored with orange and dill.

The unique bitterness and sweetness of the red pepper intertwine with the refreshing orange, all enveloped by the smooth white chocolate. Each bite offers a new discovery, making it a flavor that is enjoyable with every taste.

Corn Cremino

The fragrant flavor of corn is exquisitely matched with the depth of bitter chocolate. When you take a bite, the roasted aroma fills your nose, leaving a mellow sweetness in the aftertaste. This flavor has a simple yet refreshing appeal.

Olive

This bonbon features black olives, creating a salty flavor reminiscent of an Italian bar. The slight bitterness of the olive merges with the sweetness of the chocolate, resulting in a unique and unprecedented piece.

An Assortment that Offers a Unique Experience

“Profumo di Orto” is an assortment that fully expresses Yumiko Saimura’s creativity and technical skills. It goes beyond the traditional boundaries of chocolate, maximizing the individuality of the ingredients to showcase the new possibilities of chocolate.

Therefore, it is especially recommended for those who find standard flavors unsatisfying and those seeking new taste experiences.

Each piece of “Profumo di Orto” is like a small work of art. Enjoy a special moment with its creative flavors.

Boeri “Boeri” and Other Appealing Chocolates

Yumiko Saimura’s chocolate collection features an attractive lineup that respects Italian tradition while incorporating unique creativity. Among them, “Boeri,” “Grignolino Ganache,” and “Limoncello Truffle” are particularly popular items. Let’s introduce the characteristics of each.

Boeri “Boeri”

“Boeri” is a traditional Italian bonbon made by coating liqueur-soaked cherries in chocolate. The bitterness of the liqueur, the sweet and sour taste of cherries, and the rich sweetness of chocolate are in perfect harmony, allowing you to enjoy the flavors of different layers with each bite.

Yumiko Saimura’s “Boeri” is particularly exquisite in its balance of liqueur and chocolate, leaving an unforgettable impression. It is recommended for chocolate lovers as a gem that fuses tradition and innovation.

Grignolino Ganache

“Grignolino Ganache” is a chocolate that encases a ganache made with “Grignolino,” a grape variety from Piedmont, in bitter chocolate. Grignolino is a grape characterized by its refreshing acidity, and that flavor is brought to life in the ganache.

The rich bitterness of dark chocolate harmonizes with the acidity of the grapes, and the fruity aroma that spreads in your mouth is enjoyable. This chocolate is especially recommended for those who prefer elegant flavors that are not overly sweet.

Limoncello Truffle

“Limoncello Truffle” is a white chocolate truffle made with “Limoncello,” a traditional Italian lemon liqueur. The mellow sweetness of white chocolate is exquisitely blended with the refreshing aroma and subtle bitterness of Limoncello, creating a sophisticated taste.

With one bite, a bright flavor reminiscent of Italian sunlight spreads, creating a special moment.

How to Purchase Yumiko Saimura Piccola Pasticceria Products

Store Information and Location

Yumiko Saimura Piccola Pasticceria is located in Casale Monferrato, in the northern Italian region of Piedmont.

This area is blessed with a rich natural environment and is particularly famous for its IGP-certified hazelnuts, a local specialty.

Leveraging the bounty of this land, Yumiko Saimura consistently produces high-quality chocolates and confections.

Atelier Details

• Address: Via Solferino, 17, 15033 Casale Monferrato AL, Italy
• Contact: +39 0142 531274
• Business Hours:
  • Tuesday to Saturday: 9:00 AM–1:00 PM / 2:00 PM–8:00 PM
  • Sunday: 9:00 AM–1:00 PM
• Closed: Mondays and Thursdays
• Official Website: Visit Official Website

This atelier is a small yet special place where the chef personally selects the ingredients and meticulously handcrafts each product.

Known for warmly welcoming visitors, the atelier is cherished by both local fans and tourists alike.

Summary of Yumiko Saimura Piccola Pasticceria

• Yumiko Saimura Piccola Pasticceria is an artisan pastry shop located in Casale Monferrato, Piedmont, Italy.
• It is owned and operated by Yumiko Saimura, a Japanese female chocolatier.
• The shop offers chocolates and baked goods made with carefully selected ingredients.
• Its signature product is the “Piccolo Gianduja”, which is made with an abundance of hazelnuts.
• The “Tablet Preferita”, featuring fruits from their own farm, is another popular item.
• The “Crostata di Nocciola”, a tart filled with hazelnuts, is not only delicious but also visually stunning.
• They also sell “Panettone”, a traditional Italian Christmas cake.
• “Zabaione”, a classic Piedmont dessert, is available in jarred form.
• During the Valentine’s season, a charming chocolate creation called “Koi o Shita Kuma” (The Bear in Love) makes its appearance.
• For chocolate enthusiasts, the “Cremino da Taglio”, a cut-and-serve chocolate, is highly recommended.
• The “Profumo di Orto” is an assortment of bonbon chocolates with unique flavors.
• A variety of other bonbon chocolates are also available.
• The shop has no permanent stores in Japan but offers products through Valentine’s events, temporary shops at Takashimaya, and online stores.
• Yumiko Saimura has won numerous awards, including Overall Champion at the World Chocolate Masters Contest.
• Her chocolates are highly regarded by chocolate lovers around the world.