Creating memorable experiences through desserts

Imagine a world where macarons rival gulab jamuns at an Indian wedding and chai flavours dance harmoniously in a French tart. Such sweet dreams have become a delectable reality, thanks to Pooja Dhingra, the culinary visionary behind Le15 Patisserie. Often dubbed as India’s ‘Macaron Queen’, she has redefined the pastry scene in the country by blending global sophistication with local soul.

But how did this young woman, once enchanted by the aroma of butter and sugar in Paris, transform an indulgent passion into a national sensation? It all started with a passion for baking that took her from experimenting with American desserts in her kitchen to mastering French techniques at Le Cordon Bleu in Paris. But what sets her apart is not just her craft – it’s her ability to weave artistry, culture and innovation into every creation. Her desserts don’t merely satisfy cravings; they spark joy and tell stories of culinary evolution.

Here’s how Dhingra brought Paris to India, reinvented the art of pastry, and empowered a generation through her work, one macaron at a time.

Bringing Paris to India

“My love for baking began with American desserts, but it was Paris that opened my eyes to a whole new world,” says Dhingra, reminiscing about her time at Le Cordon Bleu. It was there she encountered macarons, delicate meringue-based confections that would become her signature offering. Determined to introduce this French delicacy to India, she founded Le15 Patisserie in 2010, naming it after Paris’s chic 15th arrondissement. What followed was nothing short of a revolution in the country’s dessert culture, as Indians got their first taste of authentic French pastry, meticulously crafted yet infused with a touch of home.

Staying ahead in the pastry game

Dhingra’s test kitchen is her haven, a space where ideas materialise into edible masterpieces. “My inspiration comes from everywhere – travels, customer feedback and global trends,” she shares. By staying curious and adaptive, she ensures her creations are both timeless and on-trend. The secret? A blend of tradition and innovation. “While our classics remain a staple, I love experimenting with Indian flavours like paan and chai. It’s exciting to see how these resonate with our customers,” she says.

Power of empowerment

Beyond sugar and spice, Dhingra’s journey has been about lifting others. Her workshops and books have inspired countless women to pursue careers in baking and entrepreneurship. “For me, success is about creating opportunities for others to grow,” she reflects. This philosophy extends to her team at Le15, where collaboration is key. “Power Play is about celebrating individual strengths to push boundaries together,” she explains, crediting platforms like Culinary Culture for fostering such collective creativity.

Future of pastry

As the world’s appetite for healthier options grows, Pooja envisions a future of desserts that balance indulgence with wellness. “The next big trend will be better-for-you desserts, and I’m excited to explore this at Le15,” she predicts. But trends come and go, and for Pooja, staying true to her brand’s identity is paramount. “We don’t chase trends. Instead, we focus on what we do best – creating memorable experiences through our desserts.

Dhingra’s story is more than a tale of macarons and madeleines. It’s about breaking moulds, blending cultures and empowering a generation to find their sweet spot in life. As she continues to innovate, mentor and inspire, one thing is clear: Dhingra isn’t just baking desserts – she’s shaping dreams, one pastry at a time.