Rose Bakery brings its carrot and pound cakes from Paris to Hong Kong

There's plenty ofcake in Hong Kong, but the city's patisseries often favour refined French gateaux over rustic, cafe-style cakes. A similar situation in Paris inspired English baker Rose Carrarini and her French husband Jean-Charles Carrarini to open Rose Bakery on Rue des Martyrs in 2002.

Rose, who was then a home baker with little professional experience, took Paris by storm with her carrot cakes and pound cakes. After opening three more bakeries in Paris, and four in other countries, the couple decided to try Hong Kong.

Located in Page One's book store in Harbour City, Tsim Sha Tsui, Rose Bakery has a simple yet modern feel. It tries to gain attention with its simplicity and give a "sense of happiness" says Jean-Charles.

The cakes should make pastry fiends happy, especially the signature cylindrical carrot cake (below left) that is packed full of walnuts and topped with a circle of cream cheese icing. The Bakery is also known for its pound cakes, made the classic way with butter for shortening.

Some of the ingredients used in the Hong Kong branch are from the same sources as those used in France, says Jean-Charles. Despite its casual concept, the Carrarinis choose ingredients carefully from sustainable and ethical sources.