"Dude, have you ever baked before?" Long pause. "Nope." But the Madeleines turned out pretty good. In fact, quite impressed with the results...
Straight from Taiwan to Manila, IDIM DIY Bakery brings its novel and unique baking experience to local diners and wannabe bakers in a fun and innovative concept. The first of its kind in Asia and Taiwan's top DIY baking pioneer, IDIM, short for "I Did It Myself" means exactly that. You bake your own cake. Sounds like fun? Then, read on...
Located at the 4th Level at Mega Atrium in SM Megamall, IDIM DIY Bakery is an international brand originating from Taiwan offering a special "out-of-the-box" bakery concept where customers don't merely buy cakes, they get to bake and decorate their own cakes. Never baked before? No worries. At IDIM DIY Bakery, their motto is "Anyone Can Bake." For someone who never baked before, this seemed like a challenge that's worth a try.
On the day of our visit, the newest concept at Mega Atrium was still under wraps...
...but we had an exclusive preview. Inside, the bright and spacious interiors of IDIM DIY Bakery with its streamlined and fully operational bakery was impressive decked with all the equipment needed for that perfect cake. Fresh ingredients, all premium brands, were stored in glass chillers...
...while mixers...
...and microwave ovens lined the other side. A quick scan of the menu presented different styles of cakes from ornate layered cakes to cheesecakes, rolls and even donuts, cookies, pastries, cream puffs and even Madeleines.
You can also view the display and make your selection. One look at the intricate and elaborate cakes, and you suddenly feel maybe you're not the baker you thought you are but just go with the flow and enjoy the experience. And talking about experience, IDIM DIY Bakery is the perfect activity for family bonding time with the kids and even corporate team-building exercises.
Once you decide what to bake, you're given a tablet detailing each recipe with videos to guide you through the entire process. All the recipes have been tested by IDIM DIY Bakery down to the precise measurements, proportions, time and temperature to ensure consistent results every time. Part of your kit includes a digital scale to accurately measure all your ingredients for the precise amounts needed for your baked creation. It may seem intimidating at first, but the staff at IDIM DIY Bakery are always there to guide you along.
I go for the 18 Karat Choco Madeleines (P 699) and gather the equipment and ingredients for the DIY project and get straight to work. Here we go...
The staff keeps a close eye just to ensure the proper steps are followed so you can create your baked masterpiece. If you have any questions, these are addressed immediately. The whole concept is "Do-It-Yourself" after all.
Meanwhile, my other fellow bakers were already halfway through their creations...
...as others get a helping hand with a demo before their turn. At IDIM DIY Bakery, it's all about fun and doing something you never thought you could do. That's something that deserves a pat on the back.
And seeing everyone enjoy their experiences can be contagious. And it's this interactive experience that sets IDIM DIY Bakery apart, with nothing quite like it in the metro.
While my Madeleines are in the oven, why not make your own Milk Tea? At IDIM DIY Bakery, you can help yourself at the Milk Tea Bar with your very own milk tea blend. You can even add and print your favorite photo to your blend with the cool contraption at the Milk Tea Bar like latte' art. Now how cool is that, right?
A refreshing tall cup of IDIM DIY Bakery's Milk Tea, which you made yourself, is the best way to while away the time for the Madeleines to come out the oven.
As your handy digital timer tells you it's done, you slowly pull out the tray with nervous anticipation...
...and it's not bad at all. In fact, it's pretty impressive coming from a first-time baker like me. At IDIM DIY Bakery, non bakers can get it right the first time. Like a pro.
The premium chocolate shell over the perfectly baked Madeleine adds a layer of indulgent richness with each bite. And yes, I did it myself. Rarely is the first time's a charm always true. Only at IDIM DIY Bakery.
Maybe just a tad heavy on the brush stroke for the 18K gold dust...
...but I'll soon get the hang of it with more visits to IDIM DIY Bakery.
Then, everyone else showed off their impressive creations like this perfectly baked New York Lovers Cheesecake (P 990)...
...the colorful Over the Clouds & Rainbow Cake (P 1,499)...
...the elegant Darling Angel Princess Cake (P 1,299)...
...and the Choco Banana Boston Pie (P 899), each one made by first-time or novice bakers. And hey, you can have your cake and eat it too. For non-bakers and first-timers, it's definitely an experience to remember. If I could bake the Madeleines, you can do better. IDIM DIY Bakery is one of the most innovative concepts this year, and a welcome addition to the local culinary scene with diners always on the lookout for new and memorable experiences. Now it's your turn to start baking...
IDIM DIY Bakery is located at the 4th Level of Mega Atrium in SM Megamall. For more on IDIM DIY Bakery, visit their FB Page at https://www.facebook.com/IDIM.PH/ and website at https://www.idimdiybakery.com/ for updates.
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