KUALA LUMPUR, 6 April, 2014 – “The only thing that will make a soufflé fall is if it knows you’re afraid of it,” said American chef and food writer James Beard. This delicate French creation is a tricky challenge to tackle, hence only a handful of places get it right.

For those of you who have not mastered the art of making a soufflé, have a look at our picture for pointers on what makes a good soufflé and how it is achieved.

Usually restaurants prepare the pastry cream ahead to cut the preparation time. Once an order is placed, the egg whites are beaten to stiff peaks and folded into the cream. Subsequently it’s baked in a ramekin until it puffs up and the top browns.

Just remember one rule. Soufflés need time. When you’re winding down your meal, order your soufflé. They need a lead time of at least 20-35 minutes to prepare and bake in the oven. Be patient.

You will be rewarded with a sweet treat for your time.

Here are places in the Klang Valley to try a good soufflé:

Maison Francaise
5, Jalan Changkat Kia Peng, KL.
Tel:03-21441474
French chef Franck Lamache whips up beauteous soufflés with a light hand. Our favourite is the orange-tinged Grand Marnier or the fragrant passionfruit. There are also vanilla, lemon and pistachio flavours.

Yeast Bistronomy
24G, Jalan Telawi 2, Bangsar, KL.
Tel:03-22820118
Die-hard chocolate lovers will drool over the decadent Valrhona chocolate soufflé. It is served with a scoop of raspberry sorbet that melts in the puffy center to create an oh-so-delicious! sauce.

Miam Miam
Lot 146, Grd Floor, 1 Utama Shopping Center, PJ. Tel:03-77318923
This Japanese-French cafe loves their soufflés, as it’s all over their menu. You can order the soufflé pancake or even individual matcha and vanilla soufflés. It’s also the only place that serves a savoury soufflé du nuage – puffy egg and cheese soufflé on top of tomato sauteed rice.

Milk and Butter Restaurant & Cafe
25G, Jalan Telawi 2, Bangsar, KL.
Tel:03-22019869
Pop by here for a tangy tasting lemon soufflé or a premium soufflé with a hint of alcohol. The soufflés are served with a scoop of ice cream on the side.