A great coffee and a great dessert are good on their own. Put the right two together and both taste better. You do not need to be an expert to pair well, you just need a few simple rules. Here is how we think about it behind the bar, with ideas from our own menu.
The three simple rules
- Balance richness with strength. Very rich, sweet desserts pair best with stronger, less milky coffee, which cuts through the sugar.
- Match buttery with creamy. Light, buttery pastries feel luxurious next to a smooth, milky drink.
- Echo a flavour. If a dessert has pistachio, chocolate or caramel, a drink with the same note makes the pairing feel intentional.
Croissants
A flaky, buttery croissant is at its best with a Café Latte or Cappuccino. The milk softens the coffee and matches the pastry’s richness without overpowering it.
- Pistachio Cream Croissant + Pistachio Latte: the double-pistachio combination our regulars love.
- Lotus Biscoff Croissant + Americano: the clean, bold Americano balances the sweet, spiced biscuit cream.
- Croissant + Spanish Latte: such a good match that it is on our Breakfast Combos.
Waffles
Warm waffles topped with Nutella, chocolate or Lotus are sweet and indulgent, so go for something with more coffee character.
- Nutella Classic Waffle + Flat White: the stronger espresso keeps the chocolate-hazelnut from feeling too heavy.
- Triple Chocolate Waffle + Double Espresso: for true chocolate lovers. Take a bite, then a sip.
Cheesecakes and cakes
Creamy cheesecakes and molten cakes are the richest items on our menu. Pair them with espresso-forward drinks.
- Are Square Signature Cheesecake + Espresso: a short, intense shot is the classic partner to a creamy cheesecake.
- Molten Chocolate Cake + Cappuccino: the light foam makes each bite of warm chocolate feel lighter.
- Belgian Tiramisu + Americano: tiramisu already has coffee inside, so a clean black coffee brings that flavour forward.
Not a coffee drinker?
A Strawberry Matcha is lovely with a Vanilla Cream Berry Croissant, and a fresh juice or mojito is a bright, refreshing partner for fruit desserts and healthy bowls.
Browse all our drinks, pastries and desserts on the menu, and ask our baristas at Amaya Mall for their favourite pairing of the day.
