Cliche Patisserie (341 S Linn St., Iowa City), a French-inspired Chinese bakery, has just opened its doors in Iowa City. The bakery and tea shop is located on Linn St between Burlington and Court, and offers an array of traditional Chinese breads and desserts as well as milk teas, loose teas and house-made sodas. The space itself is sparse and elegant, with high ceilings and a profusion of natural light.
Owner Leo (Ligiang) Jiang said that when he first came to Iowa from China he found many of the baked goods, such as the ever-prevalent cupcakes, just too sweet.
“Traditional Chinese pastries are fresh and just a little bit sweet,” said Jiang, “I feel that if Americans try our baked goods they will really like them.”
Jiang said he plans to showcase a rotating menu of baked offerings while consistently featuring house favorites. One such favorite is the egg yolk and red bean bun in flake pastry, which was the perfect combination of sweet and salty. Spring Breath, a matcha green tea pastry, was also very good. The bakery has plenty of savory options as well, such as the ham and corn bun.
“We’ll soon be offering an English-style high tea,” said Jiang. And given the quality of their pastries, selection of teas, and overall beauty of the space, this high tea should be something to look forward to.
