Biscuits have been my comfort food since childhood. Therefore I jumped at the opportunity to visit Genji Shoppe on Monday, April 21, 2014 with 3 of my Indonesian Food Blogger friends.

Genji Shoppe is an innovative creation of Monde Biscuits Indonesia to promote Genji Pie, a pastry biscuit that has multiple flavors and unique shape.

Biscuits, small, dry and crisp snacks have been around since the 16th century. The word biscuit originated from Latin words: bis coctus, meaning "cooked twice."

 In the United Kingdom and Commonwealth countries, a biscuit is a small baked product also known as cookie. Sweet biscuits are usually made of wheat flour, milk, and sugar or honey. To create different flavors consumers add chocolate , dried fruit, jam, nuts, and ginger.

In the United States and Canada, a biscuit is a small crusty brown bread made from baking powder or baking soda instead of yeast. In the presentation, biscuits are usually served as a complement during breakfast. To produce different flavors people add butter, maple syrup, jam or jelly.

In Indonesia, biscuits are usually eaten as snacks served with tea or coffee although it is appropriate to be consumed any time of day.

Entering Genji Shoppe, I was impressed with the unique decorations, and the beauty of pop arts around the room.

To translate the concept of Genji Shoppe , Monde Biscuit Indonesia invited five young artists who have produced spectacular works of art. They were Rukmunal Hakim (illustrator) , Lala Bolang (illustrator and writer), Ykha Amlez (illustrator), Muhamad Taufik (illustrator and watercolor specialist) and Monica Hapsari (multi -talented artist).

The results are extremely pleasing to the eyes, especially when combined with the culinary arts that create an unforgettable food experience. I believe we took more time in shooting pictures compared to the time eating.

I was lucky enough to taste the following 8 out of the 9 desserts offered:

1 . A Bag of Loves or A Jar of Hearts

A group of small heart-shaped bicuits with unique flavors : Salty Caramel has a sweet & savory flavor while Chocolate Chili is savory, sweet and slightly spicy from the chili powder mixed with the chocolate dough.

2. No, it is not a Martini

 This is my favorite menu, served in a tall martini glass, filled with white mousse and soft layered chocolate, filled with a few small heart-shaped Genji Pies.

3 . Magic Cinnamon Pie

A rectangular shaped Genji Pie rectangular doused with assorted fresh fruit pieces and syrup, it has a flavor combination of sweet, sour, crunchy and fresh.

4 . When Sour Meets Choco

Chocolate lovers would not want to miss this. A splash of chocolate enveloping 2 pices of heart-shaped Genji Pies, combined with pieces of fresh fruits produced a delicious blend of flavors.

5 . Smokey Burkiny

Chicken burger with barbecue sauce is perfect for a hungry stomach. With ample portions and a unique presentation, the dish came with three mouthwatering mini burgers. This menu may not be a choice for those who do not consume alcohol since whiskey was added in the cooking process to give a distinct flavor.

6 . Ratatoullie Goes Berries

With heart-shaped crumbs as the base material, sweet cream cheese on top, and decorated with strawberries, blueberries, and mint leaves, this delicacy has a perfect combination of sweet, sour and salty taste.

7 . The Corleone's

Neatly arranged Genji Pies with sprinkles of different flavors: strips of meat and cheese and chunks of mushrooms and cheese may taste different when you add a little spicy or acidic flavor such as hot sauce or ketchup.

8 . Sleeping Beauty

The last menu we enjoy has a beautiful appearance as the name suggests . Strawberry sponge cake, doused with strawberry syrup and chocolate syrup presented separately reminds you of Indonesian traditional sponge cake with a more modern look.

Genji Shoppe opens as a pop-up from 12 April 2014 to 11 May 2014 at Street Gallery 3 Pondok Indah Mall , South Jakarta.

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Text & Images: Dian Anggraini