L’Opéra - the most recognised symbol of authentic French Pâtisserie, Boulangerie and Salon de Thé in India

Chairman Kazem Samandari

L'Opéra has always been the quintessential symbol of French Pâtisserie and Bakery in India and the pioneer in bringing the very French concept of "Salon de Thé" (Tea Room) to the Indian capital. All L'Opéra outlets are designed and operated in such a manner as to transport the guests and patrons to the heart of Paris through their refined atmosphere and exquisite products. In conversation with Kazem Samandari, Founder of L'opera-

1) Please let us know about L'Opéra
L'Opéra is an authentic Pastry & Bakery House, Salon de Thé and Café Restaurant, specialising in French products in India. Since its inception it has always stood for quality and excellence. 

L'Opéra is the brainchild of my son Laurent, who envisioned the demand for authentic, high-quality French bakery & pastry products while on an internship in India early 2008. Later, my wife Christine and I also joined him to help make his vision a reality. Our family is actively involved in running the business & maintaining the high standards of service and excellence that we have set for ourselves. 

Each of our offerings, from our cakes and pastries to our breads, quiches, and croissants, adhere to the strictest standards of perfection and elegance using high quality products. From our quaint little Macarons to our majestic Galette des Rois and our Mille Feuille, there is hardly a French delicacy that you can give a miss at L'Opéra. Inspired by the quintessential French ‘Salon de Thé', L'Opéra remains a trailblazer and trendsetter in the Indian market for high-end culinary offerings. 

2) It's been close to 13 years of L'Opéra in India. How has the market changed from then to now?
The market has definitely changed enormously for the better. Whereas in the early days, there was a more limited customer base which understood and appreciated authentic French products, ambience and service, today the number has increased by at least a factor 10. At a different level, the pioneering work L'Opéra undertook to popularise its concept, paved the way for dozens of other brands, both international and local to follow its lead.

3) Please let us know about your signature products

Given the fact that we have different categories of products, we also have different signature products in each category. In the pastry category Opéra is the signature product followed closely by the different flavours of Éclairs, Mille Feuille and our famous Lemon Tart, not to forget the Macarons which come in 11 flavours. In the Viennese category, naturally the Plain Croissant followed by the Chocolate Croissant are highly successful. Among our breads, the Pain de Campagne, a sourdough French speciality, is a class of its own. L'Opéra's thin crust Garden Feast Pizza, our freshly made to order Lasagne, the French Onion Soup and Tomato Soup are among our signature food items. And finally, among our beverages the L'Opéra Cappuccino and our different Chocolate drinks - both cold and hot - are what our customers cherish most.

4) How would you describe the design philosophy of L'Opéra

Authentic French, elegant, tasteful, innovative, aesthetically appealing and of highest workmanship and quality. Thanks to our very talented architects and interior designers and the constant involvement of the founding family the design concepts for each new outlet are carefully crafted and perfected. Every outlet is different, yet you will always know that you have entered a L'Opéra outlet. Each has its own specificity and its own charm. From the simple counter inside the French Embassy to the very popular Khan Market outlet to the iconic L'Opéra at Bikaner House and now the latest addition, L'Opéra Art Café on MG Road.

5) Please share your expansion plans

The Ambassador of France, H.E. Mr. Thierry Mathou inaugurated our latest L'Opéra Art Café on MG Road on Saturday, October 14^th. The next one on Club Road, Punjabi Bagh shall open its doors by October 21^st and there will be another 3 or 4 outlets before the end of 2023 in Delhi NCR.
We shall expand to other cities as soon as we have ensured that the quality of our products and services will be at par with that of our home territory.

6) Any memory / customer testimonial you would like to share

They are too many to relate. Here are some of the ones which marked my memory.

"There was a life before and after L'Opéra came to Delhi." A very happy customer.

The wife of a European Ambassador said "My son did not want to stay in Delhi, until he discovered L'Opéra's croissants and breads. Now he is happy to remain here…".

Two Ambassadors of France publicly mentioned that L'Opéra was "the true" and "more efficient Embassy of France" through its reach and number of its outlets…

"The entire family has unanimously decided that L'Opéra's ‘Galette des Rois' is the best in the world." H.E. Mr. André Carreo do Lago, Ambassador of Brazil to India

"When you enter any L'Opéra outlet, you feel you are in Paris." A well-travelled customer.

7) What's the difference between L'Opéra and L'Opéra Art Café, are you planning to go Art Café route from now for all your outlets

In the L'Opéra Art Cafés we have created special spaces to exhibit visual arts which are for sale. This is not the case in all L'Opéra outlets. In the future, we plan to also organise other types of cultural events such as book readings, live music, poetry evenings, etc. in the Art Cafés.

8) How frequently you introduce new products?

Very often. On average once every two months. If you consider the seasonal products and festival-related products as well, then the average will be at least once every month.

9) Anything you think people should know about L'Opéra

L'Opéra is not merely and solely a pure commercial enterprise. It is an undertaking with a mission and based on a set of core values. L'Opéra strives "To be the most recognised symbol of authentic French Pâtisserie, Boulangerie and Salon de Thé in India". And, its operations are based on 10 Core Values which are the following: Commitment to Excellence & Quality; Truthfulness, Honesty & Transparency; Gender Equality; Meritocracy & Equal Opportunity; Courtesy; Collaboration & Mutual Respect; Consultation; Ownership & Accountability; Spirit of Service and finally Responsible and Sustainable Growth.
We at L'Opéra are convinced that these values are the true recipe for the long-term and true success of any enterprise which wants to serve not only the private interests of its owners but also the society at large as a responsible actor.