Сhoux bun topped with tempura pickles, truffle aioli, sauteed spinach grabgojek
An Elegant Expression of Comfort and Craftsmanship At Te’Amo Gastro & Bistro, every dish tells a story — one that intertwines modern culinary artistry with heartfelt comfort. Among our most beloved creations, the Smoked Chicken Choux Bun stands as an embodiment of refined indulgence, bridging the warmth of home-style flavors with the sophistication of fine dining.
At first glance, it appears delicate — a golden choux bun, light yet structured, its surface gently crisped. Inside lies a tender revelation: smoked chicken, aromatic and subtly seasoned, layered with sautéed spinach, tempura pickles, and the luxurious depth of truffle aioli. The harmony of these elements transforms a simple bun into an experience that lingers beyond the final bite.
The Philosophy Behind the Dish At Te’Amo, we believe that true gastronomy is not about excess, but balance — between texture and temperature, between aroma and silence, between the rustic and the rare. The Smoked Chicken Choux Bun was conceived as a culinary dialogue between French patisserie technique and contemporary savory craftsmanship.
Our chefs reimagined the classic choux pastry — traditionally associated with éclairs or profiteroles — as the vessel for something unexpected: tender, house-smoked chicken infused with natural wood aromas. The result is both familiar and innovative, a dish that feels comforting yet refined, indulgent yet light.
The Choux Bun: Air, Golden Light, and Subtle Strength The foundation of this dish begins with the choux bun — a delicate dough made with flour, butter, eggs, and water, baked until it rises into a crisp shell filled with airy softness. Each bun is baked daily in small batches to ensure its golden crust retains just the right balance of crisp and tender.
Unlike traditional bread, the choux bun does not rely on yeast. Instead, its lift comes from steam — a natural leavening process that gives it an ethereal texture. When bitten, it yields gracefully, creating space for the smoky, savory notes to unfold.
The pastry’s neutral flavor profile makes it the perfect canvas for the rich filling. It carries the warmth of the oven, a hint of butter, and the lightest whisper of salt — an understated background for the flavors it embraces.
✨ If you love refined pastries and savory delights, explore more from our Breakfast Menu or discover Te’Amo’s artisanal selections on our Dinner Menu. Each item celebrates craftsmanship and comfort in equal measure.
The Smoked Chicken: Crafting Depth from Simplicity The chicken used in this dish is selected for its tenderness and clean, natural flavor. We source free-range poultry, chosen for quality and texture, then prepare it through a multi-stage smoking process that enhances both aroma and depth. 1. The Brining The chicken is first marinated in a gentle brine of sea salt, herbs, and citrus peel for 24 hours. This step enhances juiciness and infuses the meat with subtle notes of thyme and lemon zest. 2. The Smoking Using a blend of applewood and oak, the chicken is smoked at low temperature until the fibers absorb just enough of that elegant smokiness — not overpowering, but gently persistent. This balance is crucial; we aim for the kind of smoke that feels natural, like the lingering scent of a wood-fired kitchen. 3. The Finishing Finally, the meat is lightly sautéed with butter and white wine reduction to accentuate its natural sweetness before being layered into the choux bun. The result is succulent, aromatic, and deeply satisfying — a center that defines the entire creation.
🍷 Looking for the perfect companion to this dish? Explore our Bar Menu — from crisp wines to signature cocktails, every pairing is designed to elevate Te’Amo’s culinary artistry.
The Truffle Aioli: Earth Meets Elegance No less important is the truffle aioli, a creamy emulsion that bridges the savory smokiness of the chicken with the freshness of the greens. Made in-house daily, the aioli is crafted from egg yolks, lemon juice, roasted garlic, and truffle essence, then blended with premium olive oil to achieve a satin-smooth texture.
Truffle, with its earthy aroma and nuanced depth, transforms the aioli from a simple condiment into a defining note. It lingers softly, evoking the richness of forest and soil, complementing the gentle smoke of the chicken. Each component — fat, acid, and aroma — is balanced with precision, ensuring no flavor dominates. This is not truffle for the sake of luxury; it’s truffle as harmony.
Tempura Pickles and Sautéed Spinach: Texture and Freshness Where there is richness, there must also be contrast. The tempura pickles provide that essential brightness. Lightly battered and fried until crisp, they deliver a delicate crunch and subtle acidity that cuts through the creaminess of the aioli. The tempura coating ensures that every bite has a playful, airy crispness — fleeting, yet memorable. Meanwhile, the sautéed spinach introduces warmth and balance. Wilted gently in olive oil with a touch of garlic, it adds both earthiness and color, completing the palette of textures that define this dish.
Together, these elements — choux, smoked chicken, truffle aioli, spinach, and pickles — become a conversation of opposites: crisp and soft, smoky and fresh, rich and clean.
🥂 Pair your savory indulgence with something delightful from our Pizza Menu or Pasta Menu — each handcrafted with Te’Amo’s passion for balance and creativity.
A Culinary Moment to Remember The Smoked Chicken Choux Bun is more than an appetizer; it is an expression of Te’Amo’s culinary philosophy — that every plate should carry emotion as much as flavor. It’s crafted not only to satisfy but to evoke curiosity: a familiar form rendered unfamiliar, inviting guests to experience it anew.
Served warm, it arrives as a delicate structure — golden on the outside, aromatic within. When you slice through the choux, a small puff of steam escapes, carrying the scent of smoke and truffle. Each layer reveals itself slowly: the gentle salt of the pickle, the earthy undertone of spinach, the savory whisper of aioli.
It’s a dish that rewards patience and attentiveness — best enjoyed in quiet moments, perhaps alongside a glass of Chardonnay or dry white wine, which complements its smokiness beautifully.
Wine & Beverage Pairing Recommendations At Te’Amo, we encourage guests to pair the Smoked Chicken Choux Bun with beverages that enhance its elegant simplicity:
White Wine – Chardonnay (Lightly Oaked): Balances the smoked chicken with buttery harmony.
Sparkling Wine – Brut or Prosecco: Cuts through the aioli’s richness with crisp acidity.
Craft Cocktail – Citrus & Herb Infusion: A refreshing counterpoint to the smoky base, perfect for mid-afternoon enjoyment.
Non-Alcoholic Option – Iced Green Tea with Yuzu: A clean, zesty finish that mirrors the freshness of the pickles.
Each pairing transforms the experience slightly — the way a melody shifts when played in a different key.
A Reflection of Te’Amo’s Culinary Identity Every Te’Amo dish is designed to reflect the essence of modern gastro-bistro dining — approachable, yet artful. The Smoked Chicken Choux Bun captures that spirit perfectly. It takes familiar components — chicken, bread, aioli — and elevates them through technique, timing, and taste. The choux bun reflects precision. The smoked chicken reveals patience. The truffle aioli shows restraint. Together, they form the language of Te’Amo’s kitchen — where each ingredient has a purpose, and each purpose is beautifully executed.
The Inspiration: From Classic to Contemporary This creation draws inspiration from two culinary worlds: the French patisserie tradition and the modern European bistro movement. Our chefs were inspired by the juxtaposition of sweet and savory in classic choux pastries, reimagining how this timeless dough could carry a more robust filling.
The idea emerged during an afternoon tasting session, where the team explored pairing smoked proteins with delicate pastries. The result was a balance that felt unexpected yet intuitive — a moment of discovery that became one of Te’Amo’s signature creations. As one of our chefs describes it:
“We wanted to take something light and elegant, and fill it with something soulful — something that reminds you of the warmth of real cooking.” That’s the heart of this dish — culinary memory made modern.
Presentation and Plating When served, presentation matters as much as taste. The Smoked Chicken Choux Bun is plated with an understated grace — a single bun set against a ceramic plate brushed with truffle aioli and a small nest of sautéed greens. A drizzle of olive oil catches the light, and a few micro herbs add the final touch of color. Every element on the plate is deliberate, composed to guide the eye and palate alike. The plating echoes Te’Amo’s design philosophy — minimalism that amplifies detail. Nothing is excessive, and nothing is missing.
A Sensory Experience Beyond Taste To truly experience this dish, one must engage all the senses.
Sight: The golden sheen of the choux bun, the gentle gloss of the aioli, the vibrant green of spinach.
Smell: The intertwining aromas of truffle, smoke, and butter.
Touch: The soft resistance as the choux gives way beneath the knife.
Sound: The crisp bite of the tempura pickle.
Taste: A symphony of savory, earthy, smoky, and tangy notes unfolding in sequence.
This is where the Smoked Chicken Choux Bun transcends being food — it becomes a small performance of flavor.
Why It’s Loved by Our Guests Guests at Te’Amo often describe this dish as “surprisingly elegant,”“a little masterpiece,” or simply “the perfect first bite.” It has become one of our signature recommendations for both first-time visitors and returning patrons seeking a taste that feels both comforting and refined.
Its popularity lies in its balance: light enough for a midday lunch, flavorful enough for dinner, and luxurious enough to accompany champagne or cocktails. It also photographs beautifully — golden, layered, and inviting — capturing the very essence of Te’Amo’s aesthetic: culinary art designed to be experienced, not just seen.
The Art of Balance: Technique Meets Emotion Behind every great dish lies intention. The Smoked Chicken Choux Bun is not just about technique; it’s about emotional rhythm — the restraint of seasoning, the precision of timing, the quiet patience of slow smoking. Every detail contributes to the feeling it creates when enjoyed.
That feeling — of comfort meeting sophistication — is the cornerstone of Te’Amo’s kitchen. It’s what transforms a menu item into a moment of connection between chef and guest. A Signature Dish of Te’Amo Gastro & Bistro In many ways, this choux bun encapsulates what Te’Amo Gastro & Bistro stands for:
A celebration of craftsmanship and creativity.
A balance between the familiar and the refined.
A dedication to sensory harmony.
A love for honest ingredients treated with respect.
It’s not simply a dish to eat; it’s an experience to savor — one that invites reflection and leaves an impression long after you’ve finished. Conclusion: Where Simplicity Finds Sophistication The Smoked Chicken Choux Bun is a testament to what happens when simplicity meets mastery. Each component — from the smoked chicken to the truffle aioli — speaks softly, yet together they form a composition that resonates deeply. It represents Te’Amo’s pursuit of culinary balance, where every dish is both a creation and a conversation — between flavor and texture, chef and guest, tradition and modernity. Whether you’re beginning your meal or savoring a refined bite between courses, this dish promises not only satisfaction but inspiration — a quiet reminder that even the smallest plates can carry the largest emotions.
Discover the Smoked Chicken Choux Bun at Te’Amo Gastro & Bistro — where every bite tells a story of craftsmanship, creativity, and love for the art of dining.