Traveling 500 Years Back: Turns Out the Macaron Is from Syria

Tourism Center / Comprehensive Report

The French dessert known as the macaron, famed as the "nun's bosom" for its crisp outer shell and soft, sweet yet slightly tangy interior along with its luxurious packaging, has become a global sensation in recent years. In fact, the macaron was born over 500 years ago in Syria. It only gained popularity in France after a French writer defined its "essence." The current trend involves adding savory elements to create foie gras and caviar macarons.

▲ Macarons come in a rainbow of colors, yet each tiny treat comes with a hefty price tag. (Photo / Reporter Huang Kexiang)

Macarons first appeared in the 15th century, originally called Louzieh. They were a dessert offered by a Syrian pastry shop to the Ottoman Caliph. In 1552, French writer François Rabelais first wrote a definition of the macaron: “a small almond round cake, crispy outside and soft inside.”

Early macarons were made from almonds, sugar, and egg whites, combining beet sugar from northern France with almonds from the south. Pastry chef Pierre Desfontaines invented the sandwich method—layering buttercream, jam, or fruit purée between two macarons—which led to the modern macaron, a quintessentially contemporary yet traditional sweet.

▲ A variety of beautifully designed macarons. (Photo / Archive; Reporter Huang Kexiang)

The macaron craze has swept Taiwan in recent years. Despite their high price—averaging around NT$100 per piece—they remain immensely popular. According to pastry chefs, crafting these tiny treats involves a complex process where even the slightest mistake can lead to failure, making them both time-consuming and labor-intensive. Those who have tasted them often describe the macaron as having a crisp outer shell, with a soft, sweet filling inside—but not overly sugary, instead offering a hint of tartness.

Today, the macaron has become an emblem of French cuisine. Pastry master Pierre Hermé went a step further in 2006 by designating March 20 as "Macaron Day." The holiday not only celebrates the arrival of spring but also partners with different charitable organizations each year, allowing enthusiasts to choose a free macaron while making a voluntary donation. (News source: Central News Agency)