Madeleines with coffee and tea: what to drink with them
A madeleine is small, crisp at the edge and tender inside, so it is happiest next to a drink that lets it speak. Here are easy pairings, how to dip properly, and serving ideas for real Bangkok moments.
Coffee
- Espresso or Americano: the bitterness sits nicely next to a sweet, small cake. A classic café pairing.
- Latte or flat white: softer and creamier; good if you plan to eat two or three.
- Iced coffee: works too. Eat the madeleine first, then sip, so the cold drink does not mute it.
Tea
- Light black teas, like Earl Grey or Darjeeling: a common afternoon-tea match.
- Green or jasmine tea: clean and gentle, good after a meal.
- Thai tea (ชาไทย): Thai tea is sweet and strong; pair it with a plain madeleine rather than a topped one so it is not too sweet overall.
Quick pairing table
| Drink | Best madeleine | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Espresso | Plain | Bitter next to sweet |
| Latte | Any | Soft and creamy |
| Earl Grey | Plain or topped | Light and fragrant |
| Jasmine or green tea | Plain | Clean after a meal |
| Thai tea | Plain | The drink is already sweet |
How to dip a madeleine: step by step
- Let the drink cool a little. Very hot drinks soften the cake too fast.
- Hold it by the hump.
- Dip the shell-side tip for one or two seconds.
- Eat straight away. Do not leave it in the cup.
Many people dip a madeleine in tea or coffee, and Wikipedia notes they are often dunked. In Marcel Proust's novel In Search of Lost Time, the narrator dips a madeleine in tea, and the scene is why the cake is linked with memory.
Serving ideas
- Morning visit: one madeleine per person with coffee.
- Office break: a box of 5 on the meeting table with a pot of tea.
- Afternoon tea with family: a small plate of madeleines and a pot of tea in the middle of the table.
- After dinner: green or jasmine tea and one madeleine each.
Tips
- Eat them the day they are baked for the crispest edge.
- Choose the style for the drink: see plain, stuffed or topped madeleines.
- Bringing them to someone's home? Read what to bring to a Thai home.
New to madeleines? Start with what is a madeleine. Ready to try? Build a box of madeleines baked this morning. We deliver across central Bangkok, Monday to Saturday, 10:00 to 18:00.
Sources: Wikipedia, "Madeleine (cake)", "In Search of Lost Time" and "Thai tea" (checked 14 October 2026).
Questions
What do you drink with madeleines?
Coffee or tea. Wikipedia notes that madeleines are often served for breakfast or tea and often dunked in coffee or tea. Black coffee and light teas are the simplest matches.
Should you dip a madeleine in tea?
You can. Many people do, and it is the famous scene in Proust's novel. Dip quickly and eat it straight away so it does not fall apart.
Do madeleines go with Thai tea?
Yes, but Thai tea is sweet and strong, so a plain madeleine is the better partner than a topped one.
Can I eat madeleines with iced coffee?
Yes. Take a bite of the madeleine first, then sip, so the cold drink does not mute the cake.
How many madeleines per person?
One or two with a drink. A box of 3 suits one or two people; a box of 5 suits a small group.