Embedded Files
🌿 Land Acknowledgement
🌿 Land Acknowledgement
At Sweet Vanilla, we acknowledge that we live and work on the traditional unceded and unsurrendered territory of the Wolastoqiyik (Maliseet) and Mi’kmaq Peoples.
This land, known as Wolastokuk (the beautiful and bountiful river) and Mi’kma’ki, has been a place of gathering, creation, and nourishment for generations.
We are grateful to share in this land’s abundance, to build our craft here in Saint John, and to contribute to a community that honours its Indigenous roots.
In the spirit of reconciliation and respect, we commit to learning from the history of this place and supporting a future built on inclusion, understanding, and shared connection.
Where France Meets Madagascar — and Saint John Finds Its Sweet Side
Where France Meets Madagascar — and Saint John Finds Its Sweet Side
About Sweet Vanilla
About Sweet Vanilla
Sweet Vanilla is a French-inspired artisanal bakery and catering company rooted in the heart of Saint John, New Brunswick.
Founded in 2019 by Romy Lai, a self-taught baker with French training and Malagasy roots, Sweet Vanilla was born from a simple craving for authentic French pastries — and has grown into one of the city’s most beloved culinary destinations.
What began as a small farmers-market stall has become a signature local brand, known for elegant pastries, handcrafted macarons, and multicultural flavours that blend French artistry with Malagasy warmth. Every creation is made from scratch, using real ingredients, refined techniques, and a deep respect for cultural heritage.
Local Roots, Global Soul
Romy is the heart and hands behind Sweet Vanilla.
Local Roots, Global Soul
Romy is the heart and hands behind Sweet Vanilla.
A self-taught baker with roots in Madagascar and a decade spent immersed in the world of French pâtisserie, she moved to Saint John in 2015 with a dream: to share the beauty of handcrafted French baking with her new community — and to weave her Malagasy heritage into every creation.
Sweet Vanilla started at a small market table in 2019. It grew through word of mouth, loyal customers, and a genuine commitment to quality. Today, it's a beloved Saint John brand — recognized with the Saint John Community Votes award for bakery and desserts every year since 2022, and expanding its reach across New Brunswick.
But the heart of it hasn't changed. Every pastry is still made by hand, in small batches, with no gelatin and no shortcuts. Every flavour tells a story. Every box is made to be remembered.
"I bake because food brings people together. It crosses borders, starts conversations, and makes people feel something real. That's what Sweet Vanilla is for."— Romy, Founder
Our Mission
Our Mission
To enrich the Greater Saint John community with authentic French pastries, delightful desserts, and Malagasy-inspired cuisine — handcrafted locally, with artistry, inclusivity, and heart.
We exist to connect people through food — celebrating culture, comfort, and creativity in every bite.
Our Promise
Our Promise
To bring authentic French artistry and the warmth of Malagasy culture to every bite — handcrafted with care, quality, and heart.
Every macaron, éclair, chou, and samosa tells a story —
one of heritage, craftsmanship, and joy — made locally for a community that celebrates both tradition and diversity.
What we stand for
What we stand for
Authenticity you can taste
Every creation reflects real technique, real culture, and real care.
We stay true to our craft, our ingredients, and our story.
No shortcuts, no frozen doughs — just real butter, real vanilla, and real passion.
Our authenticity lies not only in recipes, but in how we show up every day — honest, transparent, and dedicated to excellence.
Why it matters: In a world of shortcuts, we choose sincerity — because true flavour starts with truth.
Rooted in Culture, Connected by Community
We grew here. We stay rooted here. We celebrate this city.
Behind every dessert is a person — not a machine.
Every customer, supplier, and employee is treated like family. We believe kindness is an ingredient as essential as butter or vanilla.
Why it matters: It’s our promise to make you feel seen, welcomed, and cared for — whether it’s your first visit or your fiftieth.
Inclusion
Gelatin-free, locally sourced, and made for everyone.
We celebrate cultural diversity by bringing authentic global flavours to our local table. Every product tells a story of heritage and belonging — from Madagascar vanilla to Saint John’s vibrant community spirit.
Why it matters: Sweet Vanilla is more than a bakery — it’s a space where traditions meet, cultures connect, and everyone feels at home.
Craftsmanship
Small batches, handmade always. Quality is non-negotiable.
Each macaron, éclair, or canelé is handcrafted from scratch, infused with French precision and creativity. We take pride in making desserts that aren’t just delicious, but visually poetic.
Why it matters: Our pastries are designed to inspire — the same way Parisian patisseries do — but made with the warmth and soul of Saint John.
At Sweet Vanilla, our values aren’t just written — they’re baked into everything we do. From our ovens to your table, every bite carries a story of artistry, care, culture, and authenticity.
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