By Amy Van and Syaza Agape – published 23 Oct 2024
No one does pastries better than the French, but Singaporean bakers sure are trying. From glazed viennoiseries to flaky croissants and perfectly-caramelised kouign amann, here are a few places to swing by for some meticulously crafted, small batch treats.
1. Cedric Grolet Singapore
World-renowned pastry chef Cedric Grolet fourth’s store opened its doors in Singapore last September. Known for his hyper-realistic pastries that resemble fruit, his Singapore menu stays close to his outlets in Paris and London, with pastry classics like croissants and pain au chocolat. You can also look forward to Singapore-exclusive creations like the mooncake series from August to September every year.
Cedric Grolet is located inside COMO Orchard, 6 30 Bideford Road, Singapore 229922. Book a table or opt for takeaway here.
2. Kwaasong Bakeshop
A new addition to the list, Kwaasong Bakeshop’s unique name originates from a play on the word “croissant”. The menu includes unique creations such as the Kaya Croissant, S’mores Cookie Croissant and the Cinnamon Princess Amann (touted as a better version of the classic kouign amann). Grab your pastries to-go, as Kwaasong Bakeshop is a takeaway-only establishment.
Kwaasong Bakeshop is located at 13 Lorong Telok, Singapore 049026. Check out the menu here.
3. La Levain
This artisanal bakery café is a cosy space where you can pick up a wide range of classic viennoiseries, and more quirky items with a Japanese twist like the Hojicha Mochi Croissant and Twice Baked Takoyaki Croissant with bacon and bonito flakes.
Can’t decide? Order a box of La Levain Signatures: eight sweet and savoury items that include inventive picks like Bo Bo Cha Cha croissant, Pistachio Salted Caramel Cruffin, and Four Cheeses and Ham Croissant.
La Levain is located at 23 Hamilton Road, Singapore 209193. Check out the full dine-in menu here.
4. Baker’s Bench
Baker’s Bench offers 100 percent sourdough-based goods: even its croissants use naturally leavened sourdough levain. Pick up specialty items like the sticky bun, croissant, pain au chocolat—filled with hazelnut chocolate ganache—and crisp, sugary palmier.
The bakery also rolls out seasonal specials like bacon, potato and cream cheese quiche, and the petit grandma apple tart. For those dining in, the menu features a range of bites, including the brunch classic, croque monsieur.
Baker’s Bench is located at 6 Bukit Pasoh, Singapore 089820. Visit its Instagram for more information.
5. The French American Bakery
You probably know The French American Bakery for its viral Toasted Marshmallow Hot Chocolate. The halal establishment first had a mission to bring exquisite bakes to the community, and opened its flagship store in the middle of Haji Lane back in 2021. Since then, the bakery has expanded to two other outlets in Takashimaya and Hillion Mall. Its pastry range is ever evolving, with creations such as the Nutella Cream Swirl, crookie (think a cross between a croissant and cookie) and canelé.
The French American Bakery has three stores islandwide. Visit its Instagram for more information on each store.
6. Henri
This dual-concept French bistro and bakery was launched at Far East Square in early 2022 by the folks behind the popular Bread & Hearth bakery-café at Keong Saik Road. The baked goods, like almond croissants, and pain aux raisins are made fresh daily, then presented in a glass display.
Other than cakes, Henri offers a range of breads and viennoiseries. They also have a wide array of French-inspired food and quality French wines are available, too. Plus: they roast their own coffee.
Henri is located at #01-00, 48 Pekin Street, Singapore 048778. Check out the menu here.
7. The Lunar Rabbit Boulangerie
This quaint bakery was opened by Elaine, who honed her skills at Le Cordon Bleu Tokyo. Besides baguettes and fluffy brioche, about a dozen types of viennoiseries are rolled out every day. They include light and airy croissant, kouign amann and apple chausson–flaky pastry stuffed with apples with a touch of honey.
There are also more creative pastries, including the Délice de Poire (a unique cube-shaped croissant) as well as Trio of C (comprising cookie, cheesecake and croissant in one). Bon appetit!
The Lunar Rabbit Boulangerie is located at #01-02, 16 Hamilton Road, Singapore 209186. Visit its Instagram for more information.
This story originally appeared in The Peak.