PUBLISHED April 23rd, 2021 05:00 am | UPDATED April 27th, 2021 02:56 pm
Sometimes, all you want is a really good croissant, aka buttery, flaky heaven in a handful. It’s the perfect breakfast fuel or snack for a rainy day, paired with hot chocolate or a really good cup of coffee. We’re no Paris, but Singapore has its fair share of fantastic bakeries whipping up some incredible viennoiseries. Here are some of our favourites.
Tiong Bahru Bakery
Tiong Bahru Bakery, popularly known as TBB, needs no introduction. This local bakery chain is best known for its splendid viennoiseries, including their Kouign Amann. We’re here for the croissants, though, and they have so many options both savoury and sweet. Apart from the regular Croissant (S$3.50), their Almond Croissant (S$5.20) is a sweet treat, and their Ham & Cheese Croissant (S$8.50) is warm, gooey indulgence in a roll.
Find all of Tiong Bahru Bakery’s locations here.
Bread & Hearth
This bakery-cafe’s signature style is handmade artisan bread, all baked with traditional European methods and crafted from French butter and 100% French wheat flour. Their Croissants go at S$2.90++ a pop, with crispy outsides and incredibly fluffy insides. We have a soft spot for their Raspberry Croissants (S$3.90), topped with nuts and bursting with a tart sweetness. For a heartier brunch bite, their Legendary Croissant (S$15.90) comes with melted cheddar cheese, premium ham, scrambled eggs, tomato relish, and mesclun salad on the side.
Bread & Hearth has two locations in Singapore. The Keong Saik branch is located at 18 Keong Saik Road, Singapore 089125, p. +65 6534 7800. Open daily 8am – 6.30pm. The East Coast branch is located at 30 East Coast Road #02-27, Singapore 428751, p. +65 6348 8068. Open daily 8.30am – 6.30pm.
PAUL
French bakery empire PAUL was founded in 1889, and now serves up its pastries, bread, cakes, and desserts to dough-loving customers worldwide. These stunningly crispy, fluffy croissants are made on-premises, guaranteeing you the same deliciousness you’d get from a branch in Paris. While they offer regular Butter Croissants (S$3.50), our personal favourite is the Chocolate Almond Croissant (S$4.70) with its sweetness and extra crunch. They also offer Mini Croissants and Mini Chocolate Croissants at S$1.70 if you want something more bite-sized.
Paul has multiple locations. Find them here.
Choupinette
This charming French cafe and restaurant has been nestled along Bukit Timah Road for almost two decades, offering freshly made sweet pastries alongside a full menu of restaurant fare. Prices and selections vary with whatever has been freshly baked that day, but try Ema’s Set (S$14) for a satisfying brunch of a croissant or pain au chocolate (or brioche, sultana or wholemeal mini baguette…), best slathered with creamy butter and lip-smackingly delicious jam.
Choupinette is located at 607 Bukit Timah Rd, Singapore 269708. Open Mon – Sat 8am – 10.30pm, and Sun 8am – 5pm.
Bakery Brera
Located conveniently near Farrer Road MRT Station, this neighbourhood bakery makes bakes ranging from European artisan bread, to San Franciscan sourdough, to Taiwanese cheese tarts. Their Croissants (S$3.50) are, of course, wildly popular, but their Ferrero Rocher Cruffin (S$5.00), a croissant-muffin hybrid, truly brings love at first sight. If you have less of a sweet tooth, their Matcha Cruffins (S$5.50) are a good option.
Bakery Brera is located at #01-05 Empress Market, 8 Empress Rd, Singapore 260008, p. +65 6492 5428. Open Tue – Sun 7am – 7pm. Closed Mon.
Brotherbird Milk & Croissants
Ever tried a mochi croissant? Brotherbird injects glutinous rice flour into their dough, making the already amazing croissant a whole other creature with extra chewy insides. These are the perfect vehicle for flavourings, which Brotherbird experiments with fearlessly – for about S$4 – S$6 and depending on the month, you can get flavours like Taro Orh Nee, Kinder Bueno, Uji Hojicha, Lemon Meringue… the list goes on and on. The best way to get your hands on their seasonally flavoured croissants is to order a box on their website to be delivered to your home – their popular bakes sell out very quickly.
Brotherbird Milk & Croissants is located at #01-05 CT Hub 2, 114 Lavender Street, Singapore 338729, p. +65 9296 4997. Open Mon – Sun 10am – 2pm.
Merci Marcel
Merci Marcel’s Signature Croissants (S$3.50) are considered by some to be the best in Singapore, though they clock in at a slightly higher price point. Their airy, crisp take on the pastry is made with rich, decadent French butter and served with jam. Meanwhile, the chocolate-filled Pain Au Chocolat (S$3.50) is just as flaky and gorgeous. Of course, the stylish interiors and floods of natural light at their outlets make the whole experience even better.
Merci Marcel has locations at Tiong Bahru, Club Street and Orchard.
Sugar Thieves
Sugar Thieves is an absolute dessert haven, and their stuffed croissants are to die for. With a menu that offers inventive delights like Strawberry Cheesecake Croissants, Browned Butter Cinnamon Croissants, Maple Bacon Pecan Croissants and Truffle Croissants, there’s an option for everyone. Their croissants range from a pricey S$6 to S$7, but for this much filling and so many innovative flavours, you can bet they’re worth it.
Sugar Thieves is located at #01-23 Block 333 Kreta Ayer Road, Singapore 080333, p. +65 9850 4377. Open Wed – Sat 12pm – 6pm. Closed Sun – Tue.
Petit Pain
It’s best to book your bakes for Petit Pain online and pick them up later, because their small-batch pastries are so popular that they sell out every day, usually by 2pm. These croissants, and all their bakes, are made from scratch, fermented overnight and baked daily in small batches. All that work culminates in beautiful, glossy croissants with unreal folds and texture. Their range isn’t huge, but it’s affordable and undeniably delicious. Get their Classic Croissants at S$3 and Pain au Chocolat at S$3.50.
Petit Pain is located at 315 Joo Chiat Rd, Singapore 427566. Open Tue – Fri 11am till sold out, and Sat – Sun 10am till sold out.
Top image: Brotherbird Milk & Croissants