Are pastry trends getting out of control?

The best part about being human is having the free will to change your mind.

So, while exactly a year ago I couldn't stop talking about how much I loved crookies (cookie-stuffed croissants), these days, I've put some time aside to reflect and realise that we've taken things too far.

We've flattened croissants paper-thin, stuffed them with dough, filled them with kunafa, pistachio and chocolate (sigh) and even used them as a replacement for burger buns.

All while the French stood by and wept (I saw their outrage first-hand in our Instagram comments). "Call the police," one of them said.

The iconic pastry is the perfect blend of style and substance. It’s a timeless classic. Deliciously buttery, flaky dough that deserves to shine.

The viral stuff looks cool and tastes good if you're into heavier breakfasts, but when I'm craving the real deal I go to...

Birch Bakery

The plain croissant at Birch is top-notch. It is so meticulously layered and buttery – one of the best in town.

Pekoe Tea & Bread Bar

While Pekoe's focus is more on bread, the croissants here are excellent. They are made using a sourdough base lamination... so a pretty unique take on the typical French method.

Flaky Pastry Croissant Co.

While these guys tend to jump on trends and fill their croissants with some unexpected ingredients, the classic is on point. So flaky that it definitely lives up to the name.

Waitrose at Nakheel Mall

My favourite budget-friendly croissant. I normally get drawn to the multi-cereal one, but the classic is just perfect (especially if you're there early in the morning).

The Royal Tearoom

Okay, so this is a super bougie one, but the pastry chef at Atlantis The Royal really knows what he's doing. It was like eating a buttery cloud.

What about you? What's your favourite classic croissant in town? How are you celebrating World Croissant Day?

Or do you prefer to chase the trends? Hit me up at yousra.zaki@itp.com.

Until then… stay hydrated besties,

Yousra