Social media has blown up with the videos of the ultra cute onigiri croissants found at NUDAKE Cafe in Seoul—a dessert concept by cult Korean eyewear brand Gentle Monster. Now, you don’t have to fly all the way to Korea to get your hands on these triangular-shaped pastries because you can find them right here at La Levain on Hamilton Road, just five minutes on foot away from Bendemeer MRT Station.
They’re the creation of local baker Wythe Ng, who used to head the bake teams at Bakery Brera, Keong Saik Bakery and more. He’s tweaked his signature croissant recipe specially for these Mount Fuji-lookalike pastries, so they’ve got slightly more chew within the same flaky, crisp layers. The recipe may be slightly different, but rest assured that these treats are still made with premium French Elle et Vire butter, as well as French cream cheese.
The initial lineup of onigiri croissants at La Levain feature five flavours—two sweet, and three savoury. They’re only available at La Levain’s cafe, and you are advised to drop them a message on Instagram to place an order! Other than the Mentaiko Cheese, which is priced at $7.50, the others are all $7.20 a pop.
On the sugary front, you have Orh Nee and Sicilian Pistachio. The former is inspired by the Teochew dessert, piped with a house-made yam paste. This is cooked with Taiwanese taro, and fragranced with fried shallots for that truly legit flavour.
If you’re a fan of the cafe’s Pistachio Salted Caramel Cruffin ($5.50), the nutty filling has also been differentiated to be less flowy in the Sicilian Pistachio onigiri croissant. It’s no less aromatic, with that iconic flavour of the nut.
If none of the current flavours excite you, they’re due to introduce others down the road. Before that happens, folk who are team savoury can look forward to getting their hands on Mentaiko Cheese, Scallion Sour Cream, and a spicy-tangy Lao Gan Ma, made with the iconic chilli oil.
Even if you’re not big on spice, the Lao Gan Ma is tempered with cream cheese; you’ll also get bits of the chilli crisps within this onigiri croissant! Meanwhile, Scallion Sour Cream is inspired by Taiwanese scallion pastries, AKA cong you bing.
If you’re headed to Hamilton Road, consider dropping in at Wild Coco for some nasi lemak and laksa! Otherwise, check out the Marimekko Cafe in ION Orchard to dine on plateware by the famous designer.
Address: 23 Hamilton Road, Singapore 209193
Opening hours: Tue-Sun 8am to 6pm
Tel: 9822 3924
Website
La Levain is not a halal-certified eatery
Photos taken by Casandra Nicholas.
This was a media tasting at La Levain.