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The Korean street snack hybrid that might be even better than the cronut. You'll see. Introducing: Croffle.

Whether you're aware or not, this is a city that loves a new foodie fad, especially when it comes to pastry hybrids with catchy portmanteau names. And especially when it looks photogenic enough to warrant a single post on carefully curated Instagram grids. There was the cronut (croissant-doughnut) and newly released croissant-toast -- both wonderful crispy, buttery goodness courtesy of Dominique Ansel, then the brookie, which frankly didn’t get as much air-time as it probably deserved but you can still find the brownie-cookie creation at Richard Ekkebus’ Freshly Baked 2.0 pop-up in Landmark Mandarin Oriental. And now, the croffle -- the wonderful meeting of croissant dough and searing hot waffle iron. The familiar flaky pastry finding popularity as a delicious anytime-of-the-day summer snack. 

Now, with any modicum of naivety, the croffle, upon first notice, would come off as a one-time, ingenious creation by an inspired cafétier in search of inventive alternatives for an old waffle maker; but in fact, the original croffle was ideated by Louise Lennox, a discreet pastry chef based in Ireland, circa 2017. But that was just the average butter croissant pressed down on the steaming metal plate, garnished maybe with sliced avocados or strawberries as a renewed breakfast serve. In this evolved edition we're speaking of, the one that has enrapture all our attention, is of the hyped Korean street snack variety. It’s interesting. Exciting. Some would even say a considerable abstract masterpiece. Dipped in melted chocolate. Encrusted in sprinkles. Glazed with a sugary, crystalline coat. Piped with perfectly neat cream swirls.

And a great thing about the croffle is, apart from being essentially a crispier, flakier, crunchier version of a croissant -- which, what’s not to love? -- is its simple, easy-to-make construction that can be emulated right at home. Even in a groggy Monday morning state. All you need: croissant dough (the pre-rolled, frozen-aisle ones work perfectly, too), a waffle maker and a condiment cart with all your select breakfast spreads -- a tub of nutella of course, or, in my opinion an all-time winner, the crunchy Lotus biscoff, and you're on top of this next great craze. A five minutes squish on the machine, and done. A weekend luxury made even better for weekday mornings. We’d presume that the satisfaction in whipping up a breakfast serve as indulgent as a croffle will be the kind of motivation that gets you going for the day, if not as far as into the office to brag about your newest kitchen trick. It’ll be an impressive one.

To inspire your croffle discovery, below is a straightforward schedule curated for a day of dedicated devouring the versatile pastry. But should you prefer something less orderly and more I'll-see-how-I-feel whim, head to a nearby café, they're likely to have a version of their own.

Rise by Classified

9am brekkie: A fruity croffle

If early mornings routines consist of a healthy side of a fruity something, don’t let the croffle’s arrival dissuade practiced habits. Go for a fruit-topped choice, namely Rise by Classified’s version that come either with sugar-dusted strawberries, of if it’s proving to be a particularly difficult AM, chocolate drizzled bananas that will be a much-welcomed remedy.

Rise by Classified, Shop 05, G/F, H Zentre, 15 Middle Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon; +852 2631 3454

Croffle Chronicles

11am brunch: A ‘PB & Pretzel’ croffle

The wonderful thing about brunch is that it’s basically a second breakfast. Balance the previous sweet with a savoury and go for Croffle Chronicles’s PB & Pretzel take. It’s an apropos palm-sized snack that you’ll happily gobble up and still have room for lunch. Golden toasted and beautifully glazed with a judicious coat of peanut butter, a salted, wire-thin make of the brittle knotted biscuit adorns the surface. Orders must be placed one day in advance.

Order here

Gontran Cherrier

12pm lunch: An avo-and-tomato croffle

With a reputation as quite possibly the quintessential form of a traditional French croissant in the city, it’s no breaking news that Gontran Cherrier would put its own spin on the croffle. Naturally, the pastry at this artisan boulangerie goes beyond surface-level excess with well-thought-out serves that’ll make for a satisfying lunch. Spy the latest corn cheese variations that also come in versions with smoked salmon and bacon.

Gontran Cherrier, Shop B207, B2/F, K11 Musea, Victoria Dockside, 18 Salisbury Road, East Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon; +852 3468 2430

Slowmoffle

4pm afternoon tea: An earl grey waffle

If you’re partial to a mind-awakening cuppa when the post-lunch slump sneaks in, make the temporary (likely to turn permanent) switch to a tea-infused croffle instead, courtesy of Slowmoffle. This afternoon’s motivation: an artisanal blend of earl grey-infused croissant dough smeared with earl grey jam embedded with figs for a satisfying chew and a glistening coat of chocolate to finish. Recharged; reenergised.

Slowmoffle is currently still in its soft-opening phrase. Check back for updates.

am.pm

9pm post-dinner dessert: A tiramisu croffle

For the final grace note on this croffle-ised day; indulge in a variation on an after-dinner classic: Tiramisu. am.pm’s edition plops a generous dollop of the tasty mascarpone cheese, cream and espresso trio atop a perfectly toasted croffle served on a stick. Easy, breezy, delicious and, thankfully, mess-free! You can muster up the appetite for this, surely.

am.pm, Shop B, G/F, Grand Place, 560 Nathan Road, Yau Ma Tei, Kowloon; +852 2725 4318

(Hero image courtesy of Rise by Classified/Instagram)

The post Croffle craze: The Croissant-waffle Hybrid That’s Taking Over Hong Kong’s Cafés appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day and we can't think of a better way to start your morning than with a luxurious spread at one of Hong Kong’s finest hotels. From all-you-can-eat upscale buffets to thoughtfully crafted sets and indulgent menus, these are the the best luxury hotel breakfasts in Hong Kong.

SOMM, The Landmark Mandarin Oriental

If you're looking for a bubbly and decadent breakfast, SOMM’s formula comprises hot, savoury, and sweet delicacies served with Olivier Blanc de Noirs champagne. Its cage-free egg dishes include a tempting poached egg English muffin with black truffle butter, hollandaise sauce and crispy bellota ham. To truly start your day with an indulgent treat, you can also choose from dishes like banana pancakes covered in toasted pecan nuts, dark Okinawa sugar syrup and yuzu.

SOMM, 7/F, The Landmark Mandarin Oriental, The Landmark, 15 Queen's Road Central; +852 2132 0055

Salisterra, Upper House

Newly opened Salisterra at Upper House boasts six delicate morning spreads featuring traditional East Asian fare, a classic English breakfast, a vegetarian herbivore special and even a Charcuterie set. You can opt for the House Viennoiserie for freshly baked pastries and French press coffee or for the Japanese set to try grilled salted salmon with tamagoyaki, steamed rice, miso soup, and Genmaicha green tea.

Salisterra, Level 49, The Upper House, Pacific Place, 88 Queensway, Admiralty; +852 3968 1106

Grand Café, Grand Hyatt

The Grand Café at the Grand Hyatt has it all: an à-la-carte morning menu, continental and healthy breakfast sets, and an all-you-can-eat buffet guaranteed to have something for everyone. The thoughtful menu makes a note of everything (including alcohol and pork, as well as highlighting vegetarian options), allowing for a no-brainer morning meal. Make sure to browse the Healthy Choice teas to boost your energy, including a specially designed jet-lag relief concoction.

Grand Café, Lobby, Grand Hyatt, 1 Harbour Road, Wan Chai; +852 2584 7722

The Lobby, The Peninsula

Eating at The Lobby at The Peninsula is a timeless Hong Kong tradition. Start your day early with authentic Continental and Chinese breakfast staples. Delightful dishes include a brioche French toast with apple compote, mixed berries, and maple syrup and an avocado rye toast topped with a poached egg and tomato salsa. Don't forget to try a home-baked pastry (there's even a gluten-free option!) from The Peninsula’s iconic bakery.

The Lobby, G/F, The Peninsula, Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui; +852 2696 6772

Lucciola, The Hari

Trendy Italian eatery Lucciola at The Hari features a daily breakfast a-la-carte menu and a weekend semi-buffet option. Head to Wan Chai for modern décor, hot treats and eggs in any style. The upscale continental breakfast includes a bread basket, sliced fruit, orange juice and coffee. Need something sweeter? The orange brioche French toast with caramelised orange and mascarpone cream is a delectable dream.

Lucciola, 1/F, The Hari, 330 Lockhart Road, Wan Chai; +852 2129 0333

Clipper Lounge, Mandarin Oriental

The Clipper Lounge at Mandarin Oriental offers the perfect everything-under-the-sun breakfast buffet with dim sum and steamed buns, omelettes, noodles, congee, waffles, pancakes, and more. Perfect for a big group, head there early and take your time to check out each food station (the Chinese noodle selection is extensive!) to make sure you don't miss anything from the sumptuous banquet.

Clipper Lounge, Main Floor, Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong, 5 Connaught Road, Central; +852 2825 4007

The Lounge, Four Seasons

Enjoy dishes from the à-la-carte menu or opt for a hearty breakfast spread next to the Four Season's glass atrium lobby. The classic Hong Kong Breakfast comes with wok-fried noodles, rice congee, dim sum and Chinese tea. For an energising morning boost, the Well Feeling Breakfast set features an egg white frittata and a sourdough toast, complete with coconut juice, a fruit salad, organic yoghurt, a vegetable selection (asparagus, zucchini, tomatoes, ricotta and basil), and coffee or tea.

The Lounge, Four Seasons, 8 Finance Street, Central; +852 3196 8882

Holt’s Café, Rosewood

The ever elegant Holt’s Café is ideal for a closer-to-home traditional breakfast. A contemporary and upscale take on the city's cha chaan tengs, head to the Rosewood for local favourites such as spiced pork cubes instant noodles, rice congee, and wonton noodle soup. The Hong Kong-style teahouse also offers Japanese and Continental fare, as well as an extensive egg selection.

Holt’s Café, Rosewood Hong Kong, Victoria Dockside, 18 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon; +852 3891 8732

The Lounge & Bar, The Ritz-Carlton

With floor-to-ceiling windows, the view from The Ritz-Carlton’s The Lounge & Bar is truly unbeatable. Enjoy classic Western, Cantonese and Japanese fare while looking over the Victoria Harbour and skyline. The Healthy Breakfast Package is guaranteed to be a hearty, nourishing start to your day, with six food offerings including poached organic free range eggs on whole wheat muffin with avocado and green salad, and a fresh fruit quinoa salad with honey, lime and basil mint. Want a lighter start to your day? Browse the wide selection of Chinese and black teas and start your morning with a soothing cup.

The Lounge & Bar, 102/F, The Ritz-Carlton, International Commerce Centre (ICC), 1 Austin Road West; +852 2263 2270

The post The Best Luxury Hotel Breakfasts in Hong Kong appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.