Croissant – flaky, buttery… delicious! Though here in Porto we usually prefer our brioche adaptation (but that’s a theme for another day!), rest assured this typically French delicacy can also be found among our finest bakeries. Long before everyone tried to stuff avocado toasts down our throats for breakfast, these warm, drool-inducing tidbits were the staple of any quick meal… let me summon my inner Archie Bunker and state that those – indeed – were the days! That being said, if you’re visiting Porto and are interested in keeping up with your daily croissant routine, checking out the following places is certainly a must.
HERE ARE 3 PLACES IN PORTO WHERE YOU CAN GET THE BEST FRENCH CROISSANTS
CHOUQUETTE
Photo by: Nuno Carvalho
Leave it to the French to craft the undisputed best croissants, right? Though it may sound like a Marine Le Pen slogan, there is really no way we can deny it when it comes to this puff pastry beacon! And that is exactly what brings us to Chouquette. Run by an imaginative French couple, this patisserie is certainly one of the most bona fide places you can find in the city, recreating a genuine Parisian flair within Portugal’s northern capital. Needless to say, their croissants are among the very best in the city – handmade, authentic, delicious! It’s a pity they’re only available on Saturdays, but if you happen to visit Chouquette on any other given day, make sure to try their lemon tart and their Paris-Brest as well, and you’ll be in for a real sugar-induced mind trip. Chouquette is open from Tuesday to Friday between 10am and 7pm and Saturdays they close at 6pm.
READ ALSO: Five Cute Porto Bakeries You Can Go to For Cake
MADEMOISELLE
Photo by: Nuno Carvalho
Fancying some croissant by the ocean? At Mademoiselle, you can now stuff your face while enjoying those drop dead gorgeous sunsets! Located in the upscale district of Foz do Douro, this bakery is popular for their wide variety of French pastries, producing authentic treats from all over the country, such as the kouign amman, the chocolate fondant, the Mille-feuille and – of course – the éclair! With such a reputable list of “guests”, the inevitable croissant couldn’t possibly miss the party. Although you can have the simpler version (1,50€), we recommend that you take a chance and give their outrageous version covered in salted caramel sauce (1,80€) a go – now that’s indulgent! Mademoiselle is open from Wednesday to Monday between 7h30am and 7pm.
READ ALSO: 10+ Spots in Porto you Must Try if you are a Breakfast Addict
TÊTE À CROISSANT
If you want to go for variety, than look no further than this authentic croissant temple! Located inside the Galeries Lumière (oh the sweet coincidence!), the Tête à Croissant boasts over 20 different sweet and savoury options, making it the right choice for both your breaky and your lunch. While most combinations are sure to make your mouth water, others are bound to raise some eyebrows – case in point: the francesinha croissant. Yeah you read it right! It’s a freakin’ francesinha made with croissant dough instead of bread! Though it might be a love-it or hate-it kind of option, it’s definitely worth checking out. Tête à Croissant is open from Monday to Saturday between 10am and 7pm.
With so many amazing places where to have croissant for breakfast, you’ll have no trouble rolling (well, literally!) out of bed in the morning while in Porto! Which will you be trying? Let us know on the comments section!
