The best croissant in Berlin

and other news

Tucked behind a sea of Berlin’s finest chicken establishments, one can find a petite Parisian nook: Le Brot.

Boasting the quintessential french seating arrangements, Le Brot gives you court side seats to the hussle and bussle of neukölln.

The establishment itself is a bit underwhelming. Nothing in the pastry case succeeded in flirting with me. If it weren’t for the recommendation, I probably would have left. They had a worry-some amount of croissants left at 4pm — given the small size of the establishment I would have expected them to be sold out or at least running slim.

too many croissants for four pm

I got my goods and hit the town, taking my croissant to go.

On first inspection, I giggled given the frumpy shape of the croissant. It looked like a regular croissant had eaten too much thanksgiving dinner

And then I ripped into her.

An acceptable amount of crust flaked off the pastry: just enough to warrant an applause, but not so much that you feel cheated.

The cross section was one of the most beautiful things i have seen in a long time. the honey comb structure was very much in tact, and the geometric shapes were large — unafraid to take up the space that they deserve. the dough ripped at just the right time, signalling to me an elasticity to my liking (unlike the La Maison taffy). it was like I had cracked open an any these crystal, revealing the treasures on the inside.

Taste wise, this croissant was aromatic. Each bite brought a new layer that built upon the previous one. The first being undoubtably sweet, reminding me of Gorillas croissant that i fell in love with. The second and third bite are when things got a bit more interesting — the flavour went down a savoury route, stringing me a long for a buttery, yeasty, and a bit salty at times ride.

This croissant took my hand and took the lead on a little jive.

It wasn’t as uptight as the one from Gorillas, this croissant just wanted to dance. The aftertaste of the croissant was almost as good if not better than the pastry itself.

I don’t think my Japanese stomach could handle one everyday, but when the itch arises, you know where to find me.

In other news, I’ve started a new project of mine under the name Presence Boutique: a business of mine that I am creating in the hopes of finding fulfilment in my life. After a volatile time working in places that weren’t the right fit, I’m on a quest to make the mold myself.

I’m documenting the journey in a diary like format on Substack, and if it’s of interest to you check it out here.

Another passion project has taken the stage. See you there :)

sneak peak