If you could have the best of both worlds, what would it be? How about a croissant-cum-doughnut? Or a Crodo?
This unique pastry first came to light in the US this year and is famously known as the ‘Cronut’ whose name has been trademarked by its original creator, Dominique Ansel Bakery, both in the US and worldwide. In Singapore, Da Paolo has also come up with a similar pastry called the Crodo that looks exactly like a donut on the outside but tastes like a croissant on the inside.
Box of 4 Crodos at S$4.90 each
Available in 3 flavours, clockwise from top left: Cream, Chocolate, Cream (repeat) and Salted Caramel
The layered texture of the crodo is exactly like a croissant.
I had enjoyed dining at Da Paolo Ristorante (same group as the Gastronomia) before and the food execution and delivery were of pretty high standards so I presumed the same standards would be applied on its pastries too. Unfortunately, the Crodos clearly fell short of my expectations.
The original flavour (or Cream) is my best choice (among the worse) out of the 3 flavours. The custard cream filling is very rich and creamy and that is probably the only tantalising ingredient in the entire ring that is of interest to me.
For chocolate lovers, you might just fall in love with the Chocolate Crodo as you’d see a load of chocolate ganache oozing out of the centre after you take a bite. It looks delish but unfortunately, it lacks that chocolatey punch as I have tasted better chocolate ganache than that.
The Salted Caramel is the husband’s favourite since he’s always biased towards anything caramel. Seriously, it could do with a little more salt to further bring out the flavour of the caramel. It just doesn’t work for me.
Never judge a dessert by its appearance. While I love how pretty the Crodos look, the taste is obviously lacklustre. Overall, I find the Crodo pastry a little greasy on the outside and dry on the inside. Without the creamy filling, I find it hard to wash it down my throat.
If you think Krispy Kreme’s original glazed donut is expensive at S$2.60, think twice, because the Crodo costs double that price. Whether or not the price is going to be cheap, it’s unlikely I’d give the Crodo a second chance.
Give me a croissant and a donut instead. Separately.
Da Paolo Gastronomia
1 Kim Seng Promenade
#B1-03/04, Great World City
Tel: 6333 6351
Website
Open: 9.00am to 10.00pm daily