Just when you think there’s no more scope for jazzing up the classic croissant, another pastry devotee comes along and does it again. In this case, it’s Calle – an elegant European-inspired artisan bakery that’s piping funky fillings like black sesame and chocolate into silky spirals of golden, flaky, buttery bliss.
Like renowned fellow croissanterie Lune, the family-run Calle is well aware variety is the spice of life, especially in a fast-paced, multiculturally diverse city like ours. So each month, the flavours switch over to present a refreshed array of new and exciting treats to try. Pop in one weekend and you could sink your teeth into an Earl Grey with lychee and white chocolate creation. Pick a different time and you might discover a pistachio and raspberry pastry combo or a rich tiramisu wheel. Whatever you sample, it's bound to be a delight.
Calle (the Spanish and Venetian word for 'street') may pay homage to owner and head pastry chef Huey Phung’s family travel memories through the quaint laneways and delicatessens of Western Europe, but the team isn’t afraid to play with Asian ingredients like yuzu, lychee, sesame and more. Judging from the long weekend queues, this creativity pays off.
Of course, you'll also find regulars on the menu, such as the ever-popular yuzu and honey croissants, chocolate and hazelnut-filled croissants, escargots and traditional fruit Danishes. Phung has 25 years under his belt, so you can also anticipate fresh baguettes, seeded sourdough loaves, dessert tarts, plus whatever else takes the bakery’s fancy on a given weekend.
“It takes time… a lot of time and a lot of patience,” reveals Phung when discussing how to create excellent croissants and sourdough loaves from scratch. And one bite is all it takes to see that his philosophy works.
Take a seat on bustling Rathdowne Street or grab a pastry to go with a steaming brew from Prana Chai, Mork Chocolate or local Tullamarine-based roasters Rosso Coffee.
