Home Croissanterie began as a small-scale viennoiserie business where every baked good was handmade inside the Macquarie Park apartment of ex-software engineer, Ben Lai. In July 2020, he began selling his pastries via Instagram and in 2023, he opened a physical location in Balmain.
2020
This Potato & Sea Salt Escargot ($6.00) was the pastry that pulled us in. A golden browned exterior with a crisp lightness gave way to distinct layers of laminated pastry that were tender and soft while the slithers of potato added both thicker crispy bits (where they’ve poked through the top) as well as tender chewy bits (where they’ve been sandwiched between layers of buttery pastry), with every bite highlighted by the sprinkling of sea salt. If ever someone thought to merge a potato chip and a croissant, this would be the perfect execution of it.
This is the Bacon & Maple Escargot ($7.00). Slices of hickory-smoked Kazcanowski middle bacon were cooked between layers of laminated pastry and finished with brown butter and maple syrup. Eaten after the previous pastry, the thickness of the bacon was a bit jarring in contrast to the flaky layers of pastry, but after a few bites, we were fans of the deep savoury quality of the bacon with the gentle sweetness of the maple glaze, both of which added interest but left space for the buttery layers to shine.
This is the Osmanthus Kouign-amann ($6.00). I’d been curious about kouign-amann since learning they were about 30% sugar and 30% butter, and this was definitely sweeter and more buttery than the previous pastries. The osmanthus notes were subtle, coming through at the head of each bite from the tiny flowers on the base of the pastry as well as the infused honey syrup. However, the floral qualities quickly give way to the rich buttery flavours of the laminated pastry.
This is the Almond & Vanilla Cream ($7.00). It featured almond paste baked with muscovado sugar, vanilla cream and toasted almonds slathered in honey syrup. We enjoyed the toffee-like richness in the almond paste, which created a depth that was complemented well by the more restrained sweetness and lightness in the vanilla cream, as well as the crisp toasted nuttiness of the almonds. Its balanced sweetness and textural variation were enjoyable but its busyness left little room to appreciate the buttery pastry.
This is the Pain au Chocolat ($5.00). With this croissant, we’re certain we enjoy the less busy croissants as they left more room for appreciating the pastry. Here, we’re back to marvelling at the crisp surface giving way swiftly to the tender layers of buttery pastry that were complemented by the rich dark chocolate that melted in the mouth with a gentle bittersweet creaminess. Both flavours shone in equal measure.
The viennoiserie at Home Croissanterie is impeccable, executed using quality ingredients with the skill and attention to detail of someone who is a truly talented baker.
Home Croissanterie was located online with orders available for delivery or pickup from Macquarie Park NSW 2113.
2023
Our anticipation was palpable upon learning that Home Croissanterie was establishing a brick-and-mortar presence. Under the ownership of a self-taught baker with a background as a former software engineer, the establishment had previously functioned via a pre-order mechanism, with delivery or collection near Woolworths in Macquarie Centre. Naturally, we held optimism that their physical storefront would maintain proximity. Regrettably, our hopes were dashed when they selected Balmain, a location significantly inconvenient for those of us residing in Western Sydney.
So, a wedding on the other side of Sydney was the perfect opportunity to pre-eat at Home Croissanterie.
Potato & Sea Salt Escargat ($8.00).
While we found delight in an assortment of Home Croissanterie’s pastries—many of which remain on offer at the new shopfront—there was one particular gem that held a special place in our hearts, compelling us to relive its taste at the Balmain location. Fortuitously, upon our arrival at 11 AM, a handful of these pastries remained within the display case. Needless to say, we promptly acquired the majority of these delectable offerings.
Upon conducting comparisons with the pastries sampled a year prior, the evolution facilitated by the self-taught proprietor’s ongoing refinement was evident. The pastries were indeed exceptional in the past, yet the current iteration managed to surpass even those lofty standards. The exterior exhibited exceptional flakiness, complemented by the interior’s tenderness and ethereal quality imparted by the layers of buttery lamination. Notably, the pastry has been deftly adjusted to yield a crisper texture to the potato slices, reminiscent of a perfectly seasoned potato chip, accentuated by a sprinkle of sea salt.
This was everything from our pastry dreams.
2025
Home Croissanterie is a place we count on for a confident, refined approach to classic pastry, making it a solid destination for repeated visits.
Butter Croissant ($6.50)
A well-executed croissant with a crisp, flaky exterior and delicate, airy interior. The layers were tender and buttery without any dryness. While technically sound and enjoyable, it did not have the immediate standout quality of the croissant from Black Cockatoo Bakery in the Blue Mountains. Nonetheless, a reliable and well-made pastry.
Ham & Cheese ($12.00)
Exceptionally crisp on the outside, lending a satisfying lightness that balanced the richness of the cheese and ham. The cheese had both chewy and caramelised edges, adding depth of flavour and texture. Although it lacked the luxurious richness of the version from Moon Phase, this iteration was appreciated for its relative restraint and lighter profile.
Apple Lattice ($11.50)
This pastry showcased precise caramelisation, bordering on bitter, which created a beautifully crisp and complex exterior. The tart apple filling offered contrast with its soft but still slightly textured consistency—neither firm nor overly puréed. The interplay of textures and flavour—crisp, bitter-sweet pastry and gentle fruit acidity—was harmonious and memorable.
Home Croissanterie continues to be a dependable destination for viennoiserie in Sydney. Each pastry displays strong technical execution, with particular attention to texture and balance of flavour. While not always pushing into the extraordinary, the offerings reflect a confident, refined approach to classic pastry, making it a solid destination for repeated visits.
Home Croissanterie is located at Shop 1/418 Darling St, Balmain NSW 2041.