Hong Kong’s Gontran Cherrier is about more than just croissants

Those who visit Seoul, Taipei, Bangkok or Hangzhou will most likely know of Gontran Cherrier bakeries, which are famous for their warm croissants and crispy baguettes.

Gontran Cherrier, a fourth-generation baker who opened his first bakery in Paris in 2010, now has more than 50 around the world. His first Hong Kong bakery opened in K11 Musea in September and features a coffee shop where you can watch the bakers in action.

There is a constant queue of people wanting the famed croissants. But we are here to try the French bistro that offers entrées, soup, pasta, risotto, meat and fish. We go for the French onion soup (HK$78) with fresh crunchy baguettes. The onions are cooked in a beef broth topped with croutons and cheese. It is lighter than the traditional French onion soup but I prefer it as it is not crammed with onions, while remaining rich in flavour.

We follow that with a light, refreshing tomato salad (HK$128) with creamy burrata and pesto. We love the mix of flavours from heirloom, cherry and yellow tomatoes, and the burrata is creamy yet light. The four-cheese grilled sandwich (HK$80) contains Gruyère, Brie, Monterey Jack and cheddar. It is smooth and creamy rather than strong in taste. It comes with a mixed green salad. The croissant sandwich with mixed green salad (HK$80) is filled with pastrami, lettuce, tomato, red onion and Emmental cheese. We also try the king prawn linguine (HK$130), which is good.

Gontran Cherrier, K11 Musea, 18 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, 3468 2430