(Photo by Denisse Rauda/Stripes Korea)
If you were older than 10 circa the early 2010s, you may remember the Cronut craze. A Cronut is a delicious mix of croissant and donut in a small, deliciously sweet package. The pastry was a staple of Dominique Ansel Bakery in New York and, for months, crowds lined up to give it a try.
Since then, many other portmanteau pastries have emerged worldwide including the Croffle (croissant waffle], the Cruffin (croissant muffin) and now, the Croigle (croissant bagel).
At Wagle Wagle Bakeshop in Seoul, Croigle pastries resembling large bagel-shaped croissants are the next food craze worth a stop for.
I visited the temporary pop-up in Seoul that ended in January at the LINE FRIENDS Square Store in Myeongdong, but you can find the main branch near Dongdaemun History & Culture Park Station.
Croffle (croissant waffle), the Cruffin (croissant muffin) and now, the Croigle (croissant bagel), and a Crowaki (croissant cookie) in a box. (Photo by Denisse Rauda/Stripes Korea)
Wagle Wagle Bakeshop menu (Photo by Denisse Rauda/Stripes Korea)
Strawberry Cream Croigle (croissant bagel) (Photo by Denisse Rauda/Stripes Korea)
Crowaki (croissant cookie) (Photo by Denisse Rauda/Stripes Korea)
During my visit, the display case at the pop-up was nearly empty. I nabbed strawberry cream for 5,900 won (about $4) and had to also get a Crowaki (croissant cookie) for 6,000 won since it was literally looking at me.
I opted for take-out so I could devour my pastries while catching up on some Netflix at my hotel in the evening.
I was not disappointed by my choices; I was only disappointed by the fact that I didn’t get more. The texture was as soft and flaky as a croissant and the only thing bagel-y about this was the shape.
The strawberry cream had a beautiful red-striped exterior and was filled with a generous amount of delightful pink cream. Delicious!
As good as that was, the Crowaki was by far the winner. The chocolate chip cookie-crusted croissant is the perfect combination of the two. And, with the two candy eyes staring up at you, it’s hard to say no to this adorably delicious delight.
I didn’t have time to make it to Wagle Wagle’s main store, but the menu looks like there are plenty of other tempting flavors to choose from, including pizza, blueberry cream, chocolate and a full coffee menu for the perfect pairing.
This is one food craze you’ll be glad you didn’t miss!
Wagle Wagle Bakeshop (와글와글 베이크샵)
Address: 245 Eulji-ro, Jung District, Seoul, South Korea
