Pichet Ong Thinks You Should Visit These 15 Bakeries And Pastry Shops
New York pastry chef Pichet Ong grew up in Thailand, Hong Kong and Singapore and has toured the world extensively in search of the best things to eat (many of them on the sweeter side of the flavor spectrum). With Fantasy Travel Week upon us, we asked our friend and gâteau guru for the best places in the world to travel the world for pastries. The list is pretty insane.
1. MALLIKA (Bangkok)
Two generations of delicious traditional Thai desserts have not changed since my childhood. All of the goods produced by owner Nuthathai "Phi Ooy" Phumcharoen are made fresh from scratch daily using the recipes she inherited from her mother. 189 Sukumvit 22 Klongtoey, Bangkok
2. NADEGE PATISSERIE (Toronto)
When in Toronto, I often make multiple stops at Nadian Nourian's dessert boutique — typically in the morning for a viennoiserie or at midday for deliciously quirky and modern cakes. The salted caramel entremet is a must. 780 Queen Street W Toronto nadege-patisserie.com
3. THE WANDERING GOOSE (Seattle)
Even though they are widely known as a go-to for fried chicken and biscuits, I also visit for the brownstone cake with caramel frosting. This is a specialty of North Carolina, where chef Heather Earnhardt is from. 403 15th Avenue E Seattle thewanderinggoose.com
4. SADAHARU AOKI (Paris, Taipei, Tokyo)
These desserts are from one of the greatest masters of patisserie. If you love French pastries and iconic Japanese flavors such as matcha, yuzu or adzuki beans, this is the place to go. I wish there was one of these in every city. Various locations sadaharuaoki.com/
5. CONDITORI LA GLACÉ (Copenhagen)
One of my favorite bakeries in the world, the shop is set up like a fairy tale come true for pastry chefs. The most irresistible one for me is the sportskage (crushed nougat, whipped cream, macaroon bottom and caramelized choux pastry). Skoubogade 3, 1158 København laglace.dk
6. SUGAR CUBE (Portland, OR)
Formerly one of the best dessert trucks in the world, and now a permanent shop, Sugar Cube and its owner Kir Jansen serve some of the most delicious, quirky comfort desserts. The array is big, so when in doubt, always go for something with salt, like the crack coffee cake. 3039 NE Alberta Street Portland thesugarcubepdx.com
7. CALIFORNIA BAKERY (Milan, Italy)
This is like an oasis of homey rustic American baked goods located in locations around Milan. Great muffins, cookies, layered cakes and the best American-style cheesecake east of NYC. Also great for breakfast and lunch. Various locations californiabakery.it
8. PISTACIA VERA (Columbus, OH)
Spence Budros' rye croissant is nothing short of amazing, and I could never visit without getting one of his lemon tarts with rosemary pine nut crust. Please take home a box of pistachio nougats. 541 S 3rd Street Columbus pistaciavera.com
9. BERTHILLON (Paris)
Arguably the most famous ice cream shop in Paris. There is always a line — and for good reason. When in season (spring and summer) order the fraises des bois (wild strawberries). And don't hesitate to get "le grande" or you will regret it. 31 Rue Saint-Louis en l'Île berthillon.fr
10. PER OLSSON CHOKLAD & KONDITORI (Stockholm)
Famous for their tiered wedding cakes, they also make gorgeous miniature masterpieces. My favorite one is the princess cake. Or, really, just order anything with marzipan in it. Heleneborgsgatan 19 11731 Stockholm pock.nu
11. WANLAMUN (Chiang Mai, Thailand)
Many dessert lovers in Thailand consider this shop to be an institution, with European-style cakes and more traditional Thai desserts. All of it is good. 1, Chang Moi Rd. Soi 2 Chiang Mai
12. BAKER D. CHIRICO (Melbourne)
The display of pastries at this bakery is unbelievable and as stunning as the architecture. Great breakfast pastries, cookies and coffee. Their sourdough bread is unparalleled. 149 Fitzroy Street, St Kilda bakerdchirico.com.au
13. MAURICE (Portland, OR)
This luncheonette serves excellent foods, and even better globally influenced desserts by pastry chef Kristen Murray — you can actually build a whole meal out of desserts. When hard-pressed to choose one, go for anything that features seasonal fruit. 921 SW Oak Street Portland, Oregon mauricepdx.com
14. BOULANGERIE LE Goût (Taipei, Taiwan)
Master Baker World Champion Wu Pao Chun has won many accolades for his Asian-inspired breads, with flavors such as lychee rose, squid ink and red wine dragon. All of it is delicious, definitely the finest possible example of how popular Asian ingredients can be incorporated into classical European style breads and pastries. Word of warning, many items are sold out by 7 a.m. legout.com.tw
15. DEVIL'S TEETH (San Francisco)
One of the most underrated gems in San Francisco and worth the trip for some of the most delicious classic cookies you'll ever taste, from oatmeal raisin to chocolate chip. Or try a slice of apple pie. The sandwiches are great too. 3876 Noriega Street San Francisco devilsteethbakingcompany.com