There are plenty of ways to enjoy life, and one of the easiest (and happiest) ways for me is food. Wherever I go, whether it’s a quick stroll around town or an actual trip, I somehow end up hunting for something tasty. In Baguio City, that little food compass led me to a patisserie that made me feel like I was stepping into a tiny, edible daydream: L’ Atelier Du Grain.
From the outside, it doesn’t scream “big bakery empire.” It’s more of a cozy, charming spot that feels personal, like the kind of place where every pastry was placed in the display with intention. And honestly, this is always my weakness when it comes to patisseries. The counter is full of pretty things, the glass case makes everything glow like museum art, and suddenly my brain goes, “Yes, I can totally eat all of these.” (Reality check: no, I cannot. My tummy space is limited, sadly.)
The hardest part was choosing. Everything looked enticing, fresh fruit tarts shining under the lights, delicate pastries with neat swirls of cream, and croissants that looked like they’d shatter into a thousand buttery flakes with one bite. I wanted to be responsible… but I also wanted to be happy. So I compromised and picked three items that felt like a perfect mini pastry lineup: an almond croissant, a chocolate-filled croissant, and a lemon cheese tart.
Let’s start with the croissants, because I’m a big fan of anything that’s flaky, buttery, and slightly messy (the best pastries usually are). The almond croissant was my favorite between the two. It wasn’t overly sweet, and that’s a big win for me because I love desserts that let the flavor breathe instead of punching you with sugar. The nuttiness made it feel warm and comforting, and the texture was the kind I like, soft inside, a little crisp outside, and full of that rich, toasty almond vibe that keeps you reaching for another bite.
The chocolate-filled croissant was also goodclassic and satisfying, but it leaned a bit more into indulgence. If you’re someone who loves a sweeter pastry moment, this one will probably make you very happy. For me, I enjoyed it, but I liked the almond one more because it felt more balanced.
Now, the surprise star (or at least the one that made me pause and smile) was the lemon cheese tart. I love tangy desserts, and this one hit that sweet spot: bright, zesty, and creamy without being too heavy. That gentle citrus kick makes everything taste cleaner and lighter, like it resets your palate even while you’re still eating dessert.
And because I wanted to make the moment feel extra calm and complete, I paired it with chamomile tea. The floral taste of chamomile matched so well with the lemony tang of the tart, it felt soft, soothing, and oddly elegant, like the kind of snack break you’d want after a long Baguio walk.
By the time I finished, I was already thinking about the pastries I didn’t get. That’s the sign of a place worth revisiting. L’ Atelier Du Grain may be small, but it knows how to make pastries that feel special, pretty to look at, satisfying to eat, and memorable enough to spark cravings later.
Definitely coming back the next time I’m in Baguio.
Bon appétit.
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