World croissant day - Sofitel launches its concept of Haute Croissanterie - Get updated on what's happening in tourism!

January 30th is World Croissant Day. The perfect occasion for Sofitel to launch its Haute Croissanterie concept, which invites chefs around the world to reinvent the delicious French breakfast icon. 

One of the most delicious French symbols of them all. A crisp, flaky and piping hot croissant, straight from the oven. A distinctive pastry reinterpreted worldwide in the Sofitel hotels as the brand celebrates its 60th anniversary this year.

Where croissants become Haute Couture

An iconic French pastry treat, the butter croissant continues to delight anyone and everyone with a sweet or savory tooth – everywhere in the world. On January 30th, World Croissant Day, Sofitel unveils its brand-new concept: the Haute Croissanterie. Initially, this unprecedented experience is launched by ambassadors from three hotels of the brand: Sofitel Dubai The Obelisk in the United Arab Emirates, Sofitel Ambassador Seoul Hotel in South Korea, and Sofitel Legend Casco Viejo in Panama. Together, they perfected the recipe of their Pur Beurre croissant promising the best croissants in town. The ambassadors have collectively trained other pastry chefs in their region to spread their excellence and savoir-faire during a dedicated week in Dubai. Thanks to these 3 ambassadors, 30 Sofitel properties will launch Haute Croissanterie. These emblematic destinations will introduce their local creations named “cultural link” croissants, to represent Sofitel, defined by its logo that is a symbol of the bond that connects cultures around the world.

Sofitel’s consultant chef at Sofitel, Anne-Cécile Degenne, who has trained all over the planet, came up with this original concept. A devotee of upscale establishments, she searches out high-quality products and enhances them with her unique savoir-faire. In recent months, she worked closely with the kitchen staff of three hotels selected to showcase the Haute Croissanterie. Together, these culinary teams developed new sweet and savory recipes that will be available in our pastry shops from the end of January.

Anne-Cécile Degenne states: "Fascinated by French pastry since forever, it's a dream to deploy a concept internationally that unites the brigades of Sofitel hotels, turning the art of cooking into a universal language. Through our Haute Croissanterie concept, we've managed to bring together a community of passionate pastry chefs from around the world, who have enjoyed competing creatively together to surprise and delight our customers by reimagining the universal emblem of the French breakfast."

Where chefs become ambassadors

At Sofitel Dubai The Obelisk, chef Romain Castet (finalist in the Gault&Millau Pastry Chef of the Year contest) will propose his Green Goat, a version with avocado and local goat's cheese, at Bijou Pâtisserie.

At Sofitel Legend Casco Viejo (Panama), chef John Moreno elevated the Vera Café menu with its Zesty Symphony croissant, with delicious lemony notes.

Finally, at the Jardin d’Hiver café in the Sofitel Ambassador Seoul Hotel (South Korea), chef Henry Kim has created a Spicy Gochujang Galore croissant, a fusion of Korean spices and French finesse.

Nicolas Gronier, Vice President of Global Marketing for Sofitel, explains: "As the first international hotel brand originating from France, with more than 265 restaurants and bars in 120 hotels worldwide, Sofitel is a global ambassador of what we love to call 'French zest.' Therefore, on the eve of the brand's 60th anniversary, we have chosen to highlight the iconic indulgence of French pastry: the croissant. By tapping into the creativity and unique expertise of our chefs, we aim to take our customers on a unique culinary and cultural journey worldwide, seamlessly combining French excellence with the incredible local flavors unique to each culture."

Where gifts have never been more appetizing

On January 30th, the three pastry shops of these hotels will give 60 croissants to 60 lucky aesthetes – a nod to Sofitel hotels, which are celebrating their 60th anniversary this year. These guests will get a scrumptious glimpse of a diverse culinary palette and a little taste of the French art of living.

Where the Haute Croissanterie can be enjoyed all year long

This exciting new concept is here to stay. Seasonally, our chef ambassadors will reveal new croissant recipes. And, thanks to monthly breakfast events, the Haute Croissanterie is sure to leave a lasting – and delicious – impression.

Image Credit: © Sofitel