Because Hong Kong is a small place, it didn’t surprise me at all when I ran into a friend of mine at The Mandarin Cake Shop, a local institution on the Mezzanine level of the Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong. A bit rugged with jet lag, my daughter and I were on a mission for a to-go sandwich soon to be accompanied by a power nap. My friend insisted that I not set foot out of the Cake Shop without ordering a croissant donut, similar to the famed cronut.

Don’t even ask the nutritional content, just go run on the treadmill (or not) for a bit longer than usual. It’s worth it. Even the Wall Street Journal is covering the croissant donut’s arrival to Hong Kong–which I heard from excellent sources had been underway for some time before it hit the glorious Cake Shop shelves. The craze only really started in New York City last May or so.

Frankly, since I’d never eaten a cronut, I didn’t really know what they looked like or what to expect other than a calorie and butter-dense experience. The Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong’s croissant donut is essentially a donut-shaped croissant that is deep-fried and dusted with sugar. It gracefully separates into 3 layers.

Croissant Donut Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong

There’s also a chocolate version that has a slim layer of chocolate wedged in between the delicate flakes prior to deep-frying. OMG. After just one bite, my daughter and I became croissant donut addicts.

Though I probably wouldn’t pay $40 to buy one on the Craigslist black market or wait in an multi-hour line, if you can get your hands on a cronut or croissant donut, do it. They are melt-in-your-mouth divine.

Hong Kong is lucky, because they can step in to The Mandarin Cake Shop in the morning (they make several hundred in a day) and take one or more to-go in addition to other delights without too much trouble (temporarily). This croissant donut will set you back $26 HKD or just over $3 USD.

For the rest of our stay at Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong, my daughter was asking for croissant donuts. Keep in mind that between afternoon teas, buffets, in-room amenities, and my willingness to let her indulge on vacation, it wasn’t like we were lacking dessert options. The croissant donuts are just that good.

(I always photograph the stunning cakes in The Mandarin Cake Shop so stay tuned for the most recent creations.)

Of course, I had to Instagram the croissant donut.

Katie Dillon is the managing editor of La Jolla Mom. She helps readers plan San Diego vacations through her hotel expertise (that stems from living in a Four Seasons hotel) and local connections. Readers have access to exclusive discounts on theme park tickets (like Disneyland and San Diego Zoo) and perks at luxury hotels worldwide through her. She also shares insider tips for visiting major cities worldwide, like Hong Kong, London, Paris, and Shanghai, that her family has either lived in or visits regularly (or both).

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11 Comments

  1. I found that so fascinating when you posted it to Instagram. Now, I want to taste. But, I will not pay $40 for one. 🙂

    Thanks for linking up with us this week.

    1. I’ll be interested to see how long the craze lasts. I know they exist in San Diego, so I’m interested to compare when I get home!

  2. I also found it fascinating when you posted it to Instagram. It’ll be a while until I make it to HK, so I hope the craze eventually makes its way around the globe.

    1. I’m sure it will. If you like donuts, the croissant donut is for you. I LOVE donuts so have been thinking about this little gem often!

  3. I’ve loving your Asia trip pictures. Would love to try this donut, but the price tag certainly is dear! You’ve inspired me to try more Four Seasons, was trying to book one for this weekend here in England, Hampshire (sort of castle-type one, of course..) but it was quite so full! But maybe next time. Meanwhile I’ll just keep following your cool pics!

    1. Hampshire has a resident dog (I forget his name) but he’s a Labrador Retriever! I haven’t been, but it looks lovely. Thanks, Reeta!

  4. I had never heard of Cronuts, but they look and sound delicious! We might be passing by Hong Kong on our way out the NZ early next year, I look forward to sampling these as I don’t think they’ll arrive to Norway anytime soon!