Power of pastries

Yolanda Kei

Tired of having plain croissants with your coffee? These cafes are offering you different gourmet options.

NOC Coffee has come up with four new pastries - two sweet and two savory - that you can pair with your cuppa.

For the classic coffee-and-pastry combination, there is the chocolate mochi Ccoissant (HK$30), made with a 70 percent dark chocolate shell with a blend of 48 percent Valhrona chocolate and chewy mochi, and crispy azuki mochi tart (HK$30), filled with azuki bean paste and mochi.

If you're not a big fan of sweet treats, try the bacon and mushroom swirl (HK$30). The taste of fresh white mushroom, crispy bacon, and a hint of black pepper adds a kick to this delight.

Cheese lovers should not skip the new144-layered croissant cube. The molten cheese croissant cube (HK$28) is filled with homemade filling of cheddar, parmesan, and Monterey Jack cheese.

Some of you might feel iffy about piling on the pastries but if you pay a visit to Maya, it wouldn't be seen as guilt. This vegan bakery and bar offers plant-based pastries.

Some classic local treats have made vegan. The vegan egg tart (HK$18) is great on its own or with tea, and the pandan pineapple bun (HK$22) and pistachio croissant (HK$26) go well with coffee or tea.

For something more substantial, try the bagel or toast combo (HK$30 each) with vegan cream cheese - spelt cheeze- from its sister brand, Cultured. Another healthy but flavorful option is mushroom fermented truffle cream cheeze sourdough (HK$68).

Perhaps not everyone, especially moms, have the leisure to sit in the cafe all day. Yummy Mummy Club at Pane e Latte is offering a two-hour exclusive section every Tuesday morning from 9.30am.

You can unwind and recharge while setting the kids free to run around in a designated play area at the cafe. As you watch them, treat yourself with an aromatic cup of coffee, the best pairing with the delectable range of pastries.

Rivera pancakes (HK$148) are great for breakfast with coffee, but of course, you can also go with savory egg benedict (HK$128) or go simple with a strawberry croissant (HK$38).

The cafe is also famous for its bomboloni or Italian donuts (from HK$35).

There are nine filling flavors on offer - such as 74 percent chocolate custard, earl grey milk tea custard filling, and salted caramel and hazelnuts gianduja.

Those who have a bit more time on their hands can sit down for its first afternoon tea set (HK$198), available daily from 3 to 5.30pm.

Paying homage to the Italian tradition of merenda or the simple pleasure of afternoon refreshment, the set is freshly prepared and baked inhouse.

Alongside the bakery's siganture sweet treats are a savory assortment which includes tiger prawn with zesty cocktail sauce, margherita and prosciutto pizzas, mozzarella and prosciutto, and croque monsieur with ham and cheese.

This set is available by reservation only via Pane e Latte's website.