Few can resist the pull of perfect pastry or a loaf of bread, a combination of simple ingredients that combine effortlessly to create one of life’s great pleasures. Google ‘best smell in the world’ and you’ll find many lists topped with ‘cookies fresh out of the oven’ or ‘freshly baked bread’ and we couldn’t agree more.
If you have a penchant for baked goods, and let’s face it who doesn’t, you’ll want to visit the following places in the Klang Valley which have risen to the top of the bakery and patisserie leagues. Whether it’s made in an oven, set in the fridge, naturally-leavened, flourless, eggless, gluten-free or whatever else the baking world offers, you’ll find them here.
Kedai Roti Universal (Universal Bakehouse)
The first thing that strikes you about this shop is the classic signage that harkens back to simpler time while paying tribute to the previous business that inhabited the lot – a laundrette by the name of Kedai Dobi Universal. This Damansara Kim bakery is an extension of the well-established Table & Apron restaurant next to it and has quickly become a sourdough destination of choice.
Image Credit: fb.com/universalbakehouse
It’s all about flour, water and salt here, three basic ingredients brought together in magical ways to produce gorgeous crackly crusts, creamy soft interiors, dynamic open crumbs and complex flavours that will make you close your eyes in delight as you chew. It’s some of the best sourdough bread in KL. Plenty of other pastries, some cakes, sandwiches and breads available here, all competently made and delicious, but for us it’s all about the sourdough!
Kedai Roti Universal
Where 21, Jalan SS20/11, Damansara Kim, 47400 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
When 9am-4pm (Tue-Sun) *CMCO Opening Hours*
Tel 011 3332 7581
universalbakehouse.my
Maison De Pains
Step into this little shop in Publika and prepare to be transported to jolie France with a mouth-watering selection of pristinely prepared pastries and breads. First and foremost, croissant lovers are spoilt for choice with a range of interesting options like Red Velvet and Black Truffle, and for those that want to try their own hand at baking a batch, frozen packs are available including butterscotch pandan croissants!
Image Credit: fb.com/maisondespains.my
A must-try here is the canelé, a Bordeaux classic with thick caramelised crust and tender vanilla centre – it’s love at first and every bite. From blueberry Danishes to chocolate brioches, buttery madeleines to cinnamon rolls, fruit tarts to Parisian Flans and so much more, there’s an abundance on offer and it’s all made to the highest degree.
Maison De Pains
Where Publika and Tropicana Gardens, Kuala Lumpur
When 9am-9pm
Tel 011 6404 9380
fb.com/maisondespains.my
The Bread Shop
When you’re called The Bread Shop, you better be sure and live up to the name. And this friendly neighbourhood bakery in Damansara Heights definitely does! The Bread Shop has amassed a fiercely loyal following since opening almost a decade ago, racking up rave reviews on their delicious products.
Image Credit: fb.com/thebreadshopdamansara
Lemon cupcakes, cruffins, scones, banana scotch pastries and a colourful selection of tarts are some of the eye-catching things you’ll find under the showcase here. That, of course, plus a whole range of amazing bread including baguettes, boules, whole-wheat loaves, sourdough and much more. There’s also a top notch selection of sandwiches, pizzas, salads and savoury items that you can enjoy in the contemporary interior.
The Bread Shop
Where 11 Jalan Setiakasih 5, Bukit Damansara 50490 Kuala Lumpur
When 8am-7pm
Tel 03 2093 8734
fb.com/thebreadshopdamansara
Croisserie
Buttery and flaky with a crispy crust and meltingly soft interior, the croissant is a beautiful thing that has been hailed as the king of pastries. This puffy viennoiserie pastry has been mastered by the folks at Croisserie which counts four outlets to its name. Each delicate fold within the croissants here have been made with love and care in a meticulous laminating process that combines butter with dough. 
Image Credit: fb.com/CroisserieMalaysia
Just as delicious are the almond croissants, filled with almond cream that contains little black dots – 100% pure vanilla seeds. Croissants are not the only thing they do well here, and you can indulge in other delights like stollen, a type of fruity and nutty sweet cake, as well as egg tarts, quiches, opera cakes, caneles and Danish pastries of all kinds.
Croisserie
Where Plaza Damansara, Atria Shopping Centre, KL City Walk, Four Season Place
When 7.30am-8pm (Plaza Damansara), 10am-6pm (Atria Shopping Centre), 7am-7pm (KL City Walk), 11am-8pm (Four Seasons Place)
Tel 012 564 4154
croisserie.com.my
Levain Boulangerie & Patisserie
At the heart of this long-standing establishment in the centre of town is the traditional stone oven wherein all breads, pastries, cakes and confectionaries are baked. This leads to crispier crusts, fluffier interiors and more nuanced flavours that other modern ovens simply don’t impart.
Image Credit: fb.com/Levain-Boulangerie-Patisserie
With an international roster of patissiers, chefs and bakers working the kitchen, Levain boasts a unique selection of both classic and contemporary offerings including homemade chocolates, pralines, macarons and cookies. If you’re hungrier, there’s also an extensive menu with hot savoury dishes from all the world with pastas, burgers, pizzas and more.
Levain Boulangerie & Patisserie
Where No. 7, Jalan Delima Off Jalan Imbi, 55100 Kuala Lumpur
When 7.30am-9pm
Tel 03 2142 6611
levain.com.my