Have you ever caught yourself searching for "bakery near me" or browsing "pastries near me," hoping to find something beyond the usual pastries you like? You're in for a treat because it's time to elevate your pastry experience and introduce you to something unique and delightful—our very own Cronada.
What is a Cronada?
A Cronada is an innovative hybrid pastry that combines two classic favorites—the flaky, buttery texture of a croissant and the hearty, savory goodness of an empanada. This signature creation was pioneered and popularized by Joel’s Place, making it a proudly homegrown innovation.
Cronadas are crescent-shaped, bite-sized puff pastries with a crisp, flaky exterior and a soft, flavorful center. They're filled with hearty, familiar flavors (such as pork adobo, beef, chicken, or spinach), usually with a delightful twist.
They're made for everyone—busy professionals grabbing breakfast on the go, workers powering through a long day, or a homemaker choosing quality treats for the family—our Cronada fits right in.
What makes it even better? It’s made fresh daily at The Baker. Every batch of our freshly-baked pastries reflects three core pillars: Filipino food culture, thoughtful portions, and the emotional connection we all share with food. You’re getting pastries and bread that are prepared from scratch long before the city wakes up. Layers are carefully developed, and each pastry is baked to achieve that signature crisp exterior and tender interior. That commitment to process, freshness, and flavor? You can taste it in every layer.
Croissant vs Empanada: Understanding the roots of the Cronada
Croissant and empanada both have their own texture and flavor. Understanding what makes each of them delicious helps highlight the unique appeal of our Cronada—a pastry that fuses both.
| Feature | Croissant | Empanada | Cronada (croissant x empanada fusion pastry) |
| Texture |
Light, airy, and flaky |
Hearty, firm, and filling-rich |
Flaky, buttery exterior with a soft, savory filling |
| Dough Type |
Laminated, butter-layered dough |
Pastry dough wrapped around filling |
Laminated dough with a filled center |
| Flavor Profile |
Buttery, slightly sweet, or neutral |
Savory, bold, and well-seasoned |
Balanced—rich, buttery layers with savory filling |
| Structure |
Layered and open |
Enclosed with filling |
Crescent-shaped, filled, and structured with a crisp finish |
|
Size and Portions |
Light snack or breakfast pastry |
Heavier, more filling meal |
Perfectly portioned (approximately 45g), ideal for a quick breakfast or on-the-go meals |
| Featured Selections |
Plain Croissant, Pain Au Chocolat Croissant, Almond Croissant |
Mediterranean Empanada, Seafood Empanada, Lamb Marsala Empanada |
Beef Bourguignon Cronada, Pork Adobo Cronada, Chicken Cronada, Spinach Cronada |
| Eating Experience |
Light and delicate—ideal for breakfast or coffee pairing |
Filling and satisfying—great for a more substantial bite |
Crisp, flaky bite with a warm, savory center—light yet satisfying and easy to enjoy on the go |
Curious about what makes croissants—and Cronadas—so uniquely flaky? Dive deeper into the world of French baking to discover more flaky croissants and savory-filled favorites.
How to enjoy a Cronada
If you’re wondering what makes the Cronada worth trying (and repeating), here’s a quick breakdown on how to enjoy it at its best:
- They are best enjoyed warm. If you're getting them for takeout or ordering them online, easily reheat them at 180°C oven for 3 to 5 minutes to restore their freshly baked texture
- Pair with our own garlic and chili sauce for an extra flavor kick
- Perfect for grab-and-go convenience, breakfasts, snacks, or quick meals
Cronada varieties: Find your flavor
Variety is where the Cronada truly shines. Whether you’re in the mood for something bold, classic, or lighter, there’s a flavor that fits your craving.
The Beef Bourguignon Cronada offers a hearty, savory experience with its rich, comforting beef flavor.
| Flavor Profile | Buttery, savory, and slightly sweet with rich beef notes |
| Aroma | Rich, buttery, toasted, and savory with subtle hints of rosemary, thyme, and bay leaf |
| Best for | Long days when you need something filling but refined |
The Pork Adobo Cronada is a classic Filipino favorite enveloped in a flaky, buttery pastry and garnished with chopped parsley.
| Flavor Profile |
Rich, savory, and slightly tangy with a buttery finish |
| Aroma |
Savory notes with a garlicky and buttery smell |
| Best for |
Those who want a familiar taste with a twist |
The Chicken Cronada delivers a bold and slightly spicy option with its chicken fajita filling, perfect for those with adventurous palates.
| Flavor Profile |
Buttery, slightly sweet, savory with a hint of spice and chicken flavor |
| Aroma |
Buttery and lightly sweet from the dough, with a savory, smoky aroma of spiced chicken, garlic, and onion |
| Best for |
Everyday breakfast or mid-day fuel |
The Spinach Cronada provides a creamy, comforting, meatless option filled with creamy spinach filling.
| Flavor Profile |
Creamy, buttery, slightly sweet |
| Aroma |
Buttery and lightly sweet with creamy, tangy notes from cheese |
| Best for |
Lighter yet indulgent choices |
Grab these unique flavors from our Bakery Window and discover our full selection of irresistible morning treats best paired with a cup of coffee from The Barista.
Discover the Cronada, available at Joel’s Place Proscenium, Rockwell, and Glorietta 4, Makati.
