Pastries at Layers Artisan Croissanterie in Manama, Bahrain, include, clockwise from top right, the Caprese Danish with fresh pesto and tomatoes, pain Suisse with roast beef and cheese, and the eggplant Parmesan Danish. Each of the pastries at Layers is made daily. (Shannon Renfroe/Stars and Stripes)
Upon arriving in Bahrain this past spring, I found myself on a long and hollow quest for a good croissant.
There’s something about its simplicity that serves as the ultimate litmus test. If a bakery can master the croissant, it opens the door to other indulgent, flaky creations. It’s more than just a pastry; it’s the gateway to a universe of endless layers of carbohydrate bliss.
In the Juffair district of Manama, I finally stumbled upon Layers Artisan Croissanterie, where each croissant undergoes a meticulous 72-hour proofing process.
The croissant at Layers Artisan Croissanterie isn’t just a pastry; it’s a lesson in craftsmanship. The croissants at the shop in Manama, Bahrain, have over 81 layers created through a traditional folding process. (Shannon Renfroe/Stars and Stripes)
From the moment you step inside, it’s easy to forget you’re in Bahrain. A few two-person tables line the front of this cozy space, which welcomes customers at the entrance with a chalkboard displaying whimsical daily quotes.
The counter is adorned with Mediterranean-inspired blue tile, and simple chairs face the window, allowing patrons to indulge in people-watching.
Layers uses artisanal ingredients, including French dairy products maker Elle & Vire’s 84% fat butter, which lends a rich texture to the croissants and Danishes. You can smell the butter when you bite into the pastries.
Layers Artisan Croissanterie in the Juffair district of Manama, Bahrain, serves this mango and coconut pastry. It combines a rich coconut frangipane base with a creamy mango custard, topped with roasted coconut flakes. (Shannon Renfroe/Stars and Stripes)
I ordered a plain croissant; a mango-and-coconut tart; roast beef and smoked cheese pain Suisse; a Caprese Danish; an eggplant Parmesan Danish; and a pistachio-and-rose babka.
Each item showcased the bakery’s commitment to quality and craftsmanship. The undeniable winner was the namesake croissant, a sculpture of buttery, flaky layers that shattered with every bite.
The interior maintained a perfect chewiness, almost al dente, while the shell stayed crisp and delicate, a deceptively difficult balance. I resisted the urge to devour it in two bites and instead savored it for a bit longer.
The tart was another standout. It featured a base of coconut frangipane topped with mango pastry cream and finished with roasted coconut flakes. Specks of vanilla bean dotted the custard, and sweet chunks of mango were artfully scattered on top.
Larger than the palm of my hand, it felt like good value for the price. I highly recommend trying one of the fruit tarts if available. Skip the more predictable strawberry options and opt for something more inventive.
The pistachio and rose babka from Layers Artisan Croissanterie in Manama, Bahrain, features delicate rose petals and crunchy pistachios folded into a soft, yeasty dough. Layers rotates its babka flavor offerings. (Shannon Renfroe/Stars and Stripes)
The rose-and-pistachio babka was a generously sized wreath and not too sweet, as promised by the cashier. It shined with a glossy finish and was sprinkled with rose petals, warming cardamom and pistachios folded throughout the yeasted dough.
This treat could easily be saved for the following day, reheated alongside morning coffee or enjoyed as a midday snack.
The roast beef pain Suisse was a revelation. A pain Suisse is a French pastry, traditionally sweet, known for its flaky, buttery layers filled with rich custard and chocolate chips.
The pain Suisse from Layers Artisan Croissanterie in Manama, Bahrain, boasts layers of flaky pastry filled with tender roast beef and bubbling smoked cheese. A pickled pepper sits atop the bread. (Shannon Renfroe/Stars and Stripes)
However, this savory twist featured thin slices of roast beef and smoked cheese folded into the pastry, with the cheese bubbling to a golden, crisp edge.
The pairing of caramelized cheese and a pickled pepper pinned to the bread by a toothpick was delicious. It reminded me of a mini Reuben sandwich without the sauerkraut.
My only suggestion to the staff would be to consider adding a touch of mustard to the pastry before baking.
The Caprese Danish was visually stunning, with long ribbons of green pesto garnishing its surface. Its flavor did not disappoint, either.
The Caprese Danish at Layers Artisan Croissanterie in the Juffair district of Manama, Bahrain, combines the buttery flakiness of a croissant with fresh tomato slices, mozzarella and ribbons of fresh pesto. (Shannon Renfroe/Stars and Stripes)
The generous slices of mozzarella, juicy tomatoes and fresh pesto, combined with the golden pastry, delivered a fresh, pizza-like quality. With each bite, I felt a little closer to both France and Italy.
Layers offers a variety of other baked goods that are equally worth mentioning. Its New York rolls are croissants filled with chocolate, hazelnut praline or pistachio cream.
The babka selection rotates daily, with such flavors as feta and roasted peppers, garlic and cheese, cinnamon and pecan, and almond citrus.
There’s also a za’atar croissant, an homage to Bahrain that features tangy za’atar seasoning sprinkled generously on top, adding a Middle Eastern twist to the French classic.
For beverages, you can’t go wrong with a cup of Layers’ brewed coffee or a creamy latte, which is offered in a matcha tea option or the popular Spanish latte. It’s a blend of espresso, milk and a touch of sweetness with condensed milk.
I had their fresh orange juice, with just the right amount of pulp.
Although Manama is worlds away from Paris, the experience at Layers succeeds in replicating a French ambience while tossing in a dash of local panache for good measure, ensuring that my croissant cravings in Bahrain will never go unsatisfied.
Layers Artisan Croissanterie in Manama, Bahrain, puts its namesake pastries through a 72-hour proofing process. (Shannon Renfroe/Stars and Stripes)
Layers Artisan Croissanterie
Address: 2603 Building L172, Qudaibiya Ave., Qudaibiya, Bahrain
Hours: 8 a.m.-9 p.m., seven days a week
Prices: Pastries range from 3.50-7 BD.
Information: +973 3403 6541, layers_croissant on Instagram. Talabat delivery and pickup are also available.
