Croi Budapest is a true gem among Budapest brunch spots, distinguished not only by its commitment to quality, but also by its continuous innovation. Croi bakery and brunch is one of the most popular brunch spots in the 11th district, where you can always find something new – this creative approach has resulted in the birth of the latest favorite, the smashed croi.
As we arrived at Croi’s cozy terrace, the heavenly aroma of freshly baked pastries and butter hit us right away. It’s almost the perfect start to a spring morning, when the entire area was covered in lush green plants. Although we are close to the hustle and bustle of the city, Croi still awaits everyone as an island of calm. Croi Bakery has always been characterized by renewing its offerings without compromising on quality – which is especially important in today’s brunch scene in Budapest, which is saturated with brunch places. A place cannot be successful with just an omelet or a plain croissant and coffee combination. However, Croi Bakery and Brunch has proven once again that it can offer more. And so the idea of the smashed croi was born – everything we love about a perfect brunch, condensed into one dish!
The smashed croi works on a similar principle to the smashed burger, but instead of a meat patty, a croissant is “smashed”, creating an even crispier, golden brown, flaky base on which the new creations are built. The idea for the smashed croi is thanks to the creativity of Péter Tóth and Orsi Szabó. Péter has been active in the hospitality industry for many years, primarily in a managerial role, where he has always paid special attention to quickly recognizing and following new trends. Their professional background and enthusiasm have now once again brought to life a special novelty that will further enrich the brunch culture of Budapest.
CROI SIGNATURE: SMASHED CROI SPECIALS
Only the best ingredients are selected to make the smashed crois, and they also make many of the ingredients themselves, so you can feel the true quality and meticulous attention to detail in every bite.
If you have ever been to Bari, one of the gastronomic centers of Italy, you know what fantastic flavors characterize this region, so it is no coincidence that Péter and Orsi were also inspired by these experiences. Thanks to this, several smashed croi versions were born from Italian inspiration. One of our favorites was the smashed croi with mortadella: the pistachio mortadella on a croissant is covered with soft straciatella cheese, which gives the dish a wonderful creaminess. All this is crowned with homemade basil oil and also their own pickled onions, so every bite is a Mediterranean flavor journey. The ham smashed croi also had a surprise in store: the prosciutto cotto ham is complemented by sun-dried tomato straciatella cheese, which creates a sweet-sour, rich flavor.
Fans of brunch classics won’t be disappointed, as the eggs benedict-style smashed croi comes with a trio of black forest ham, straciatella cheese and poached eggs, perfectly balancing creamy, salty and smoky flavours. And of course, the perennial brunch favourite couldn’t be left out either – a version made with a combination of smoked salmon and avocado, which is both light and silky.
But if you’re looking for something truly special, the four-cheese smashed croi is simply unmissable! The crushed croissant is generously sprinkled with cheddar, brie, straciatella and goat cheese, then put back on the grill to melt and brown slightly. The honey drizzled on top and the caramelized nuts – homemade of course – create such a harmony that you’ll definitely want to come back for more. We’ll definitely be back, as you rarely come across such a special, unique and carefully crafted flavor combination.
SWEET SMASHED CROI VARIATIONS – WHEN SWEETNESS AND BAKERY CREATE PERFECT HARMONY
The sweet options were not far behind the savory versions, in fact! We tried the pistachio cream-raspberry and vanilla cream-passion fruit versions. The combination of the locally cooked pistachio cream and the fresh raspberry sauce is perfect: the sweet and sour flavors are in such a balance that you simply can’t stop eating.
The vanilla cream version is a real refreshing surprise! The sweet and characteristic vanilla cream is accompanied by passion fruit jam and passion fruit caviar, decorated with fresh fruits on top. It was not too concentrated at all, but fresh, crisp and light – exactly the dessert we would gladly choose again anytime, especially with a premium 100% arabica IO coffee, sitting on the sunny terrace of the place.
Although we were already full, we have to mention another tempting dessert, namely the smashed croit, made with salted caramel cream, caramel balls and sugar explosions, which is guaranteed to bring back nostalgic childhood memories. We already know what we’ll be trying next!
WHY IT’S WORTH CHOOSING CROI BUDAPEST BREAKFAST PLACE BESIDES THE SMASHED CROI EXPERIENCE
While smashed crois are undoubtedly the new stars of Croi, the rest of the menu also has plenty to explore. Croi Budapest is one of those rare places where you can always feel the duality of constant renewal and constant quality. In addition to the smashed crois, the classic breakfast favorites are of course still available: the rich, creamy eggs benedict versions or the iconic New York roll benedicts. The sandwiches also deserve a special mention, as they are made from quality ingredients, often with a creative twist – and after any choice you will feel that you got exactly what you were looking for.
AS SUMMER COMES, CROI ATTRACTS BUDAPEST WITH ANOTHER MIRACLE: ARTISANAL ICE CREAM!
Péter told us in detail about the care with which these sweets are made: the cooking and storage temperatures of the ice creams are also precisely controlled to achieve that silky, soft texture that will sweep you off your feet at the first taste. The fruit sorbets are so creamy that it’s hard to believe they don’t contain milk – and the sugar-free versions are also amazingly delicious. And if you’re craving a truly grown-up dessert, ask for an affogato. A scoop of ice cream topped with hot espresso – both coffee and dessert, the perfect accompaniment to a relaxing afternoon.
And if you’re thirsty for a refreshing drink, be sure to try the Strawberry Matcha Latte! Croi didn’t take the easy way out here either: they don’t use sugar syrup, but their own strawberry puree, so the real taste of the fruit comes through and the sugar doesn’t overwhelm the freshness of the drink.
Croi Budapest is the perfect choice for breakfast or brunch in the city. They have created a sophisticated, quality place in an area where truly outstanding breakfast and coffee experiences are rare. But they have not only exhausted themselves by putting a few popular dishes on the menu: you can feel the passion and commitment to them in each and every dish.
We can’t wait to see what creative new things they come up with next – but we’re sure they’ll be just as exceptional as the smashed croik they just introduced! And if you haven’t been there yet, it’s worth visiting Croi Budapest, located at 1 Szedersor Street, and you’re guaranteed to have an unforgettable breakfast or brunch experience.