Food Review - Dormans Chocolate Croissants
Although I eat out a lot, I stopped going to Dormans after they closed and rebranded. To be honest, I forgot about them. They would occasionally come to mind only when I was in town and passed by their former branch on Mama Ngina Street. So imagine my surprise when I got an email about them. It was an offer they had for coffee and a pastry. The price was too good to refuse, so I paid in advance and planned to visit them the next day.
Friday, I was up early and didn’t have breakfast at home because I had other foodie plans. Before I left the house, it hit me that I didn’t know where I was going! Where are the new locations? I knew the one in town was definitely closed and the one at Junction was too far. So I googled. I made calls from the results I got and most of them didn’t help. They would not go through or would go unanswered or were miss directed to places such as Eat Out or Hello Food. I asked them if they knew where Dormans had branches and they too weren’t sure. I had to call someone at Junction who asked their staff there and they told me they had two at Village market and one at Westgate. I picked the former.
When I got to Village Market I’d say I liked the new look. The library kind of setting with the bleached wood, green and white decor, music playing in the background… I liked it, didn’t love it. A bit bland and boring but it was ok. I noticed the multicultural, multiracial customers. They were few but then again it was 9a.m on a weekday, people were probably at work. As soon as I sat down, the waitress asked me what I’d have. Told her the offer and proceeded to order coffee and a piece of cake. Black forest which they call dark chocolate cake. A safe order and I’d already made up my mind about what I’d have before I left the house. She told me cakes were not part of the deal so I picked up the menu on the table and chose the chocolate croissant. I am glad I did.
These are the times you thank Oprah and the random people who write memes telling you to ‘try something different’ because I was pleasantly surprised. The coffee was great but the croissant was amazing! Smelt fresh like it was just from the oven. I took a bite and it was warm, buttery and crispy. It had a layered flaky texture that delicately melts in your mouth as the creamy middle oozes out. A rare feel where chocolate doesn’t overwhelm the flavor. Lovely!
The size of the croissant was great but I felt like my meal ended too quickly, I wanted another. So I asked for another one! And I’ve been asking for another every week since! When I get busy and can only visit Dormans in the evening, I always find them finished. I guess I’m not the only one who likes them. Honestly, they are the best croissants I have ever tasted. Best 210ksh anyone can spend on. But Dormans need to improve their visibility, accessibility, and communication. Let potential customers know what you have to offer.
