In case you don't know already, Urban Bakery / Urban Bakery Works* operates under the Maxim's umbrella. As much as I'd like to see Urban Bakery simply as another product of clever marketing that tries too hard to be cool (see M&C.Duck 美中．鴨子**), I believe there's more to it. Though it may well be another soulless shop that wants nothing but your money, their croissants are the best I can find in Hong Kong.
* Urban Bakery is a bakery whilst Urban Bakery Works is more of a sit-down cafe. Except for the 8-hour Duck Confit Sandwich ~inspired~ by Borough Market, Urban Bakery sells the same sandwiches as Urban Bakery Works, but cheaper.
** Seriously what on earth is that name? I'll never understand the world's obsession with the dot, which FYI is known as 間隔號.
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| Double Ham and Brie Croissandwich ($48) - double ham as in "ham" ham we normally have and parma ham |
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| Lotssss of ham, as you can see. But half of the only slice of parma ham fell out of the sandwich (see first photo) so I couldn't taste it until the last few bites. |
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| Langoutine Croissandwich with Curry Emulsion ($48) - this is from my March visit. I like langoutine and croissant... I remember wishing there would be more langoutine |
Rating: 3/5
Food: I love Urban Bakery's croissants. Flaky, buttery and probably artery-clogging but I don't care. So it's unfortunate that these croissandwiches from Urban Bakery Works are pre-made. They sit there under layers of wrap paper, slowly becoming a greasy soggy mess that swims in its own butter, no longer crispy and airy. They still taste OK but what a shame.
Environment: Confusing system - get your sandwich from the sandwich bar, then run to the other side of the bar to pay. Want a drink? Order at the cashier... I wonder if people run off with their sandwiches without paying.
Service: No service... I get it, this place gets quite busy during lunch time, but how hard is it to force a smile?
Price: I've noticed an interesting phenomenon - shops can get away with selling you sandwiches for $100 if they do it like how they do it in Europe or America; whereas local fast food places are damned for charging you $50 for fried rice and a drink. I know it's "just £4", but I do mind paying $48 for a sad pre-made sandwich. I know it's Central. But come on Maxim's you could do better, with your economies of scale. Next time I'll get my croissant from Urban Bakery for $14, buy some beef and make a sandwich myself. It will probably taste better.
Urban Bakery Works
Room 322, 3/F, The Landmark
12-16 Des Voeux Road Central
Central
Hong Kong
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