1.) Au Bon Pain (B40)

This croissant looks like a sad crab—and tastes just as bad, like butter gone stale. Insides, absent of layers, are more like a fluffy brioche in texture.
Verdict: Pas Bon!
Try www.aubonpainthailand.com.

2.) Yamazaki (B16)

Tastes undercooked and has an acrid smell. Plus, it’s dry and bland, as if it was baked the day before.
Verdict: Second only to Au Bon Pain in the yuck stakes.

3.) Foodland (B17.50)

At first glance, this pastry might look slightly overcooked, but has a nice buttery smell, flaky texture and tears apart wonderfully. Be warned, though, it goes stale in a matter of hours.
Verdict: A proper croissant!
Try www.foodland.co.th

4.) Lenôtre (B50)

Going by looks alone, this is the perfect puffed and layered croissant. It has a rich, buttery smell and a nice sheen, but the bland taste doesn’t live up to appearances.
Verdict:  Looks can be deceiving.
Try Langsuan Rd., 02-250-7050. www.lenotrethailand.com

5.) Big C Extra (B12)

Looking a tad too dark, the croissant from Big C Extra Supermarket somehow nails the balance between a crispy exterior and a soft chewy layered interior. There’s just the right amount of butter, too.
Verdict: Now, this was a surprise. This is our favorite!

Try Big C Extra or www.bigc.co.th

6.) Tops (B12)

We’ve noticed that different branches of Tops Supermarket have wildly varying levels of quality. The one we tried from Silom looked nothing like a croissant and tasted nothing like one either—overly-doughy, soggy and reeking of cheap butter.
Verdict: No crispy outer, no layers—this is one funny-looking limp pastry.
Try www.tops.co.th

7.) LB Patisserie (B40)

Authentic French restaurant Le Beaulieu has its own bakery, of which their croissant is a highlight. Pleasantly buttery and nutty in flavor, the flour used is evidently of high quality.
Verdict: A solid croissant but it still loses to a couple of supermarket offerings (Big C, Foodland).
G/F, Athenee Tower, 63 Wireless Rd., 02-168-8222. www.le-beaulieu.com