… and even more butter. Say hello to Kouign-Amann , one of the most indulgent, caramelised, and deeply satisfying pastries ever created.

It’s a little hard to describe. Crispy on the outside, caramelised on the bottom, with buttery layers within Kouign-Amann (pronounced “KWEEN ah-MAHN”) is Brittany’s (Bretagne) most famous pastry. And once you’ve had a bite, you’ll understand why it has stood the test of time for over 160 years.

The Sweet Accident That Started It All

The story goes that back in the 1860s, a baker named Yves-René Scordia, working in the small town of Douarnenez in Finistère, didn’t want to waste his leftover baguette dough. Rather than discarding it, he folded in generous amounts of butter and sugar and accidentally created one of the greatest pastries in culinary history. One of the sweetest accidents ever made.

The name itself tells the story: “Kouign” means cake, and “Amann” means butter in Breton. So yes, it’s literally a butter cake. And it lives up to its name in the most glorious way.

Original vs. Modern: What’s the Difference?

If you’ve come across Kouign-Amann in London, chances are it was made with laminated dough, giving it a lighter, flakier, more croissant-like texture. It’s delicious but it’s not the original.

The authentic Kouign-Amann is made with bread flour, ideally from leftover baguette dough. The result is denser, chewier, and more rustic than its modern laminated counterpart. Old school, unpretentious, and absolutely worth every bite.

Both versions have their merits. But if you want to experience Kouign-Amann as it was meant to be eaten sticky, caramelised, slightly chewy, with that signature crackling crust … go traditional.

What Makes Kouign-Amann So Special?

The magic of Kouign-Amann lies in its simplicity. There are no fancy fillings, no elaborate decorations , just bread dough, butter, and sugar, transformed by heat into something extraordinary. The sugar caramelises on the bottom and edges, creating a golden, slightly crunchy crust. The interior stays soft and layered, rich with butter. It is comfort food in its purest, most honest form.

Where to Find the Best Kouign-Amann in London?

London’s bakery scene has embraced Kouign-Amann wholeheartedly, and there are some truly excellent versions being made across the city. From neighbourhood gems to well-known bakeries, the competition for the best Kouign-Amann is fierce and we love it for that.

Which bakery do you think makes the best Kouign-Amann? Drop your recommendation in the comments below!