November 2, 2026

Merlyn’s Patisserie’s Ube Croissant

Tastemaker
By Anna Faller | Sept. 17, 2022

From cultural fusion to croissant colors, the best things seem to come in twos at Merlyn’s Patisserie in Traverse City. Helmed by siblings Jun Dupra and Anna Mae Kucharski, the bakehouse, which they named for their mom, blends the art of French confection with bursts of Asian-inspired flavor. The real MVP (Most Valuable Pastry) is their signature Ube Croissant. Featuring a laminated pastry base, this bi-colored treat is brimming with ube, a purple yam common in Filipino cooking. Chefs fold it into each flaky layer—that’s what makes for those funky stripes—before stuffing the sweets with two scratch-made fillings (an ube-coconut pastry cream and white chocolate-coconut ganache) and topping them off with coconut flakes. The croissants ($8) can be found at the Sara Hardy Downtown Farmers Market or on Tuesdays at Rough Pony in the Warehouse District. For more information, find Merlyn’s Patisserie on Instagram or Facebook (@merlyns_patisserie).

Trending

A Slow Spell of Grace

If the time change is telling us anything, it’s that it’s time to slow down after a busy summer and fall. But do… Read More >>

Artists Who Look to the Skies

For Willie Jones Jr., the sky’s the limit. That’s because his artistic inspirations are primarily aircraft, part… Read More >>

Shopping for a Cause in TC

Yes, believe it or not, we’re inching closer to the holidays. Save your future self from Black Friday madness or last-… Read More >>

Traverse City Children’s Book Festival 2026

Need something fun and bookish to do with the kiddos this weekend? Head to City Opera House for the return of the Traverse C… Read More >>
↑