European treats abound at Manoa bakery

By Ellise Kakazu

There is no need to find your passport and fly across the globe to experience European-style pastries and baked goods. Fendu Boulangerie transports palates to another country one bite at a time.

Owner and chef Niel Koep opened the bakery in 2009 because he wanted to provide the community with European-inspired delights.

“I felt there was a need for that style of bakery here,” Koep says.

He also feels quality is essential. Only top-notch ingredients are found in Fendu creations — European butter, fresh fruits and winter wheat are some examples that make everything so “dough-lightful!”

“Our breads have no chemicals in them. They are made fresh every single day,” Koep explains.

Koep also notes that the shop usually is sold out of bread by the end of the day, or sometimes even earlier. But if there are leftovers, they are donated to Aloha Harvest, so “it doesn’t go to waste (and) feeds people.”

Pizza — a beloved dish that can do no wrong — is a treat, to say the least, especially at Fendu Boulangerie. Smoked Turkey Breast Pizza ($11.75 for 8 inches, $17.75 for 14 inches) is one of the bakery’s masterpieces. The pie is baked to perfection and covered in tomato sauce, mozzarella, Pecorino Romano, Parmigiano Reggiano, brie, sauteed shallots, bacon and turkey.

After savoring each slice, taste buds will be propelled to a state of heavenly bliss with what Koep calls a “sophisticated brownie.” Dark Chocolate Financier ($3.85) is a chocolate almond cake that consists of dark chocolate, egg whites, flour, sugar, ground almonds and candied oranges, finished with a kiss of powdered sugar.

Fendu Boulangerie

Manoa Marketplace
2752 Woodlawn Drive, No. 5-119, Manoa
988-4310
Monday-Saturday, 7:30 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sunday, 7:30 a.m.-3 p.m.