Japan Food Series: Bakery Finds in Sapporo — Boul’Ange Review

Reviewed by Tastes of Ottawa

Introduction

This post is part of my Japan Food Series, which is a little different from my usual Ottawa restaurant reviews. Instead of focusing on sit-down meals, I wanted to share some of the everyday foods I came across that made the experience of travelling through Japan even more fun.

Boul’Ange was easily one of my favourite bakeries that I came across in Sapporo. After trying a wide range of bakeries during this trip—from casual chains to neighbourhood bakeries—Boul’Ange stood out immediately for its consistency, execution, and overall quality. This is the kind of bakery where you can tell, from the first bite, that they take their dough seriously.

Boul’Ange has a distinctly French influence, with a strong focus on laminated pastries like croissants and viennoiseries, but executed in a way that feels clean, modern, and very polished. The display alone sets expectations high: rows of perfectly shaped croissants, glossy pastries, and breads that look light, soft, and inviting. Unlike some bakeries where variety comes at the cost of quality, Boul’Ange manages to deliver across most of its lineup.

If you’re someone who appreciates good bread and well-made pastries, Boul’Ange is absolutely worth seeking out.

Croissant

Outstanding. This was probably the best croissant I’ve had in a long time. The exterior had a beautiful crispness with defined layers, while the inside was incredibly soft, airy, and well laminated. Each bite had that ideal contrast between flaky outside and pillowy interior. This alone would be reason enough to visit Boul’Ange.

Buy again? Yes.

Premium Croissant

As the name suggests, this leaned heavily into butter—and it worked. The croissant was noticeably richer, with a deeper buttery flavour and excellent flakiness throughout. You could clearly taste the extra butter, but it never felt greasy or heavy. A fantastic option if you want something indulgent.

Buy again? Yes.

Marble Croissant

A great variation on their already excellent croissant. The marbling added visual appeal and brought a subtle chocolate sweetness that complemented the buttery dough rather than overpowering it. The texture remained consistent with their standard croissant, which speaks to how well they execute their base pastry.

Buy again? Yes.

Raspberry Croissant

Very good. The croissant base was just as strong as the others—consistent texture, flavour, and flakiness—while the raspberry filling added a bright, sweet contrast. The fruit flavour tasted natural rather than artificial, which helped balance the richness of the pastry.

Buy again? Yes.

Pain au Chocolat

A decent pain au chocolat. The pastry was soft and well baked, and the chocolate had a pleasant flavour, but it didn’t quite stand out compared to the croissants. When the croissants are this good, it’s hard not to compare everything else to them. Still, a solid option.

Buy again? Maybe.

Cinnamon Roll

A very enjoyable cinnamon roll. The outside had a light crispness, while the inside remained soft and tender. The sweetness level was just right—not overwhelming—and it made for a satisfying snack alongside coffee.

Buy again? Yes.

Kouign-amann

This was just okay. I’ve had several kouign-amanns before, and this one didn’t quite reach the level I was hoping for. The exterior was a bit too crispy, and the interior lacked that rich, buttery caramelization that makes this pastry special. It wasn’t bad, but it didn’t stand out.

Buy again? No.

Danish Melon Bun

The inside of the bun was quite good—soft and pleasant to eat—but I wasn’t a fan of the rocky, crunchy parts on the outside. Those elements distracted from the softness of the bun and made the texture feel uneven.

Buy again? No.

Ange’s White Bread

This was a standout surprise. It’s a very simple white bread, but the texture was exceptional—super soft, smooth, and almost silky. There wasn’t much flavour, but it honestly didn’t matter. The mouthfeel alone made this incredibly enjoyable. I could easily see myself buying this regularly if I lived nearby. Sometimes simplicity, when executed perfectly, is more impressive than complexity.

Buy again? Yes.

Final Thoughts

Boul’Ange was one of the clear highlights of my food experiences in Sapporo. The strength of this bakery lies in its execution—especially when it comes to croissants. From the standard croissant to the premium and flavoured versions, the consistency was excellent across the board. It’s rare to find a bakery where you feel confident ordering almost anything, but Boul’Ange came very close.

Not every item was perfect—the kouign-amann and Danish melon bun didn’t quite hit the mark—but those were minor drawbacks in an otherwise strong lineup. The croissants, café latte, and Ange’s white bread alone make this bakery worth visiting.

As part of my Japan Food Series, Boul’Ange represents the kind of place that elevates everyday food into something memorable. It’s not just a bakery you stop by once; it’s the kind of place you keep thinking about after you’ve left. If you’re visiting Sapporo and appreciate high-quality pastries, Boul’Ange should absolutely be on your list.