Abu Dhabi’s most beloved bakery is serving up soul, sourdough and a whole lot of community spirit
Warm, buttery croissants flake at the slightest touch. Almond biscuits cradle sharp-sweet raspberry jam. Golden sourdough loaves, still warm from the oven, scent the air with that unmistakable tang. The aroma alone is enough to stop you in your tracks.
Nestled in a quietly buzzing neighbourhood of Abu Dhabi, Knead Bakery & Patisserie seems more like a treasured local secret than an emerging brand.
However, loyal followers, morning regulars, weekend brunchers, and bread-loving gourmets know differently. At the heart of it all is Chef Sebastian, a classically trained French pastry chef who started baking at the age of 16 and has never looked back.
From empty shell to flour-dusted favourite
“When I received the keys, there was nothing inside – just four walls. No tables, no menu, not even a coffee machine.” Sebastian fondly recalls.
“We built everything from scratch. We had a vision – to bring life to the neighbourhood with an artisanal bakery – and that was it!”
Four years later, Knead has grown from a 12-person crew to a team of over 50. What began with croissants and baguettes has expanded into full breakfast and lunch menus, catering services, and now a highly anticipated Sunday brunch.
The growth, Sebastian insists, has been entirely organic. “Growth doesn’t mean letting go of our roots.
“We stay true to our heritage by honouring the basics: fresh ingredients, supporting local producers, respecting traditional techniques and keeping everything handmade.”
More than bread
Knead may be known for its high-quality croissants and specialist breads, yet it’s not chasing trends; it’s baking with soul.
“The standard isn’t dictated by budget,” Sebastian explains. “It’s the product first, always. Quality, taste, texture, experience – those are the non-negotiables.”
Every bite is intentional: 48-hour sourdoughs, naturally leavened loaves, no enzymes, no preservatives, no enhancers; just honest-to-goodness bakery and patisserie delights made with care and top-quality ingredients.
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A French chef in the UAE
Sebastian brings a wealth of experience from France, London, and Dubai, but it’s in Abu Dhabi where he feels most at home. “For me, Abu Dhabi is relaxed, connected, true to its roots. People here know quality and they’re loyal to it.”
And that loyalty shows. There’s the gentleman who orders the same breakfast and coffee every morning at 7.30 am, the child who celebrated his birthday by baking croissants with Sebastian, and the 11-year-old who regularly collects the family’s weekend bread.
“These are the moments that make it all worth it,” Sebastian smiles. “We’re part of their lives. And they’re part of ours.”
Not a chain, but a chapter in the community
In a market crowded with cafés and quick-service outlets, Knead stands out for its authenticity.
“This is not a concept we scaled for profit,” says Constantinos Christodoulides, Operations Manager. “It’s a passion project that has become a strong brand. When people step inside, they feel it. They know it’s real.”
Every detail tells a story – from the scent of fresh baking to the zero-waste philosophy that turns orange peels into house-made infusions and syrups. Knead is not merely a business but a model for community-focused hospitality.
Knead’s creativity also doesn’t rely on gimmicks. It’s the quiet genius of a daily bread menu that rotates with time, technique and season. It honours local traditions and culinary heritage by listening to what customers love and baking more of it.
“Innovation at Knead is a two-way street – our customers inspire us every day. It’s a fluid, collaborative process. If you love what you do, you can’t help but be creative with it and continue exploring. And I love what I do.”
What’s next?
The future is quietly ambitious. From the new Sunday brunch to an expanding product range, they are measured about their next steps. “We only move to the next step when we know we can with our values intact and our heads held high,” comments Constantinos.
In a city where foodies increasingly crave quality over extravagance, Knead’s rise feels just right. Because sometimes, a croissant is more than just a croissant.
It’s a conversation, a tradition, a community, a sense of home. At Knead, it’s a promise to keep baking from the heart, no matter how big they grow.
Open daily from 7am to 10pm, dine-in or takeaway. Visit order.knead.ae to enjoy your own slice of neighbourhood charm, crafted cooking and exquisite catering
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