Maison des Lys is New Zealand’s first plant-based French pâtisserie, situated along Great North Road in Grey Lynn, Auckland. Established in 2020 by French-born pastry chef Drissilla, the boutique bakery sets out to recreate the authentic tastes and flakiness of classic French morning rituals without relying on any animal products.
Every pastry is handcrafted using carefully selected ingredients that preserve traditional baking methods and delicate multi-layered lamination. From flaky morning viennoiserie to savory café staples, Maison des Lys offers an entirely vegan menu that delivers genuine French quality, proving that dairy and egg alternatives can rival timeless Parisian standards.
Bringing traditional French morning rituals to Auckland, Maison des Lys stands out as New Zealand’s first dedicated plant-based French pâtisserie. Located on Great North Road in Grey Lynn, the bakery showcases the delicate art of French lamination and baking without using dairy or animal products. Founded by French native Drissilla, the pâtisserie reflects a personal journey to reproduce the flakiness, texture, and aroma of neighborhood boulangeries back home.
After moving to New Zealand in 2015 and adopting a vegan lifestyle, Drissilla noticed a distinct gap when searching for authentic French baked goods. Without formal pastry schooling, she dedicated countless hours to researching culinary science, studying ingredient behaviors, and testing recipes in search of reliable plant-based alternatives. During maternity leave in 2020, she launched Maison des Lys to share those handcrafted creations with the wider community.
The bakery centers on classic viennoiserie techniques, where the process of folding dough and plant-based fats produces distinct, tender layers. Achieving balanced texture and structure without conventional butter requires precise temperature control and quality ingredients. Each tray of pastries is prepared in small batches, offering a golden, crispy exterior that yields to an airy crumb.
In addition to the staple plain croissant, the bakery has earned acclaim for its savory creations. The vegan ham and cheese croissant has become a headline offering, combining rich textures with balanced seasoning inside a classic pastry envelope. Whether enjoyed alongside freshly poured coffee or collected in boxes to take home, every bake reflects a commitment to uncompromising culinary standards.
Maison des Lys operates four days a week, opening its doors Thursday through Sunday mornings. The shop draws locals picking up weekend breakfast treats as well as visitors traveling across Auckland for specialty plant-based baking. With options to dine on-site, pick up from the counter, or order online for local collection, the boutique bakery offers a welcoming neighborhood spot centered on heritage, craft, and plant-based hospitality.