We’d be lying if we said we’d never stuck our face deep into a paper bag containing a freshly bought croissant, breathing in deep the scent of the dough while it’s still fresh and warm. There’s something about that buttery bouquet that hits our olfactory nerves just right. Bilal ‘Billy’ Mousa and Sim Singh know what we’re talking about. Aroma Bakery, their new Carina patisserie, is proof that they understand pastry’s ambrosial affects. The duo opened their boutique patisserie on Old Cleveland Road last month, luring in locals with an eye-catching array of flaky finds. Every suburb needs a bakery – Aroma fills a glaring void in the middle of Brisbane’s southeastern pocket. “We noticed there was a gap in the market, in this area,” says Sim. “Most bakeries are found towards the city. We’re more on the outskirts, so we’re making sure we’re serving the whole community.”

Aroma’s Clui Design-envisioned interior is crisp and modern, with a palette comprised of smooth concrete and forest green. There are a few stools inside and tables outside, though the layout is most conducive to grab-and-go trade, with a lengthy pastry display nestled next to a fully equipped coffee bar. Here you’ll spy an assortment of classic pastries and sweets, including croissants, danishes, cruffins, doughnuts and muffins, as well as an assortment of savoury items like sandwiches, paninis and sliced-up slabs of burek. Though it has the classics covered, the Aroma team isn’t afraid to get a bit creative. You’ll find a range of specialty items, including almond croissants filled with silky almond cream, custard-filled choc-dipped croissants and pastries pumped full of Oreo and Biscoff filling. A selection of breads will be debuting soon, including sourdough, focaccia and ciabatta loaves. Aroma’s speciality coffee comes from Melbourne roaster Zest Coffee, with the Blackbird Blend – rich dark chocolate and caramel-laced brew – on deck for espresso pours, alongside single-origin and decaf options. Aroma is also serving turmeric and matcha lattes, plus fresh-fruit smoothies.

Aroma Bakery is now open to the public – head to the Stumble Guide for operating hours and contact details.