Since coming to college, I’ve become a cafe fanatic. You can always find me with an iced latte and croissant on Sunday mornings. But no matter how much I love my coffee and pastry combo, I’ve started to miss the breakfasts I grew up on — treats from east Asian bakeries.
It’s hard to make time for breakfast before school. That’s where Asian bakeries come in. My family always has a basket of buns, pastries, and other delicious goods from one bakery or another on the kitchen counter. On busy mornings, I’d grab a bun, often sealed in a plastic bag, and eat it on the go. Despite not having the most environmentally-friendly packaging, Asian bakery treats woke me up before classes and fueled me through after school hunger pangs.
Whether you are checking out an international chain like Paris Baguette or heading to your local Chinatown, here’s a beginner’s guide to east Asian bakeries. You won’t go back to buying just one pastry again.
Where do I start?
Like many Asian-owned dining establishments, the best bakeries are the most unassuming ones. The sign’s paint might be peeling away, the space might be tiny, and deals might be handwritten. But after you taste the pillowy, flavorful bun, all else is forgotten. You can find one of these bakery types at the nearest Chinatown or Koreatown. Of course, Japanese bakeries sell different treats than Taiwanese bakeries, and so on.
If you don’t live near one of these mom-and-pop shops or want a more familiar bakery experience, try one of the international Asian bakery chains that have grown popular across the United States. Paris Baguette and Tous Les Jours are both South Korean chains that sell French and Asian-inspired pastries. 85°C Bakery Cafe has a similar concept but hails from Taiwan.
What’s with the trays and tongs?
Asian bakeries are essentially buffets. Upon walking in, you’ll find a stack of trays and tongs accompanying them. Make sure to line your tray with provided parchment paper before grabbing a pair of tongs and heading into the aisles of baked goods.
That’s right — aisles. Larger establishments like Paris Baguette, Tous Les Jours, and 85°C Bakery Cafe display their offerings in cases throughout the store. Just slide open the door and take your pick using those tongs. I usually take a lap around the store first before making selections, almost like window-shopping. Unless the bakery is packed, take your time. A friend once told me her favorite part of the experience is simply admiring treats in their cases.
What are the savory options?
The sheer number of options available can be intimidating. Although each bakery sells unique offerings, there are a few classics you can find variations on in nearly every shop.
Many savory buns in particular take inspiration from western cuisine. For some reason, Asian bakeries love hot dogs. Paris Baguette offers not only a Smoked Sausage Bread, essentially a hot dog, but also a Pastry Frank, which is a sausage wrapped in a croissant. 85°C Bakery Cafe has the Cheese Dog, a hot dog surrounded by melted cheese in a bun topped with ketchup and mayo.
Veering into sweet-and-savory territory, the char siu bao, otherwise known as the barbeque pork bun, is a staple of Chinese bakeries. (Bao means bun in Chinese.) Mei Lai Wah in New York City has become famous for its Pineapple Pork Bun, a popular variation of this familiar favorite.
What if I have a sweet tooth?
Speaking of pineapple buns, don’t worry — these don’t actually contain pineapple. The name comes from the crumbly biscuit-like topping, which resembles the pattern on a pineapple. All Chinese bakeries offer this pastry, known as a bolo bao.
Other sweet buns look like typical rolls on the outside, but it’s the inside that counts. Red bean and custard are popular options, especially at Korean and Japanese-inspired locations. My personal favorite is the cocktail bun, which originates from Hong Kong and is filled with shredded coconut.
Asian bakery buns usually use milk bread bases, making the dough extra light and fluffy with a hint of sweetness. Sometimes, I’ll just buy a sliced loaf of milk bread. It makes a perfect base for any kind of toast.
Why are there so many croissants?
Tous Les Jours has the plain croissant, almond croissant, garlic and cheese croissant, strawberry croissant, pain au chocolat, and chocolate croissant. Yes, there’s a difference between the last two. The first is chocolate-filled, and the second is covered in a chocolate drizzle.
Paris Baguette’s flavors come in raspberry almond, raisin, sweet potato and much more — you already know about the pastry frank. There are also mini garlic and cream cheese-filled options sold in packs of six.
Honestly, it’s still a mystery to me why there are so many croissant flavors, but I’m not complaining. I love French patisseries, but only at an Asian bakery could I find something as indulgent as a croissant donut with Nutella.
How do I choose from the cake display?
You probably get the gist that every baked good category has too many options to count. Cakes are no different. They’re usually on display at the case near the counter because just as you think you’re ready to check out, you’re greeted with even more items.
Though they draw inspiration from western recipes like tiramisu and black forest cake, Asian cakes often taste lighter and less sweet. Popular flavors include mango, blueberry yogurt, and mocha. The Swiss roll cake is also a staple of many stores and a personal favorite. If you’re feeling adventurous, some stores offer less-conventional varieties like chestnut and taro.
How much should I buy?
I have never left an Asian bakery with just one pastry. Most customers’ trays are completely full by the time they reach the checkout counter. There’s no feeling like carrying boxes or bags full of pastries to your car while trying to balance the coffee you bought on the way out.
Communal dining plays a core part in many Asian cuisines, so as hard as it may seem, try to share your new stash of baked goods with your family or roommates. Trust me, it’ll make that midday barbeque pork bun taste even better.