Best of 15 desserts in Chinatown
Desserts in Chinatown are a must-try for any food lover. This vibrant neighborhood offers a wide variety of sweet treats, from traditional Chinese pastries to modern fusion desserts. You can find bubble tea shops, egg tart bakeries, and mochi ice cream stores that will satisfy your sweet tooth. Don't miss out on the unique and delicious desserts that Chinatown has to offer.
- 1. Matcha Cafe Maiko
- 2. Golden Gate Bakery
- 3. Yummy Bakery & Cafe in Chinatown
- 4. Eastern Bakery
- 5. Little Swan Bakery Café
- 6. Garden Bakery
- 7. Magical Ice Cream
- 8. AA Bakery & Cafe in Chinatown
- 9. Metro Hong Kong Dessert and Milk Tea
- 10. icafe Bakery
- 11. Wong Lee Bakery
- 12. Sweetheart Cafe
- 13. Good Mong Kok Bakery in Chinatown
- 14. Napoleon Super Bakery
- 15. Yu’s Cafe
1. Matcha Cafe Maiko
Every item is made fresh in-house with high-quality matcha straight from Japan

Matcha Cafe Maiko is a popular destination for those seeking delicious Japanese ice cream in California. Their signature offering, the matcha float with tapioca and fresh boba, is particularly noteworthy. The cafe is well-known for its high-quality matcha ice cream, which is packed with flavor.
In general, Matcha Cafe Maiko is widely regarded as one of the best places to enjoy matcha ice cream. The ice cream is rich and creamy, with a strong matcha flavor that is both authentic and delicious. Whether you're a matcha enthusiast or simply looking to try something new, Matcha Cafe Maiko is definitely worth a visit.
TOPICS
- Asian Cuisine
- Vegan Options
- Cheap Eats
- Downtown Spots
2. Golden Gate Bakery
Cash-only, long lines but fast service, family-owned and operated since 1976

Egg tarts are available for $3.50 each at a certain establishment. The tarts have a pleasant taste, but there are inconsistencies with the pastry as it was not mixed properly, resulting in some bites being overly salty. Overall, the egg tarts may be overhyped and overpriced.
In contrast, the egg custard tarts at Golden Gate Bakery are highly acclaimed and considered superior to any other option in Northern California. Those who have visited the bakery cannot help but rave about the delicious tarts.
TOPICS
- Asian Cuisine
- Cheap Eats
- Downtown Spots
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3. Yummy Bakery & Cafe in Chinatown
European-style bakery with a modern twist

The establishment offers two types of egg tarts at a cost of $2 each - the regular egg tart with a yellow filling and the egg white tart with a white filling. Both varieties are highly recommended for their delicious taste.
During my visit, I had the opportunity to try a variety of their desserts, including the pineapple bun, red bean bun, wintermelon moon cake, pork floss bun, and cream filled bun. The desserts served here are truly exceptional and worth trying.
TOPICS
- Asian Cuisine
- Cheap Eats
- Breakfast
- Lunch
4. Eastern Bakery
Family-owned bakery since 1924, offers vegan and gluten-free options

Eastern Bakery is renowned for its delicious and fresh assorted moon cakes. One unique feature of their moon cakes is the presence of double yolk, which adds a rich and creamy texture to the dessert. This bakery has become a popular destination in Chinatown for those seeking high-quality moon cakes.
Overall, Eastern Bakery's moon cakes are a must-try for anyone with a sweet tooth. The combination of freshness, unique ingredients, and traditional baking techniques make for a dessert experience that is unmatched in Chinatown. Whether you're a fan of moon cakes or looking to try something new, Eastern Bakery is the perfect place to indulge.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- Chinese Cuisine
- Cheap Eats
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5. Little Swan Bakery Café
Small, family-owned bakery with a cozy atmosphere

The baked goods at this establishment are truly exceptional. They excel in traditional Chinese bakes, but it's their modern and Japanese-inspired creations that truly stand out. Be sure to try their black squid ink buns or the walnut and black sesame swirl buns for a unique and delicious experience.
During our visit, we opted for a cream puff and a Japanese cheesecake, and both were utterly delightful. The staff were not only clean and friendly but also helpful in guiding our choices. This establishment offers delectable options that are sure to satisfy any sweet tooth.
TOPICS
- Asian Cuisine
- Lunch
- Dinner
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6. Garden Bakery
Uses locally sourced ingredients, Artisanal baking techniques, Custom order available

Garden Bakery offers a variety of delicious baked goods such as pies, char siu, and pork buns. You can also find tasty fruitcake, egg tarts, and almond cookies. Among the options, the pineapple bun and egg tart are particularly recommended, known for their freshness and great taste.
The bakery is known for its high-quality products, always fresh and flavorful. The pineapple bun, in particular, is a popular choice, as well as the egg tart, which has a flaky crust and a delicious custard filling. All the desserts are sure to be a hit for anyone looking for a sweet treat.
TOPICS
- Fusion Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Downtown Spots
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7. Magical Ice Cream
Vibrant and playful atmosphere, Instagrammable treats

If you're looking for a delicious and unique dessert experience, I highly recommend visiting this ice cream shop in Chinatown. The ice cream is not only great-tasting, but it's also carefully prepared and presented in an entertaining way. It's a bit on the pricier side, but one dish is enough for two people.
This ice cream shop offers a wide variety of flavors and toppings to choose from, making it a great place to visit for ice cream lovers. Watching the staff prepare your order right in front of you is part of the fun and adds to the overall enjoyable experience of this unusual dessert destination.
TOPICS
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Downtown Spots
- Mid-Range
8. AA Bakery & Cafe in Chinatown
Family-owned bakery with French influences

Indulge in a variety of delicious buns at a reasonable price. The great pork buns and cocktail buns, sprinkled with sesame seeds, are a delicious choice. For those who prefer something savory, the ham and cheese bun is a excellent option. Additionally, a unique take on Bahn mi is available for those interested in trying something new.
Don't forget to save room for dessert! The Napoleon dessert is a must-try and is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. With its flaky and delicious texture, it is the perfect way to end your meal.
TOPICS
- Asian Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Downtown Spots
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9. Metro Hong Kong Dessert and Milk Tea
Famous for desserts and milk tea, serves Hong Kong-style comfort food

I recently came across a charming small restaurant, advertised as a dessert place but also offering lunch and dinner options. The staff was kind and attentive, and there was a Chinese version of American Idol playing on the TV, creating a comfortable and relaxed atmosphere. During our visit, we ordered boba milk tea, as well as mango-pommel and mango-taro puddings. The puddings were a new taste for me, with a good mix of American-popular and Hong Kong authentic fare. The mango-pommel pudding was delicious, but the mango-taro was a bit mealy and contained kidney beans, which I found surprising.
On a separate occasion, I tried their cold mango snow drink, which was quite refreshing. The restaurant offers a large menu of drinks and snacks. While the service was just okay, the drinks and desserts were enjoyable. I would recommend this place for anyone looking for a relaxed spot to try some new and tasty treats.
TOPICS
- Asian Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
- Dinner
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10. icafe Bakery
Small, family-owned bakery serving traditional Italian pastries with a modern twist.

ICAFÉ Bakery is known for its unique fusion of traditional Hong Kong pastries with a modern twist. Among their standout items are the 'Royal' recommendations – the baked BBQ bun, pineapple egg custard bun, and minced taro bun. These offerings masterfully balance classic flavors and innovative touches to create a memorable tasting experience.
In addition to their exceptional baked goods, ICAFÉ Bakery boasts a selection of delightful mochi desserts. Flavors range from the tropical Mango Mochi to the nutty Sesame Mochi, as well as the more exotic Purple Potato Mochi. Red Bean Mochi is also available for those who prefer a subtly sweet, classic Asian-inspired treat. The bakery's mochi options cater to a diverse range of palates, ensuring something for everyone.
TOPICS
- Fusion Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Downtown Spots
11. Wong Lee Bakery
Family-owned bakery with rich history since 1949

The egg custard tart is a popular dessert that is a must-try for anyone who enjoys a balance of sweetness and a flaky crust. This delectable treat features a crust that is both undercooked and buttery, providing a unique texture that complements the smooth and rich custard. The custard itself is excellent, with just the right amount of sweetness to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Overall, the egg custard tart is a standout dessert that will leave you wanting more. The combination of the undercooked, yet flavorful crust and the smooth, creamy custard is simply irresistible. Whether you're in the mood for a quick snack or a decadent dessert, the egg custard tart is sure to hit the spot. With its perfect balance of flavor and texture, this is one treat that you won't want to miss.
TOPICS
- Chinese Cuisine
- Social Gatherings
- Downtown Spots
- Cheap Eats
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12. Sweetheart Cafe
Charming atmosphere with a vintage feel and excellent service

This cafe is absolutely wonderful and offers an excellent selection of fresh fruit smoothies, with the strawberry smoothie being a highly recommended choice. They also serve delicious ice cream, including unique flavors like lychee nut and green tea. The cafe is a great place to take a break while exploring Chinatown, and they offer a variety of cute snacks, such as pocky, to enjoy while shopping.
The smoothies and ice cream at this cafe are truly exceptional, making it a must-visit destination for anyone in Chinatown. In addition to their tasty treats, the cafe also sells a range of fun snacks that are perfect for munching on while browsing the local shops. Whether you're in the mood for a refreshing smoothie or a scoop of something sweet, this cafe is sure to have exactly what you're looking for.
TOPICS
- Asian Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Downtown Spots
- Lunch
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13. Good Mong Kok Bakery in Chinatown
Family-owned bakery since 1962, Traditional Chinese baked goods

I took a break for lunch and had the opportunity to try some baked and steamed barbecue buns. While all of them were enjoyable, the pineapple buns stood out as the highlight of my meal. They were incredibly delicious and lived up to their reputation as one of the best I've ever tasted. The portion sizes were generous, and the prices were very reasonable.
My lunch experience featured some impressive pineapple buns. These treats were undoubtedly the star of the meal and some of the best I've ever had. They were sizable, bursting with flavor, and offered at a great value. Whether you're a fan of pineapple buns or trying them for the first time, you won't be disappointed.
TOPICS
- Asian Cuisine
- Cheap Eats
- Downtown Spots
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14. Napoleon Super Bakery
French-inspired bakery with a modern twist, using high-quality ingredients and unique flavor combinations

A delicious cake and egg tart can be found in Chinatown, known for their high quality. The cake stands out for being light and fluffy, without any oiliness. The egg tart is also a must-try, with its perfect pastry. This place is a well-kept secret of Chinatown, and some even consider it to be among the best in the world.
The egg custard and cupcakes are particularly noteworthy, and the prices are very reasonable. The staff is kind and helpful, making for a great customer service experience. It's recommended to go early in the day when the baked goods are fresh out of the oven. This hidden gem is sure to satisfy any sweet tooth.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- Asian Cuisine
- Cheap Eats
- Hidden Gems
15. Yu’s Cafe

TOPICS
- Asian Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
- Lunch