Chicago’s vibrant food scene is home to a variety of Asian bakeries that offer everything from delicate pastries to savory buns. Here’s a roundup of the best Asian bakeries in the city:
1. Chiu Quon Bakery & Dim Sum
Location: Chinatown
Specialties: Baked BBQ pork buns, egg tarts, pineapple buns
Overview: Chiu Quon is Chicago’s oldest Chinese bakery, serving classic dim sum favorites along with an array of sweet and savory pastries. Be sure to try their sesame balls or coconut buns for a satisfying treat.
2. Tous Les Jours
Location: Uptown & The Loop
Specialties: Milk bread, red bean buns, and fresh cream cakes
Overview: This Korean-French bakery blends Asian flavors with French techniques, creating irresistible treats like matcha rolls, sweet potato lattes, and fluffy mochi donuts.
3. Sun Wah Bakery
Location: Argyle Street
Specialties: Roast pork buns, mooncakes, and curry puffs
Overview: Known for its authentic Cantonese treats, Sun Wah Bakery offers a diverse selection of pastries and dim sum items. Don’t miss their lotus seed mooncakes, which are a hit during the Mid-Autumn Festival.
4. Mochinut Chicago
Location: Various locations
Specialties: Mochi donuts, Korean hot dogs
Overview: Mochinut combines the chewy texture of mochi with the crispness of donuts, creating a unique twist on the classic donut. Popular flavors include black sesame, ube, and strawberry milk.
5. Hokkaido Bakery
Location: Andersonville
Specialties: Hokkaido milk bread, melonpan, and matcha cookies
Overview: Hokkaido Bakery focuses on Japanese-style breads and pastries, with their soft and airy milk bread taking center stage. Pair it with their matcha cookies or custard-filled buns for a delightful experience.
6. Saint Anna Bakery & Cafe
Location: Chinatown
Specialties: Egg custard tarts, baked char siu bao, Swiss roll cakes
Overview: Saint Anna Bakery is a beloved Chinatown destination known for its authentic Hong Kong-style treats. The egg custard tarts are flaky and rich, making them a must-try for any pastry lover.
7. Furama Bakery
Location: Uptown
Specialties: Steamed buns, sesame balls, taro buns
Overview: Furama is known for its wide selection of steamed and baked goodies, with traditional Chinese pastries at the forefront. Try their taro buns or custard-filled pastries for a comforting snack.
8. Kogane Bakery
Location: Lakeview
Specialties: Japanese cheesecake, matcha soft serve, and taiyaki
Overview: Kogane offers a delightful fusion of Japanese desserts, including light and airy cheesecakes, taiyaki (fish-shaped waffles filled with sweet fillings), and matcha-flavored treats.
9. Furuki Bakery
Location: Lincoln Park
Specialties: Daifuku, dorayaki, and anpan
Overview: This Japanese bakery is a gem for traditional Japanese pastries. The daifuku (mochi with sweet red bean paste) and anpan (red bean-filled sweet buns) are popular among locals and visitors.
10. 85°C Bakery Cafe
Location: Wicker Park
Specialties: Sea salt coffee, taro bread, and sweet buns
Overview: This Taiwanese chain offers a variety of baked goods, from their signature sea salt coffee to their fluffy taro bread. The bakery’s extensive selection includes both savory and sweet options, making it a versatile choice for breakfast, lunch, or an afternoon treat.
These bakeries showcase Chicago’s diverse and rich Asian culinary scene. Whether you're craving sweet or savory, these spots offer a taste of the best Asian pastries in the city.
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