Chinese food is more than just dim sum and noodles! Chinese cuisine offers a vibrant and delicious selection of pastries that you may have never tried before. A Chinese bakery can offer a delightful twist on the classic bread buns and cakes, with savoury and sweet treats that could become your next favourite take-home food.
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What is a Chinese bakery?
Chinese bakeries have been around for a while in Australia, though it wasn’t until the rise of bigger companies like Breadtop in the early 2000s that we’ve really taken notice of them. There’s a distinct focus on Chinese and Asian cuisine when it comes to the pastries they serve, though each bakery tends to pay homage to the local favourites and blends them into their menu.
Here are some of their specialities:
- Sachimas are sweet pastries made of deep-fried dough, flavoured with either honey, rock sugar, or maltose syrup. A crispy yet fluffy snack, it goes well with ice cream and other sweet desserts.
- Sous are the triangular pastries that you can see hanging from the windows in Chinatown. Their puffy exterior hides all sorts of flavour-packed fillings: for example, the char siu sou is filled with cooked red barbecue pork.
- Cheung zai baos are the Chinese take on the sausage bun. They’re often topped with caramelised spring onions and vegetables, and are steamed or baked to enhance the subtle flavour.
Some Chinese bakeries also serve tea or coffee with these dishes. Take the recommendations of the baker when it comes to pairing which pastry with what drink.
The best Chinese bakery near me
Emperor’s Garden Cake & Bakery, Sydney
Location: 75 Dixon Street, Haymarket, Sydney, New South Wales
Average price range: Cheap (starts at $5 AUD)
Menu: Chinese and French pastries – vegan options available
Sydney locals line up outside the door just to get these pastries fresh from the oven! They have a wide selection of sponge cakes, buns, and other pastries inspired by both Western and Asian cuisine. With such a wide variety you’re bound to find something new here every time.
Ding’s Fresh Bun, Perth
Location: 3/305 William St, Northbridge 6003
Average price range: Cheap (starts at $5 AUD)
Menu: Traditional Chinese breakfast food
If you want a simple, no-frills introduction to Chinese cuisine and breakfasts, this is the place to do it. Hailing from the Fujian province of China, they specialise in homemade and savoury dishes and drinks like hot soybean milk and fried bread sticks. Delicious, cheap, and filling, it’s definitely a dining experience that’ll leave you stuffed and satisfied.
Nhu Lan Bakery, Melbourne
Location: 152 Victoria St, Richmond Victoria 3121
Average price range: Affordable (under $40 for a full meal)
Menu: Chinese and Vietnamese pork and pastries
If you’re looking for bigger meals without the extra calories, drop by Nhu Lan. Plenty of reviews online claim that they have the best Bahn Mi in Melbourne, and the bread is always served fresh and hot from the oven. Fast, affordable, and tasty; if you’re in Melbourne, check it out.
Parkwood Hotbread, Gold Coast
Location: 129-133 Olsen Ave, Labrador QLD 4215
Average price range: Affordable ($20 AUD for two people)
Menu: Chinese pastries and dessert parlour
A local favourite that seems to have mastered the art of creating amazing pastries! Sweet lovers won’t regret their visit to Parkwood; their delicious cheese and spinach rolls are a good appetiser for their sumptuous desserts, richly decorated and flavoured with fresh cream and custard.
Cheung’s Cakes and Cafe, Brisbane
Location: 312 Brunswick St, Fortitude Valley Queensland 4006
Average price range: Affordable ($20 AUD for two people)
Menu: Cakes and desserts
Cheung’s has a wide selection of cakes, pies, and desserts that cater to all tastes and palates. Beautifully presented and always freshly served, it’s become a hot stop for many Brisbane locals. You can either choose your own pastries to take with their signature coffee, or inquire about custom orders for special occasions.
Soft and savoury
So the next time you’re craving something a little different when it comes to your pastries, try a Chinese bakery in your area! They’re bound to offer tasty treats that’ll leave you smiling from ear-to-ear.
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