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Golden Gate Bakery
- Hours:
Mon-Sun 8 am - 8 pm
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- No
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- No
- Price Range:
-
$
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- No
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Dessert
- Alcohol:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Touristy, Casual
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- No
1332 reviews for Golden Gate Bakery
Review Highlights
"This place is by far the best place to grab egg tarts."
(in 641 reviews)
"Just thinking of their Dan Tat makes me drool."
(in 87 reviews)
"The moon cakes were fresh and very tasty as well."
(in 73 reviews)
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1332 reviews in English
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Review from Anita C.
Hacienda Heights, CA
2/7/2012 1 Check-in Here
This place will forever be a mandatory stop when I visit SF. The lines can get pretty long depending on the time you go, but the lines move pretty fast and even if it didn't, it's SO worth the wait!
Priced at $1.25/each -- CASH ONLY!!
You should ALWAYS eat one right after you purchase them since they taste THE BEST when they're piping hot/straight outta the oven. Mmph! The silky custard, buttery flaky crust = excuse the language, jizz in yo' freakin' pants good. -
Review from Sofia R.
After a class downtown, I dragged a friend to this place because I really wanted to try their custard egg tart that I've been hearing so much about.
The bakery looks like any other little Asian bakery. The workers were a little hard to talk to, but I eventually got my order in: custard egg tart, green tea moon cake with one yolk, white lotus moon cake with one yolk, and a special chicken pie. Total came out to be around $20 or so.
I ate the custard tart first. It's small but served warm. Creamy, delicious, and the right amount of sweet. The best egg tart I have ever had in my life.
The chicken pie was okay. It hit the spot because it was savory, but it wasn't anything special.
The moon cakes were the biggest I have ever seen (palm of my hand?). I've also never had moon cakes with yolks in it so I was startled when the lady asked me if I wanted no/one/two yolks. I chose the middle ground and picked one...but I wish I had chosen no yolks. I didn't like the suddenly savory center. Maybe others would, but don't.
That aside, I would say that the quality of the moon cakes were also the best I've ever had. I split both with my friend. Between the two flavors, I liked white lotus seed the most because it was more mild whereas the green tea was more....floral-y.
Cute bakery. I would go back if I had the chance. -
Review from Daisy T.
Definitely worth the power walk over there!
I was at Rosewood for a Gogobot event. My husband and I wanted to make the most of our time in the area so I Yelped for some good eats. Gold Gate Bakery showed up with an amazing 4.5 star rating. We left Rosewood about 7:45PM and rushed over there to make it just in time before they closed.
One good thing about coming right before closing... no line!
The egg custard tarts are $1.25 each or $15 for a dozen. The crust is flaky. The middle has the texture of creme brulee, but definitely not as sweet as one. It doesn't taste too eggy like some other egg tarts I've had. A nice balance of tastes and textures.
I also got suckered into buying a BBQ pork bun. They were still warm. Fresh from the oven! The bread around it is fluffy and a little bit sweet to balance out the saltiness of the pork.
Next time you find yourself in Chinatown, definitely check this place out. It's worth the wait in line. I heard they do a pretty good job of keeping the line moving, too. -
Review from Amanda Z.
2/8/2012 1 Check-in Here
Believe the hype, the dan tat (egg custard) is AMAZING! Perhaps the best I've ever had, ever. Why? The crust is the perfect amount of buttery flaky without being greasy. The custard was warm and sweet but not too sugary. It was so good that after my father-in-law ate one, he went right back and bought another one to eat. The jin dui, on the other hand, was not that great (hard, greasy). Bottom line: stick with the egg custard and you won't regret it!
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Review from Amiee H.
1/29/2012
OVERRATED...and here's why....
I don't understand what's the huge hype over this place...I know this place is suppose to be known for it's egg tarts but I honestly was not that impressed. For how long you have to stand in line, how many Asians you have to fight to keep from cutting you in line, and how many crazy people in front of you in line placing completely insane orders that sweep out the entire bakery so you have to wait another 20 mins for another batch of egg tarts to come out from the oven...I honest don't think this place is worth all that work!
To be honest, I think I would have just given the egg tarts 3 stars...I think any other bakery has egg tarts that taste like this, I don't understand what's so special or great about these ones. I'm only giving this place 4 stars because I tried the "WIFE CAKES" here and that is honestly pretty good. They are SOO BIG and they fill it with big chunks of lotus which makes it pretty good. And I sense some extra salt in the filling which is a nice contrast to the sweetness of the lotus. So well done on the wife cakes...but OVERRATED on the egg tarts! -
Review from Marilyn T.
Palo Alto, CA
2/3/2012
I never understood why I had to stand in line for these as a kid, but now I better appreciate the silky yet thick custard filling and the flaky crust of their fresh egg tarts. The filling doesn't pull away from the edges, and like most Chinese bakeries, they're very cheap compared to your mainstream bakeries (especially in SF).
I don't know why I used to bother with coconut tarts and chicken pies when I should have just gotten a pink box full of egg tarts. -
Review from Tim T.
Best $1.25 spent in my life!
I wish all dan tat were made like this. After eating dan tat here, all other dan tats taste like shat. Your standards sky rocket.2 Previous Reviews: Show all »
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7/13/2010
Ate some egg custards that my mom brought home from sf.
They are still delicious but they are best… Read more »
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Review from Jess C.
Updated - 1/31/2012
Do get the gigantic, silky egg custard tarts.
DO NOT get the BBQ pork bun.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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11/16/2011
I have confirmed these are the best egg tarts in the city. The pork buns and other items are decent,… Read more »
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Review from Minerva T.
Garden Grove, CA
After dim sum with my friend, she suggested dropping by here for the "best dan ta" around. They're apparently famous for their egg tarts (and Yelp confirmed so!). She said that there's normally a line wrapping around but we came at a good time when it wasn't too busy. We only ended up waiting a long time because they ran out of egg tarts right before us so guess what? Egg tarts FRESH out of the oven! It's a cash only place so keep that in mind when (not if) you visit. The dan ta were so amazing when hot and later on in the day too when they settled/cooled down. The flaky crust was spot on and not too buttery. The egg part was silky smooth and just the right hint of sweetness that wasn't overpowering. Easily the best dan ta. I'm salivating in my mouth thinking about them again...
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Review from Ally L.
San Francisco, CA
2/7/2012
Damn, they sure raised prices since the last time I've came here. Still the best! Should come after 5pm if you really really want some, there is no line then :) .. Otherwise, forget it.
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Review from Joan T.
Millbrae, CA
2/1/2012 1 Check-in Here
This is one of the only places that I have to say that the hype does live up to its name. I guess it really depends on how you like your dan tats. And this place is definitely the place to get your dan tat/custard tart/egg tart craving!
Well since Chinese New Years just passed this year, I figured the bakery would be open so I went by because the last three times I have attempted to go here, they were closed for vacation. Guess business is that good that they can close any time they want! So I guess that's a downside to this place. (minus one)
But other than that, I will gladly wait 30 minutes in line for some giant, hot, silky custard tarts! So good when it's freshly made, but still good when it isn't (just stick it back in your oven or eat it cold). The custard tart isn't too sweet, just a perfect texture that melts in your mouth. The crust is kind of oily and flakey, but nothing wrong with that. One bite, and you'll get crumbs from the crust but I think the important thing is the giant yellow center!
It's 1.25 for one (pretty reasonable) and 15 for a dozen. Not bad, though I wish it was discounted if you were buying more. The ladies that work there, move fast so the line moves quick. Though if you don't speak Chinese, they might have a difficult time understanding you. -
Review from Ivy N.
Pasadena, CA
2/6/2012 1 Check-in Here
all I have to say is EGG CUSTARD TART. fresh, warm, big, and toasted on the outside.. deliciousness inside and out. YUM.
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Review from Rachel Yang-Hee K.
Rancho Cucamonga, CA
2/1/2012 1 Check-in Here
I can't believe an egg tart could be this good!
loved it so much! and I will go back for sure! -
Review from Alice X.
Alameda, CA
2/3/2012 9 Check-ins Here
Hands down the BEST egg tart your mouth will ever encounter!!! I also think they make the best wifey pastry! Nom nom nom nom!!!
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Review from linda t.
Placentia, CA
1/27/2012 1 Check-in Here
Custard tart
if you love Custard tart this is a place to stop and get the best. The custard was warm and just melted in my mouth delish. I just say....just go and you know why this place is worth the $$ and wait
CAN'T EAT JUST ONE.... -
Review from Dina V.
1/23/2012 1 Check-in Here
Gung hay fat choy!!! I can't stop thinking of those darned Dan Tats! So yummy! Best I've ever had, aside from the Portuguese versions (that I also like).
Guaranteed that you'll stand in line, even just for a little bit but sooooo worth your time. I swear. The egg custard is perfect. Not too hard not too soft. PERFECT! And the crust is perfect too, not too much and not too little, just the right amount. In fact, dare I say the ratio of crust to custard leans more in favor of the custard, and really how many places do you know who do it like that?
$1.25 a pop. I suggest you get a dozen and hope that ties you over. Once Chinese New Year is over, I'm making sure we head back into Chinatown and I've getting my family our OWN box of a dozen :P -
Review from Jennifer M.
San Jose, CA
2/5/2012
The only reason we went here was because of the reviews. Disappointed I didn't eat the treats right away because we were heading to dinner.
Just had my egg tart for breakfast with a good cup of coffee...delish. At first I wasn't sure, because it was my first egg tart. It was really good, not overly sweet and flaky crust.
We also ordered the regular rolls, macroons, sweet bread with coconut, and a few other things.
We had to wait in a line about 15-20 people. Definitely worth the wait! -
Review from Andy B.
Los Angeles, CA
2/5/2012
I concur with everyone else on here. Egg tarts.....
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Review from Jason B.
San Francisco, CA
1/22/2012
Consistently adequate. Not bad, not great..just adequate.
The prices are a little steep for what you get, IMOP. -
Review from Malyssa C.
San Jose, CA
1/14/2012 1 Check-in Here
The egg tarts here are so delicious!
The line outside can be a bit daunting, but it seems like the workers are able to get through it pretty quickly. Parking is also a nightmare. We just dropped a friend off to stand in line and circled the block till we found a spot.
But trust me, all the hassle is well worth it! Also, be careful when they're still hot! I learned the hard way because I got too excited and couldn't wait ): -
Review from Spencer H.
San Leandro, CA
1/28/2012 1 Check-in Here
The don tots (egg tarts) are really great especially when they're hot, creamy and so smooth. They were one of the best don tots I've had but they didn't blow me out of the water or anything.
I give them 3 starts because of the line which is crazy long and they are quite expensive for don tot. 1.25 per tart which I mean they can afford because of the crazy long lines but still not worth it for me. I tired their guy mei bous and char sieu bous and they weren't too great.
So if you are a don tot connoisseur, this place is for you. Bring a harry potter book to read while you read in line. As for me, they were good but not worth it. -
Review from Lin G.
1/10/2012
As sacrilegious as it sounds after reading the raves of the egg tarts, I'm not a great fan of this place. In fact, when people build up a place and it's just okay, even if it's good, it's still a disappointment.
The place is super tiny and the way it's set up, you can't see the products until it's time to order, and they had like 5 things, moon cakes, egg tarts, egg muffins, sticky rice, and a few other items. Maybe because it was around 7pm and they sold out of other stuff. The glass cases are blocked by the line of people in front and I had no idea what they were selling until it was time to order. The prices are also unlisted and for $1.35 for a sticky rice ball, it was pretty pricey as far as Chinatown bakeries are concerned.
Service was standard for Chinatown, which is not saying much. The sticky rice with red bean was good and the muffin thing I tried was pretty good too. It tasted fresh and smelled good. Maybe I'm not blown away because I didn't have the egg tart. But I'm not from Southern China and never really cared for those. Oh well. It was a good pit stop after dinner and I will definitely try the egg tart next time. -
Review from Andrew C.
1/8/2012 1 photo
BEST EGG CUSTARD TARTS IN THE CITY.
The crust is flaky and soft. The egg custard is light and flavorful. It's the perfect balance of dough, egg and custard.
If you love dan tat (egg tarts), GET THEM HERE! -
Review from John B.
Novato, CA
1/13/2012
This is where you want to be if you are craving dan tat (egg tart) in the bay!
San Francisco's china town is the largest outside of asia. So, as you can probably imagine, this chinatown is teeming with little chinese bakeries that sell a wide variety of buns, cakes, and other little goodies. Still, I only visit two bakeries here because they are THE BEST. Golden Gate Bakery is one of them.
The dan tat here is pretty much the stuff of legend and you would be hard-pressed to find a better egg tart (unless...you know...you're in china or something). So just save yourself the trouble and come here already, yeah? Cool.Listed in: Feel Good
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Review from Thai P.
Redondo Beach, CA
1/27/2012
Every time I make a trip to San Francisco, I always have to stop here to get me a dozen egg tarts. I only knew of it because my sister goes to school here and told me I had to try these one-of-a-kind sunny golden pastries. I can't remember how many times I've gone since 2008, nor can I remember how many times I've gone only to discover they were closed for "Vacation"! Yea, you'd think after the 3rd or 4th time, I would've learned to give them a call before I make a trip to Chinatown, but I guess all too often I get caught up in the rush of hopping the morning muni, or making my way up the 101 as soon as I get off my plane at SFO.
This may be blasphemous, but the tarts are just as good reheated in the toaster oven. Since it's simply not a syrupy-sugary-based egg tart, it won't melt or dry up into an unrecognizable crusty mess. Just use a sheet of foil over the top so the custard doesn't burn. -
Review from Joe C.
1/14/2012 1 Check-in Here
Easiest 5 stars to give.
First time hitting this spot after word of mouth. Luckily, had about a 1 minute wait just like IKE's a couple hours before. Guess we got lucky at these high wait locations!
Ordered 6 ET's, wrapped up and paid in a about a minute, and chowed down in the car.
O.M.G.
Melty, hot, goodness pretty much sums it up. Taste and texture spot on. Price clutch.
GGB FTW -
Review from Laina T.
1/2/2012 1 Check-in Here
I was walking through Chinatown on my way to dinner at The House in North Beach, when I noticed a large crowd in front of Golden Gate Bakery. I decided to Yelp it and see what the hype was all about. Ahhh, they are famous for their egg tarts. Judging by the amount of people in line, I decided to continue walking. I was not going to be late for my dinner reservation.
I finished dinner and walked back to my car located in Union Square and once again passed by GGB. This time, the store looked like it was about to close with their iron gates in front. There were a few people inside the store still waiting. I looked at my watch. It was 8:15 pm and the store was closed. There was a little old man guarding the door not letting anyone inside. I thought I would give it a try and ask if they would be willing to sell me some egg tarts. The man asked how many I wanted. I told him that I wanted two and he told me to wait. He told me it depends if they had any leftovers. Fifteen minutes went by and he let me in. The lady inside placed two, hot egg tarts in to a white paper bag. I paid $2.50 and I was on my merry way.
When I reached my car, I couldn't help but eat it right away. It was still warm. The crust was light, flaky, and buttery. The custard was lightly sweetened. Yum! I'm so glad that little old man let me in. -
Review from Sharon Y.
1/14/2012 1 Check-in Here
Best egg tarts ever. Though by no means an expert, I've had my share over the years and have often been disappointed - soggy crust, unnaturally bright yellow color, thick skin on top, too sweet, not sweet enough... But these are special. Even my mother, who generally has no interest in egg tarts, could not stop raving about these. The pastry shell is flaky almost like a croissant, and the custard is so smooth.
Fortunately, we only had to wait in line for about 30 minutes on a Thursday afternoon during the holidays. At one point, we got really worried because the line stopped moving and it appeared that there were no more egg tarts, but about 5-10 minutes later another batch came out of the oven, piping hot. People smile at you when you walk around the City with vents cut in your Golden Gate Bakery box because they know you got lucky that day. -
Review from Stephanie B.
San Francisco, CA
1/30/2012
My family has been going to Garden Bakery for years to get our Chinese pastries fix, but I finally decided to try out Golden Gate Bakery during my most recent trip to Chinatown. I waited in line for 38 minutes and finally got my hands on some nice hot egg custards. I immediately ate one, and I was disappointed. There is so much hype around these egg custards that I was expecting something amazing. The pastry was nice and flaky, but the custard was slightly undercooked and not sweet enough. Definitely not worth the 38 minute wait considering I could get egg custards that are just as, if not more, tasty at Garden with a minimal wait at half the price. I say save your time and skip Golden Gate Bakery.
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Review from Aya R.
Daly City, CA
1/23/2012
Got egg tarts and jin deui (sesame balls)...
My friend insisted she wanted to wait to see what all the rage was about.
The egg tarts were good, but you can get the same (maybe even better?) at Dick Lees' or at any other place.
The jin deui was really disappointing... It was HUGE! About the size of a baseball, and I thought it would be filled with red bean paste. Boy, I was wrong. There are only about three tiny squirts of bean paste.
The price was alright and the tarts are good. But why wait then you can get the same thing that's just as good with little or no wait? -
Review from Josie H.
1/4/2012 1 Check-in Here
" This place must be good, just look at the line"
" Seems super delicious"
"So I want to get 20 egg tarts...."
Yes, after hearing a few people talk about the bakery when I walked by, I decided to check it out.
I decided to yelp this place to see what exactly is their specialty during the wait in long, thus I decided to try their egg tarts. I mean I've had my fair share of egg tarts, in fact, I don't even like egg tarts......Thus, I really don't believe the hype of these delicious egg tarts.
Nevertheless, I bought five egg tarts. Upon leaving the store, I immediately took one and ate it while it was fresh out of the oven...........AND.......
IT WAS PHENOMENAL. WORDS CANNOT DESCRIBE THE TASTE OF THE EGG TARTS. The crust was just perfectly baked, and the filling was delicious, definitely not too overpowering/sweet. My sister also agreed with me, considering how she kept on nagging me to go back and buy 20 more for her, and it's been less than 2 hours since her last egg tart consumption! -
Review from Vic C.
Duarte, CA
2/1/2012
Every single time I come to San Francisco, I always (and I mean ALWAYS) come here to this bakery and wait in a long line (oh yes it's true what other yelpers say... there is always a long line here...and that should tell you something) for their famous egg tarts... mmm, so good and sweet. Perfectly baked, fresh out of the oven taste (because they bake these all day long), flakey and excellent balance of flavors. Honestly the best I have ever had, ever!
Although this bakery also sells other delectable Chinese pastries that you find in just about any other bakery, I always just go straight for the egg tarts. I've had the wife cake here before and I didn't really like it. But it's not because of their wife cake, but that I don't think I like wife cakes. They aren't really that sweet, they are more on the savory side and I prefer pastries and baked goods to be sweet.
Granted the egg tarts aren't exactly that cheap when they cost about $1.25 a piece, but when it taste this good, it's totally worth paying for. Especially for me since I don't even live close by to just have one at any given time (darn, I wish I lived by right now so that I could just buy one and eat one right now).
If the majority of all the other yelpers are yelping about the egg tarts, then that should tell you something... so what are you doing reading my review for? Just go already and buy one and try it! -
Review from Subrosa I.
Palo Alto, CA
2/1/2012 1 Check-in Here
The buns, pastries, and cakes here are pretty dang good. But, more often than not, the queue here is ridiculously long. I wish this bakery would sell a front-of-the-line pass like they do in Disneyland.
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Review from Tracie F.
1/12/2012 1 Check-in Here
Now for someone who is NOT a custard fan in the slightest I do have to say YUM-O! Everyone we had come into contact with in the bay area all said that we had to try Golden Gate Bakery for their egg custard. Since I am not a huge fan of custard and read other yelp reviews that said the line can be crazy I was not excited to go but...curiosity got the best of me.
First of all, there is NO parking. Good luck!!! My husband dropped me off in bitter cold (ok, it was 50 degrees...cut me some slack I am from Hawaii) and he began to circle for parking. I lined up in front of the store expecting a long wait and surprisingly enough I was done with tarts in hand before my husband found parking (about 10 minutes).
Service is friendly and they aren't as rushed as I would have thought they would be. The ladies were pleasant and very efficient. I also got rice cake which was good...pretty much your run of the mill sticky rice pile. Not my favorite can you tell? My husband enjoyed it. The egg custard IS worth the wait. A warm flaky shell surrounds a rich delectable center of cholesterol laden goodness. Fabulous warm from the oven and equally as delectable reheated.
If you are in the area and particularly if you like custard you really should make a stop here. Skip the car and let your feet do the walking...it won't hurt after you eat a million calories in custard. -
Review from Ravi G.
West Sacramento, CA
1/8/2012
This little hole in the wall serves the best pastries ever. I love almond cookies and they were delicious. We also tried pastries we've never seen or heard before and we were very happy with it.
You need to be careful though. This is easy to miss.
Really, really good desserts. -
Review from Nick L.
San Francisco, CA
Updated - 1/18/2012
Still eggscellent. Busy at weekends and price has gone up.
Wonder what the breaking point is for price of an egg tart.....? -
Review from Jennifer S.
Redwood City, CA
1/6/2012 1 Check-in Here
What a minute...they are OPEN?!?! WOWWW....
So i finally was able to make it in to Golden Gate Bakery after the other 9 failed attempts...I definitely have the same complaints:
1. They're hardly ever open
2. for $1.25 per dan ta (as of 12/24/2011), it is definitely on the more expensive side...and getting more and more pricey each time..
HOWEVER..even though the egg custard has changed quite a bit since 7 years ago..it is still freaking good.
The crust is not as flaky as I remember, but the custard to crust portion has increased dramatically. THERE IS SO MUCH EGG CUSTARD IN THESE THINGS...
Usually there's a line, but it goes fast. I was pretty lucky to catch a break in the crowd and get in then out with a dozen egg tarts. Nothing like getting egg tarts straight out of the oven.
P.S. To the lady who was smacking your child upside the head because he got an Angry Bird's beanie and thus prevented you from buying 3 additional egg tarts...you really shouldn't measure the price of your child's happiness with the number of dan ta's you could have bought. Iono. Just my opinion. -
Review from Steven B.
San Francisco, CA
1/15/2012 1 Check-in Here
NOMs!!! A place that lives up to its hype is really rare, but THIS PLACE LIVES UP TO IT! Golden Gate Bakery! The line outside may be long, but the wait is about 20 minutes. They have around five people inside quickly getting people in and other. This place is small so it's all for to go. There's no place to eat inside.
The egg tarts are NOM NOM NOM good. BEST EGG TART EVER! It tastes more eggy than your average egg tart and the tart is a lot more flaky. This is definitely a winning combination!
Currently as of today it is $1.25 per egg tart.
They sell other things here besides egg tarts. There's all the commonly found Chinese pastries here such as moon cakes. -
Review from Eliza D.
San Francisco, CA
1/14/2012
GGB egg tart.
warm and wobbly, sweet and smooth, flaky and all in all, phenomenal.
do not, and cannot, stop at just 3.
it hails GGB egg tarts in god's pastry kitchen. no lie, bro. -
Review from Chrissy H.
Boston, MA
Wow, the egg tarts here are so fresh and amazing. The crust is thin and they give you so much filling. I think that they sell the best egg tarts in the entire world. I have not had anything better! On top of that, the egg tarts seem healthier because they are not very oily, unlike some of the ones that I have tried at other bakery shops.
The only negative thing about this place is that the line is very long because the pastries are so popular. I gave up on waiting once and had to come back the next day. I highly recommend coming here. Did I mention that the food is cheap too? :-)
