Love the mooncakes and the seaame balls! Almond cookies are one of the hot item too! The sweetness of the mooncakes is not overly sweet, it's just right! Not easy to find mooncakes around if it's not mid autumn festival, so it's so good they are selling it all year round! For Sesame balls, they are crispy outside, airy inside with some black beans paste for the sweet touch! AGAIN! It's not too sweet! It's just Right! I like the legendary history of the bakery and the heart they have put into for every items there! read more

Been coming here since I was a kid. Many good childhood memories. Their egg custard is consistent and still good as the first time I tried it as a kid. Happy 100yrs. Eastern Bakery!!! read more

Pricey for a lotus moon cake ($8 each) but delicious and amazing Cash only or Zelle! read more

Eastern Bakery - Lotus No Yolk - Bakeries Near Me - San Francisco, California

They're egg tarts are huge!! An amazing, flaky, buttery crust and the perfect eggyness and sweetness in the center. Will definitely be back here read more

Eastern Bakery - Bakeries Near Me - San Francisco, California

I only got the bow tie there because this seems to be the only place that sells this old traditional treat. The service is quick and you have to order at the door and can't enter the shop. The bow tie is more on the thicker side when it's suppose to be the same wrapper as wonton skins. It's also coated with syrup. Simple yet, nostalgic and ease my craving. read more

When we lived in San Rafael, we used to visit this bakery, as much as we're in town or passing by S.F. and we always bought their Chocolate Torte Cake and bring it home! Today, during the pandemic, they only have 2 of their famous cakes, and breads, and shrimp chips. I told him: "We'll be back, we'll be passing back here". Well, hours later, he was closing shop (4:00pm), and spotted us, and we bought what I wanted, re-opened for me. I told him: "I told you, we'll be back!" He was so nice! This was ONE reason we visit Chinatown! read more

Eastern Bakery - Bakeries Near Me - San Francisco, California

An update to my review and an ask... Hubby and I are in the City to celebrate our 32nd wedding anniversary and are staying close by to Chinatown. Taking advantage of the location, I had to get a slice of my favorite toffee crunch cake. Well, what a disappointment to see the place closed. The hours were not posted and no food in the window so it wasn't clear to me what was going on. Went next door to the Wok shop, made a small purchase and asked the woman what was going on. She said the shop closed at 4pm because of the low business. She too closed at 5. Anyways, she asked me what I wanted because the boss was outside. Wow! How nice. He went inside and brought me the slice. $6.50 is not bad. Very happy for the way the merchants look after each other. The ask.... please support the local businesses. Buy a cookie, mooncakes, bun, anything helps! read more

Eastern Bakery - Not so pretty but delicious as always! - Bakeries Near Me - San Francisco, California

We did an sampling of egg tarts taste testing trying 6 Chinatown spots. The egg tarts from Eastern taste and smell like straight up egg yolks. Of our 4 taste testers none voted this in the top 3. Much better options. Follow me on yelp and find our review of our favorite spot. read more

Eastern Bakery - Egg tart sampling from several Chinatown spots including Eastern Bakery. - Bakeries Near Me - San Francisco, California

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The fact that they are the only bakery open in Chinatown during Chinese New Year scores them a lot of points with me. They specialize in mooncakes, coffee cake, fried donut and sticky crisps. read more

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This place is classic San Francisco, and pure childhood nostalgia for me. As a Native Californian, born and raised in the SF Bay Area, I know that much of what made Chinatown what it was has been disappearing. I'm so relieved that Eastern Bakery is still here, and still being delicious. Please come and give them a try. read more

Absolutely delicious!! My favorite lotus root no-yolk moon cakes ever!! Must-try !!!

This is where all my friends go when they want to buy mooncakes. To be completely honest mooncakws aren't my thing but I like their Chinese sweet cake called "mah ji." Not sure how to spell it in English but I'll I clue a picture of sweet rice crispy like cake. So why three stars? Because sometimes their treats aren't fresh. Sometimes it's great and chewy and other times it's as hard as a brick but you don't know until you pay for it and they hand you something edible or inedible. read more

Eastern Bakery - Bakeries Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Tried this place a few months ago and they were closed, except for special orders. Glad to see they're open for walk-ups, since I really don't put that much foresight into my sweets. Since you order at the door, it's hard to see everything they offer, so best to study up on Yelp beforehand. Coffee Crunch Cake: I can totally understand why this is so popular. It reminds me of the Italian pastry, sacripantina, but with much crunchier crumbs and no soaking. In fact, the crumbs in the frosting here really make it. It's like crispy coffee flavored candy. So nice against the fluffy cake and creamy frosting. Lotus Moon Cake: Available year round, so no need to wait for a special occasion. Lots of sticky chewy inside filling and that nice dry dough covering. They have a no yolk option, in case you're not in the mood, which is totally fine when there isn't a full moon. Super Melon "Wife" Cake: The filling was sticky and chewy like the lotus. And so nice against the buttery disc surrounding it. Steamed Pork Bun: Wanted to try at least one savory item here. Was just ok. Seemed like there was too much dough-to-pork. Egg Tart: The only truly disappointing item I tried here. Maybe because several places nearby serve warm flaky versions. Theirs was cold and the egg custard cave in a bit, making an unappealing indention which resulted in it tasting denser. Sesame Ball: Like the dim sum favorite, but 3x the size! Though there is a lot of air inside the sphere, so it won't be too overfilling. Loved the generous amount of red bean paste. read more

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First time here I had no idea of the rich history this business has Oldest Chinese bakery, been in business since 1924 located in Chinatown, founded by the Lee Family Kuan family has been running the bakery since 1985 and has kept all of the staple items on the menu such as the moon cakes and coffee crunch cake It was the baked pork bun that pulled us in, as we stood in line we got to watch a Chinese New Year's parade that was entertaining We placed our order at the table they have blocking the entrance (assuming it's a Covid precaution) Paid cash (they do not accept credit or debit) and waited about 10 min for the order When we got our buns omg they smelled sooo good and they were nice and warm and soft It was heaven biting into one ( I just needed some sriracha on mines) I can't wait to come back and order more items We have to support local Chinese bakeries/eateries during these trying times read more

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This is for their large sheet cakes. We ordered two half sizes of strawberry and mixed fruit sheet cakes. We didn't try it before ordering, which was a gamble. If you're wondering whether they use fresh fruits-- they do. Fresh strawberries. In their mixed fruit, it was bananas, oranges, apples, and strawberries. The sponge cake was fluffy, light cream, and the best compliment of them all-- not too sweet. Last year we ordered a large sheet cake of their famous coffee crunch cake for a banquet. We got so many compliments. Anyway, thanks Eastern Bakery for being our sheet cakes dealers. read more

* My review is only for the cocktail buns. I'm not sure if the other pastries have changed also. I've been going to this place since the 90s and throughout and discovered how delicious the cocktail buns were. That's why that was my go to spot. I always mentioned it to family and friends. It's the one with pictures of former President Clinton on the walls. Fast forward 14 yrs and I go there again recently to find out the cocktail buns were not like they used to be. The dough lacked moisture and is too much and the filling is not the same. And like anything else, it was so expensive. The gentleman in front said they were better because of better ingredients. They should've left a good thing alone. read more

Staple in China town & a must when in the city Simple the "NOODLE PUFFS" Same friendly folks for years read more

10/16/21- Tourist? If you're looking for great assorted freshly baked moon cakes with double yolk San Francisco Eastern Bakery is the place go. They also have delicious assorted savory dishes Cash only! Love: Moon cake with lotus double yolk read more

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Best sesame balls anywhere! They are ginormous and the skin is so thin and crispy and the red bean paste not too sweet.

I've been living in SF my whole life and I am still questioning myself, "where have I been... how come I never knew about this place?". Totally missed out on this gem. This place is not your typical Asian bakery. They are known for their delicious coffee crunch cake. What lies within the box is a moist and fluffy cake filled with flavorful layers of coffee cream topped off with some toffee bits that adds a satisfying crunch at the end of every bite. Oh did I mention... this bad boi was only $22! I mean really... let's be honest.. where can you find yourself a decent cake that's less than 30 bucks nowadays?! Totally worth it. "Pang, Lang, Jang!" I got the 8 inch cake which was more than plenty for me but they have a full menu of cakes and other pastries you can choose and customize from, which you can find on their website. Make sure you call them one day ahead to place an order! Cash only (as of the pandemic). Also, as a person who doesn't really like sweets, I approve! read more

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Eastern bakery is a must go to is you visit Chinatown!! I recommend getting gai mei bao (coconut buns) they serve them warm and are so buttery and melt in your mouth. The owners are also so sweet. Note: cash only! read more

Eastern Bakery - Custard - Bakeries Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Read in the Washington Post about how SF Chinatown and its stores and restaurants are struggling financially and no tourists around. Eastern Bakery is Chinatown's oldest bakery since 1924. Honestly, I have not been here in over 15 years! Was my friend's birthday and decided to order him a delicious coffee crunch cake! The owner asked me if I wanted anything else??? I decided to get a egg tart and cocktail bun for myself! Please come support your local mom and pops and small businesses if you can. I'm fearing this newer lockdown is going to make things more direly worse... read more

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I'm not sure why the Yelp reviews are so low for Eastern Bakery. It's located near Sacramento and Grant on the edge of Chinatown it seems, right near Steap Tea and the FiDi and the Chinatown YMCA. It's my go-to place for red bean/sweet bao (buns). I like getting a big pink box and freezing them (it's cheaper to get the box.) They also have moon cakes and lots of other buns and baked goods. It's cash-only which is one way you know it's good! read more

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Egg tart was decent, not as flaky as I'd like but the coffee is decent and it's a nice mom and pop shop to support. You can't enter as they've closed the entrance off I imagine due to Covid or safety concerns. Plenty of folks came by to buy some wares and pastries. read more

Eastern Bakery - Bakeries Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Based on other Yelp reviews we stopped by here to try the moon cakes. We got one with the yolk and the other without. Moon cakes here are rich, delicious, moist and mighty good. They are a bit pricey, however at $7 a piece! It was my first time eating a mooncake and it was heavenly. read more

Eastern Bakery - Moon Yolks Lotus Mooncake - Bakeries Near Me - San Francisco, California

coffee crunch cake is the way to go here. Haven't been here in ages but the coffee cake is as good as I remember. Due to Covid, all purchases are done at the door and it is cash only establishment. Gotta remember this place when I'm in Chinatown. read more

Stopped by this place for my Pineapple Buns! Still so delicious. Very friendly staff. Can't beat the price, 2 for $4. Also try the Almond Cookies. read more

Eastern Bakery - Pineapple Bun - Bakeries Near Me - San Francisco, California

When you are in Chinatown, do yourself a favor and stop by Eastern BAkery. Their custard tarts are delicious, and if you are lucky enough to snag a sesame ball when they are hot, they are superb. Hours are quirky and they do sell out fast so get there early to snag your favorites read more

They make the best mooncakes in the U.S., period. EB is an SF staple and will hopefully be around for a long time.

The yummy looking food and the delicious smell drew us over to this little bakery. They have their baked goods displayed in their window and on their table, allowing you to see the tasty foods you might want to buy. There was such a large crowd of people around the bakery buying goods that it was hard to tell where the line even was and where to stand. Once I saw an opening for the table, I went for it and immediately started to place my order with the owner, who stands at the table that separates the inside of the bakery from the outside. I got an almond cookie and mooncake with no yolk. The Almond cookie was so good, it had bits of Almond all throughout the cookie instead of just in the center like some places do it, giving a better crunch and more Almond taste. I ordered the mooncake because they offered a no yolk option, and I was really curious if I'd like it since I didn't care for one with yolk. I split it with some family members, and we all LOVED it and wish I had gotten more than one to share! The baked goods here are made exceptionally well and with great flavor. Everything was priced decently, and customer service was great. Try to come when they open to beat the crowd or come on weekdays. They also deliver and ship! Can't wait to come back and try more they have to offer. read more

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This review is only for the coffee cake, which is my FAVORITE in the city! Shout out to Yasukochi's and the cute counter hidden in a tiny Japanese supermarket, but a friend recommended the cake from here instead and you know what, it is better. Especially if you prefer a sweet but not TOO sweet cake, which Yasukochi's sometimes can be. Not super cheap by Chinatown standards, but a great treat once in a while. read more

Not the same by at least a foot-long bao. No more trays in the window, just place orders at a card table out front. My question is when/where is the baking done? Not today, maybe not here anymore. The baked char siu bao was definitely microwaved (filling cool inside, overly hot outer). Lady comes out with your order on a tray, the guy disappears behind a blocked window for maybe 30 seconds, out comes the product in a small paper bag. Overall plenty of filling and not too much strange unidentifiable stuff in the filling, but still... Ordered baked nai wong bao, but didn't check the bag (never trust yourself when in a trusting state of mind) and sure enough it was steamed, which I always think of as a huge raw bisquit. I guess the filling was generously packed in there, but I threw the rest away after having a bite. If you came here before, just rest easy that you knew it when it was good. Rest of you will have to make do with this, or go down the street a few blocks to the Golden Gate bakery. read more

I was nostalgic for their wife cakes, especially the large ones, winter melon cakes with the flaky crust. Now they don't let you inside, just a gentleman sitting outside at a table to take your order. I ordered a wife cake ($4.50). What received was an old, flat, small pastry, microwaved until very hot in saran wrap. It's supposed to be room temperature, but I'm guessing it was heated to "revive" it's staleless. I'll never go back again. read more

My birthday is on a unfortunate day because many business are away. So my first choice was closed, but it's okay Eastern Bakery, we're on our way! No line on a Monday around 1 or 2 pastries in the window, and written out too. Slim pickins at this time, but no matter I appreciate limits, I don't need to get fatter. Got a lotus cake with an egg yolk and a sesame ball (such fun to poke.) Found a bench right nearby laid out our treats for us to try. The lotus cake, mm, warm and flakey inside sweet, pasty, cakey. The egg yolk has a pungency that would delight some, but not for me. The sesame ball really stole the show warm, chewy, airy, that texture though! Sweet red bean filling, just a perfect treat. A textural experience, a culinary feat. read more

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I had my first mooncake at Eastern Bakery, and it might have been the best thing I ate in San Francisco (and believe me, there was a LOT of competition for that title - I ate aaaaaaaaalllll the delicious things in SF). I loved it so much that my friend who lives in SF brought me some when we took a trip together the next month. I'm so glad she did! They almost didn't make it home, though, because I almost stuffed them all in my face upon receipt. If you haven't been, go. If you hadn't tried the mooncake, do. You'll be glad you did. read more

Eastern Bakery - Mmmmmmmmmmmm... mooncake. - Bakeries Near Me - San Francisco, California

I guess it's the oldest chinese bakery in the western US, which is pretty cool. But man are those prices high. I got a lao po bing (wife cake? always translates funny) and it was $4.50 which is really really expensive for a chinatown bakery. The bing itself was too sweet, but otherwise fine. It also took a while to come out, which is weird since this isn't the kind of thing that's made to order. read more

Came here to try the coffee crunch cake, we saw it on a YouTube food video and heard it was yummy. Sadly it fell short of expectations, the crunch part is a very interesting texture but super sweet (7/10). Service was friendly and quick we paid cash. Not a sit down location, definitely grab and go. read more

If you need a delicious coffee crunch cake on short notice, this is the place to go! I called the competitor in JTown to reserve a cake, but they required two days notice. Then I called Eastern to see if I could reserve one to pick up in a couple of hours. Score! They said it would be ready for me at the time I wanted it, in 2 hours. AND, they said when you're nearby, call us and we will meet you at the curb so you don't have to look for parking. Later that day, I called them, pulled up, and was greeted at the curb by a nice man with my cake! Slid him the cash thru the window, and I was on my way! They are so thoughtful to make it so easy for their customers! Awesome! Props for going the extra mile! Thank you Eastern Bakery! And the cake was super delicious as always! read more

Eastern Bakery - Bussin! - Bakeries Near Me - San Francisco, California

So many great current reviews that when Golden Gate Bakery happened to be closed (don't know why), I thought ok I'll try this place. I should have read my gut feeling and walked right out after walking in. First, the place is grubby. And look I get that. I like smaller, hole-in-the-wall, mom & pop places. But this place had sh*t everywhere and dust and old everything. There's a difference between old/nostalgia and straight dirty. Second, the pastries were deplorable. Many of them are wrapped in plastic (another sign I refused to pay attention to). This is because they aren't fresh. At all. Who knows how old they are. I tried to break the wife cake in half before eating it and found it difficult. The filling was a crystallized hard mess. The coconut cakes are filled with dry smelly filling. The only thing I found acceptable was the jin dui. Probably the only thing made that week. Also the staff is alright but they put pressure on you to buy other things. No I don't want anything else. Because you ask me 5 more times doesn't make me want anything more. I think spending $20 is good enough. read more

No trip to chinatown is complete without leaving with some treats you can only find there. In this case, it was the coffee crunch cake that Eastern Bakery has been making forever. Due to COVID, as many others have noted; only their store front is open to patrons, while the inside of the store is closed off. Their offerings may be limited, but you can check out many of their items on their website/ online google sheets for updated prices of baked goods and mooncakes. Since I wanted a whole fresh cake, I called to order a few days in advance. Their ordering form states that you should order "at least one full day in advance." For an 8" coffee crunch cake, the price was $28.50 total. Pick up was super simple. Showed up and told the gentlemen that I had a pick up order. A few minutes later, I got my cake and I was on my way. If you've never had this cake, you are kinda missing out. Especially if you're a SF Native who frequents CT. A lot of people compare the cake to Blum's or Yasukochi's - both of which I haven't had yet. But here's what I can tell you: The cake is super light and airy. Very typical of Asian cakes you've had at many birthday parties growing up - from local Asian bakeries or Sheng Kee (when they were like the only mainstream chain Asian bakery around.) The cake isn't too sweet and can almost have a texture similar to the sponge cakes you can buy wrapped in parchment paper that these bakeries also sell. The whipped cream filling has the perfect hint coffee and again, isn't too sweet. Then we have the dark, caramel pieces of toffee/ brittle that is both inside and outside of the cake, giving it that signature "crunch." Eastern bakery is doing something right with the balance here. That minimally sweet cake and cream is complemented quite well with the sticky, crunchy, sweet toffee. The hints of bitterness from the darkened caramel pair well with bitterness from the coffee cream. In between bites you get the soft airy cake followed by the textural change with the crunchy brittle. This cake has tasted the same for as long as I can remember; Growing up, pre-COVID and even now. They say change is good. But they also say if it ain't broke, don't fix it. I don't think this cake needs fixing. Do yourself a favor and grab yourself a slice when you get a chance. Not sure how fresh they can be on a daily basis, so mine as well order a whole one ahead and share. You can thank me for that later. read more

Eastern Bakery - 8" Coffee Crunch Cake - $28.50 - Bakeries Near Me - San Francisco, California

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