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    Kaya Bakery

    4.1 (30 reviews)
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    Updated 1 month ago

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    Basque cheesecake, Viet coffee brownie, tiramisu croissant bun, and croissant
    Kendall C.

    Kaya's baked goods have unique flavors executed skillfully. The owners are really nice and happy to talk about the ever-changing menu. The brownie is a standout item, full of rich flavor and not too sweet!

    Cross section of the raspberry rose lychee
    Cindy C.

    During the pandemic, to relieve the boredom and stress, I decided I had to try every. single. notable. croissant in the Bay Area. After months of eating a ton of butter and flakey layers from Ariscault, B. Patisserie, Alexander Patisserie, Backhaus, Midwife & Baker, Breadbelly, Patisserie Rotha, Manresa Bread, and CA Bakehouse. (Man are we lucky in the Bay Area with so many talented bakers!) I discovered that my FAVORITE flavored one is none other than Kaya Bakery's Lychee Rose Raspberry Croissant. I ate this a day after buying it after following baking directions and was astounded at that all the flavors came through + crispy layers and good lamination. Most of the croissants with creme patisserie were nowhere near as good when it came to flakey layers that held up (with the exception of B. Patisserie). The flavors knocked my socks off, I mean the Raspberry Pistachio from Backhaus is also wonderful, but Lychee?? And Rose?? in a crisp pastry?? I found many of the places with creme patisserie to be decent in description but sort of meh on taste, so I was shocked at how wonderful the flavors were. I didn't have any issues with inconsistency in my pastries. Everything had generous filling and was absolutely consistent and quite perfect. Do yourself a favor and pre-order a box on their website, while making yourself feel great supporting a local small businesses! They do tend to sell out quickly, so its nice to follow them on instagram or sign up for their newsletter. Also their strawberry, jasmine jam is mindblowingly good. I love jam ( esp from Inna Jam, Harrods, Fortnum & Mason, Mariage Frere). And this was just about the best thing I've had. Both the strawberry and jasmine come through in perfect harmony and it isn't too sweet. I've been eating it on my pancakes with honey and it takes the pancakes to another level :).

    Raspberry lychee rose, banana viet coffee, coconut lavender, strawberry guava
    Nina W.

    Really great pop-up croissant bakery that offers unique and creative flavors! You can place an order online and pick-up at the specified locations which makes the process relatively easy and painless. I also appreciate that they rotate the pick-up locations between weeks all across the bay area so that I wouldn't have to travel super far just to pickup the orders. The only potential drawback is you have to order the pastry set which comes with 4 croissants at a time which can also be a lot pending how many people you have in your household. For the most parts the flavors are all pretty good, although sometimes it can be hit or miss pending the flavors. For most sets it comes with their raspberry lychee rose flavor with 3 other seasonal or rotating flavors. I personally enjoy all the fruity flavors but the ones with floral flavors tend to be a miss for me since I'm not super into floral favors. In the past I've enjoyed their flavors such as pina colada, matcha, black sesame, and boba flavors. However, in this most recent pastry set, they had a lavender coconut flavor (two flavors that I'm personally not a fan of) and that was one that I just simply couldn't eat. I would say definitely check the weekly flavors and make sure they are flavors you would like as the whole set is around $30 and if you might not like certain flavors then it may not be worth it. However, overall I really enjoy their croissant's texture and would still recommend this bakery!

    Thai Tea croissant (back) rose, lychee, raspberry croissant (middle), matcha croissant (front)
    Alex K.

    OVERALL: This bakery gets a lot of hype but it's not worth the expensive price. Their croissants are cute and have unique flavors, but didn't meet expectation. FOOD: I got their box that included a thai tea croissant, raspberry lychee rose croissant, matcha croissant, 2 plain croissants and a strawberry jasmine spread. The spread was amazing. I would buy just that. The two plain croissants were nothing special. They three speciality croissants were honestly a let down. They hardly had any filling in them. The matcha was far too earthy and had that dirt taste (I think they just added way too much into the cream). The raspberry lychee rose was okay but the floral taste was stronger than anything else. SPACE: They are a pop up and operate out of various locations around the bay. In San Mateo they come to Uji Time. SERVICE: I tried to get croissants multiple times. The first time I was going to get some individuals, as they said you could do on social media. I went to Uji Time at the time they said they would be there and they were 30 minutes late. Then they didn't even have everything ready until 30 minutes later. Then they actually didn't have any individual ones for sale. Such a let down. When I finally got these, I preordered because I felt like that was more of a guarantee. The person in front of me wanted to get individuals, again as they said you could on social media, and the person told them they don't do that and have to preorder. She was really upset. People travel into town for these, so it's important they provide accurate information. Since I preordered, I walked up, gave my name, and got my box, so that was easy. Aside from Kaya not communicating well, the people at Uji Time have no clue what's going on with the pop-ups. They need far more information than what they are given. Can you actually get individuals? How do you preorder? Can you just buy a box? Why did they say one thing on social media but in person it's different? They are reflecting Kaya and it's not giving them a good look. I get that Kaya is a small business and has to figure out the glitches. It would be ideal if they had the preorder but also sold a limited number of boxes and individuals. People really want to try them and if they can't get what they expected, they possibly won't return to try again.

    Rachel A.

    Some of these reviews are ridiculous. Giving a one star review because you thought you'd find a super specific product and then realizing they don't have it? Especially on a new business during covid? Ridiculous. I'm leaving an actual review of my experience with them and their pastries. I love Kaya Bakery and their depastries. Like the other reviews mention, you need to preorder on their website (I've recommend signing up for the waitlist so you don't miss out). i've had Kaya three or four times during SIP and loved all the pastries each and every time. I love the creative twist they put into each of their boxes. It's always something I look forward to picking up. I totally recommend checking them out (and please be kind to new businesses / businesses in general during covid... they're having a hard enough time already).

    The takeout box of four huge croissants and strawberry jam.
    Wendy L.

    Had a chance to pre-order the summertime set which included: pandan pina colada croissant, matcha croissant, Vietnamese coffee black sesame croissant, matcha croissant , and lychee rose croissant, and a jar of strawberry jasmine jam. The total with tax is $30 so it's not cheap, definitely something to treat yourself to. Join their waiting list and pre-order as soon as it's available, when the announcement came on Monday morning I purchased around 2pm. I believe by 7 pm it was all sold out. The pick up was at Japantown in San Francisco and very easy. We only had the matcha one and the black sesame one so far but I'm really impressed with the quality of the croissants! Perfect air pockets and not the mention they are huge! It's recommended you toast the pastries according to instructions, I would say the top got nice and crispy but the filling was a little more watery than I liked. Overall flavors were awesome, looking forward to new flavor sets in the future.

    Pastry set
    Peg S.

    I'm obsessed with pop-up bakery boxes these days and Kaya's is no exception. Their croissants are yummy injected with exotic and untraditional Asian flavors (think ube & lavender, Vietnamese coffee & black sesame, pandan pina colada, raspberry lychee, etc.) in a super inflated, puffy flaky pastry. They are not cheap--croissants are about $7 each (a set typically includes 4 croissants, plus a mini jar of some delectable spread. Mine was jasmine strawberry). Love the melding of French and Asian flavors and techniques to create an entirely new kind of croissant.

    raspberry lychee rose croissant
    Jennifer W.

    Kaya Bakery offers cream-filled croissant pastry sets (with some spread options) and they pop up at various locations around the bay for a set pick-up window. Sign up for their newsletter to know where they'll be and what is being offered in each package. They don't support in-person orders, substitutions or single pastry orders, so please keep that in mind. Now onto the pastry set itself! The set I got contained 5 croissants - boba milk tea, ube lavender, raspberry lychee rose, pumpkin spice, mango passion fruit - and a small jar of jasmine pineapple spread. The boba croissant was packaged separately by nature of there being boba (and you should consume it within 2 hours or receiving it), which was thoughtful. The rest came in a nice big pastry box wrapped in a ribbon and containing a small direction card on heating/toasting the pastries. For taste: full disclosure - I am not a big croissant person, but Kaya's croissants were pretty good (they were also pretty large!). The amount of filling per croissant varied a little, but it was a decent amount. The raspberry lychee rose one had the raspberry flavoring in a little pipette that you squeeze into the croissant. Now ranking the flavors for me personally: 1) boba croissant, 2) ube lavender, 3) pumpkin spice and mango passionfruit tied, 4) raspberry lychee rose. Of course all the flavors were great - it was almost immediately obvious to me once I tasted them what the flavor was. The milk tea cream & ube lavender were the strongest for me and that's what I prefer. Pumpkin spice was great, but a seasonal one that I probably wouldn't want all the time. Mango passionfruit was a great tart flavor, but also not one I would necessarily go out of my way for. The raspberry lychee rose one was ranked last on my list, but it was by no means a bad flavor. I expected a slightly stronger rose flavor and couldn't really taste the lychee, but the raspberry was a nice complement to this flavor. The jasmine pineapple spread was delicious - tart from the pineapple flavor, but the tea flavor still came through. Their direction card said it can be used for toast, yogurt, drinks and ice cream, but the options are endless. Even eating it by the spoonful was delicious ;) Pick-up was super seamless. Staff member was gloved and masked up, and just checked my confirmation email before handing me the pastry set. For me, the biggest drawback for Kaya Bakery is their price - with tax and tip (without upgrade or add-on for the spread/butter options) it was over $40, and the add-ons were not cheap either. All in all, I think they are a cute bakery with an innovative approach to the traditional croissant and I think they are definitely worth a try. If they sold some of their filling options as standalones, I would probably buy those, but the croissant pastry sets will likely just be an occasional splurge.

    simon c.

    Amazing croissants with many different flavors. I like the set package that they have and try to get them a monthly basis, then share with my friends who live all around the bay area (San Francisco, San Mateo, Berkeley). It's nice that they have popups close by. Excited when they will have it in SF. It's nice that they also partner up with Coffee or Boba shops so I can grab some lattes on the side. Their unique flavors I've tried include sesame, matcha, mocha * chocolate, something strawberry. They have other unique ones as well... Best aesthetics and flavor!

    what i got in my preordered set! (one butter croissant not pictured)
    Grace Z.

    *covid-19 review* stumbled across this little gem on instagram and knew i had to try it! kaya bakery isn't in one set location, but does pop-ups throughout the bay area every week with preordered sets - i followed them on ig to see when they would be nearby and then ordered on their website. what i got in my set package: one matcha croissant, one thai tea croissant, one raspberry lychee rose croissant, two butter croissants, one small jar of strawberry jasmine spread what attracted me to kaya was the uniqueness of the croissant flavors, and they def didn't disappoint! my favorite was definitely the raspberry lychee rose filling - it was surprisingly light yet i could taste all three flavors quite clearly. i do wish the strawberry jasmine spread had a stronger jasmine tea flavor but it still paired nicely with the butter croissants! the set is definitely a bit pricey but it's great for celebrating a special occasion with a small group of people or an afternoon tea session once in a while! would def recommend trying it at least once for the flavors

    lychee rose croissant

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    Ask the Community - Kaya Bakery

    Is the location in San Mateo open or can I only purchase through pop up locations?

    Only pop-ups! You can go to their website to get on the email list

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    SHMASH’D Burgers - Incredible burgs. The authentic "Hella Jalapeño" burger seen on the left.

    SHMASH’D Burgers

    4.7(117 reviews)
    6.6 km

    My wife and I were in the mood for burgers in the area and we wanted to give this place a shot…read more When we got there, the location looked like it was closed but that was because they were at a different location that day. I would recommend looking up their instagram just in case this happens to you. The team was kind and patient as it was my first time there. I ordered the loaded fries with a patty and it was delicious. The burger patty was seasoned and juicy. The fries were crispy similar to In n Out fries. With the sauce they used for the fries, I feel like I got a burger and then some. For the price, that will probably be my go to order since it is more filling than one burger. Overall, good food and I will try again at the original location.

    You know it's gonna be good when there is only two burger items on the menu! We didn't realize they…read moreopened at 1pm that day so we were among the first few to order. The wait still did take a little while. But without exaggeration, this was the best smash burger I've ever had! The patty had that perfect crisp on the outside from wing smashed, and the flavoring was amazing. The fries was also so good, I love the cut and crispiness along with the sauce. Pairing it with Fieldwork Brewery next door elevated the experience. Definitely coming back!

    Photos
    SHMASH’D Burgers - This is where it all happens!! Delicious food!!

    This is where it all happens!! Delicious food!!

    SHMASH’D Burgers - 'Dirty  w onion & bacon jam

    'Dirty w onion & bacon jam

    SHMASH’D Burgers - Double shmash'd burger w/ the bacon jam

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    Double shmash'd burger w/ the bacon jam

    Table For 6

    Table For 6

    5.0(13 reviews)
    4.2 km

    An amazing Tea Party experience with Table for 6. Table for 6 is a home kitchen operation serving…read morewonderful food in an intimate and beautiful outdoor setting. First experience, my friend and I were quickly greeted and seated - no detail was spared with the setting, menu, napkin holders, teacups and teapot cozies. Chef/owner, Christina introduced herself, the food and each item as they were brought to the table. :: Freshly made sourdough with house made loquat jam - wow the bread itself was buttery and really didn't need any accompaniments. Crunchy exterior, soft and pillowy. The spicy jam was so yummy and bought some after the event! :: Charcuterie for 2! It was plenty to be shared by 4 but won't complain. Dates, homemade crackers: sourdough and seeded, prosciutto, salami, marconi almonds, Marin cheeses and housemade bread and butter pickles, pickled garlic and onions. So good! :: Savory sandwiches: Japanese-style egg salad (some soft-boiled egg), Green goddess, and a monte christo with accompanying house-made strawberry jam. Simple but all nicely prepared and delicious! :: Sweets: so many to list (see pics) - all beautifully presented, not overly sweet and plentiful! Yummy This is the first tea party where I didn't leave hungry! And you'll have leftovers as everything was so filling and satisfying. I should've paced myself with the charcuterie! Event duration: 2 - 2.5 hours, 11-130pm Setup: 2 tables of 6 so unless you have 6 people you will be sitting with 4 strangers but will make conversation quick as the commonality is food! If you're an introvert you may want to invite friends/family to fill a table. :) With perfect weather, good food in a beautiful setting you won't be disappointed. Owner/chef, Christina and staff were friendly, helpful and welcoming. I knew I would enjoy this event so much I had already booked the next event: Southern BBQ Luncheon ahead of time. Table for 6 fills up fast so make that reservation or be waitlisted! Thank you Christina for a great lunch! Note: Homemade jams, pastries (pre-order) and bacon available for purchase.

    Had an amazing experience with Christina and Table for 6. Her communication was seamless and the…read morewhole meal was delicious and you can tell was made with love. The outdoor dining was peaceful and the table was beautifully decorated. Her husband was helping during our reservation and the pair were so warm and welcoming. There were 4 courses so carefully curated to accommodate both meat eaters and vegetarians. She had veg corned beef and veg chicken and waffles made when I thought she was only going to be able to make one of the courses veg. I have never been so full and so well taken care of at a catered event. We absolutely loved this experience!

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    Table For 6
    Table For 6
    Table For 6

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    Chef Thomas Owen - Copper river salmon, wild foraged maitake and matsutake mushrooms, farro risotto.

    Chef Thomas Owen

    5.0(3 reviews)
    4.5 km

    He simply knocked it out of the park…read more I asked Thomas to prepare a private dinner for 2. We got much more. Celebrating our anniversary, I wanted something exceptional to let my girlfriend experience just how very special I know her to be. She has numerous dietary limitations that can make dining out frustrating for her. I wanted her to have a meal that rocked start to finish that she didn't have to consider for a moment any potential negative impacts. In addition to being a Michelin rated chef, Thomas specializes in anti-inflamatory diets. Xhef Owen readily accommodated her extensive challenges, serving up a meal so fabulous I felt compelled to repeatedly remind her to savor it, to which she kept saying, "You're right. It's hard to slow down because it is so delicious!" She was moved to tears by the gesture and, wishes only that she could have been there throughout the process to learn how to make some of the items herself. Turns out that is possible. Chef Owen not only does private events and pop-ups, he will teach cooking classes. I anticipate one with our circle in the near future. Thomas Owen's culinary talents may only be overshadowed by his qualities as a human being. I had a blast as he put together one of my favorite meals in some time. Fun, upbeat, perceptive, highly intelligent, driven and lighthearted with an overwhelming social desire to connect and share his knowledge. Whatever your dining vision, Thomas can help you realize it. I am already imagining our next. Thank you so much Thomas! You made me look like a rockstar!

    Chef Thomas Owen delivered us a wonderful soup during a time of need for fresh food. Excellent,…read moredelicious and flavorful. Thomas cares about friends, family, and the community and we're so lucky to have met him!

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    Chef Thomas Owen - Full in home table setting for 10 person 4-course tasting menu with wine pairing.

    Full in home table setting for 10 person 4-course tasting menu with wine pairing.

    Chef Thomas Owen - Sourcing only the best produce from the best markets in San Francisco.

    Sourcing only the best produce from the best markets in San Francisco.

    Chef Thomas Owen

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    Kaya Bakery - popuprestaurants - Updated May 2026

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