After eating close to here, we walked down the street to check out two local bakeries, including this one. The items we ordered were the Chinese sweet donut, two types of sesame balls (red and green bean), sponge cake and pork bao. First thing to note is that the place is cash only (they do accept Zelle as well). Next, let's get into the food. The Chinese sweet donut had a light sweet taste and I really enjoyed the flavor and the texture of it. Definitely one of the best things here. For the sesame balls, the red one had everything I was looking for. It was a bit greasy with just the right amount of crunch and a completely satisfying filling that pulled it all together. Absolutely loved it. However, for the green bean one, the ball of beans felt more like a ball in the center instead of being smeared onto the sides, which made it slightly less enjoyable than the red bean one. Still good though! Everyone here seemed to absolutely love the sponge cakes. They're made extremely well. The flavor is light and their build of the sponge cake is just fluffy and delicate, and I could see why they are loved so much. However, my tastes may have changed over the years where I just didn't personally enjoy this as much as it seems everyone else does. The person I went with loved it though, but also didn't like the sesame balls haha. Next is the pork bao. I love the flavor of the exterior of a Chinese bao and I think this place captures that essential taste when you bite into it. In addition, the pork filling hit the spot too. The service here is quick and attentive. The ambiance is more a place to order and take to go, as there aren't any seats. Definitely worth coming to if you want some Chinese baked goods in the morning. read more

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The services were terrible, the lady at the register has very bad attitude and very rude. I ordered a full sheet of the Pandan Cake for $168.00 must paid with cash in advance and pick up 3 days later . I requested for less sweet and cut in 4 but she gave an attitude and said no we don't cut or we need to charge extra. Really ? The owner needs to know that and if she has an attitude she should be at home . I will not recommend anyone to this place or coming back again. read more

When we walked in, we were not greeted, but that's just the way it is. It was already expected. The lady working was helping another customer. The inside is very small, but it was clean, and you can easily see what the offerings are at the time. We bought a few small things and a cake to try. Everything was good. It's very traditional Chinese and the sugar amounts are just right, not too sweet. Give it a try, but come in not knowing what's available, but at least there would be some different choices available. read more

I love this small family owned business. They are known for their banh baos (steamed buns). They make it fresh daily. There is usually red bean, custard, and taro. All of them are my favorite, but red bean is my absolute favorite. They are also not skimpy with the filling. It's not also overly sweet, very traditional asian flavors. There is an option to buy the frozen ones too. The lady recommends to microwave the steamed buns for 30 seconds if you want to warm it up. Sometimes they also sell the spongecake crusts and it is so good. I always go to this bakery when I am in the area. They also have their own designated parking lot. read more

Kwan Lac Bakery - Storefront - Bakeries Near Me - Monterey Park, California

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The best and only place where I go to pick up some steam bun, sponge cake, sesame ball, chinese donut, chinese tamales, and seasonal moon cake whenever is available. Custom pre-order items are available upon request. Everything is made fresh daily. read more

Kwan Lac Bakery - Custom made to order larger steam buns. Almost a full size sheet cake.8/22/2025 - Bakeries Near Me - Monterey Park, California

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I always end up buying a bunch of stuff here for no reason haha BUT I never have regrets. I love this little bakery! Grab and go, No frills, just good food. The cupcake is one of my favorites, so fluffy, light, and not too sweet. My son and I also love their zhong (we've had the mini and large) and prefer the mini ones just because it's a perfect little snack. Overall, service is great, I think I get overwhelmed sometimes because there's always a line of elderly loyal customers who want me to hurry up but I JUST WANT TO TRY A LITTLE OF EVERYTHING so my orders get a bit complicated haha. Street parking or a few spots in their lot. read more

Kwan Lac Bakery - Fluffy cupcake - Bakeries Near Me - Monterey Park, California

Cash or Zelle only. Small parking lot on side between bakery and 7/11. Social media brought me here for their Pandan Cake, not sure exactly what it's called. I called in advance to place an order with a lady as a "pandan jelly cake, birthday cake" and she knew which one I was talking about. Smallest size they have is quarter sheet for $55, I had to Zelle her to place the order. Pandan Jelly Cake is perfect for those who love Asian birthday cake but don't like fruit. Isn't too much cream, no cream between layers. Cake will feed LOTS! Pandan jelly has a creamy feel to it and isn't too sweet, pairs well with the Asian sponge cake. Different but good compared to a typical Asian birthday cake with fruit layers. There isn't much in the bakery when I went to pick up the cake on a Saturday afternoon around 1:30pm. There was quite a line of people coming by to grab some Mantaos (Chinese plain steamed buns). They also had a bunch of Longevity Peach Buns and Chinese Birthday Buns (with Chinese character). read more

Kwan Lac Bakery - Pandan Jelly Birthday Cake - Bakeries Near Me - Monterey Park, California

A nice small mom & pop bakery located right next to a 7-11. They have their own parking lot that doesn't seem to get full the 2 times I've been here. They accept CASH or Zelle only. Everything is made fresh and easily sells out pretty fast. So come early if you want to grab their popular items. You can also order sheet cakes. I was saddened to hear that they no longer make the Chinese Donuts. Didn't ask why, but could only assume they did not sell well. If you are a fan of their rice cakes, then I would recommend you come here. It's not too sweet, but they are fresh and you get a lot for your money. 2 big slices at $2 for the tray. The rice cake is more bouncy here than at other places and they are a little thicker too. Their sponge cake is so eggy and fluffy. It's $2.50 each and totally worth it. When I bought it, it was a fresh batch right out of the oven. By the time I got home (about 2 hours later), the cake was still fluffy and good. I can only imagine how good it would be if I had eaten it right away. I also bought 2 of their lotus seed moon cakes at $8 each. They are a little bit smaller than the ones you get at the store in those metal bins, but they were really good. They have 3-4 different varieties to choose from. Anyways, I will be adding this place as a stop over whenever I come down to the SGV to get my Chinese food fix. read more

PSA: Cash or Zelle only. They have a small private parking lot right next to the 7-Eleven. A true community gem of I ever saw one. I found out about this place while looking for some Chinese sponge cake. The reviews I read were intriguing. Got there about 10am on a Saturday and the little room was packed with people. Had a nice chat with a regular in line while waiting and got a few recommendations. She also told us that it's not busy in the afternoon but at that time everything is also gone except for the frozen items. There's no menu and not everything has a visible price tag. The lady working the counter is very friendly and will explain whatever you need. A lot of the items are akin to desserts at dim sum restaurants. We got a variety of items to try and everything was fresh and delicious. I tried both sponge cake varieties they had. It was as the lady said: The star shaped one is softer and the open top one that looks like a paper cup is a bit denser. Definitely prefer the softer one but both are perfectly mildly sweet. The item that surprised me was the red bean sesame ball. It's huge and while it's mostly filled with air, I love the amount of thin crunchy chewy shell and the ratio of filling. Also got the rice cake and some sticky rice which are both great as well. Just be warned that many items are greasy and well...you'll be carbing. read more

I usually come here for their man tou (Chinese steamed bread)-- sold in bags (cold or hot). There's wheat or white to choose from. They also have other buns like sponge bread and they also cater for celebrations. Overall, service is quick and friendly and there's often lots of customers coming in and out, so there's a sizable following. Tip- Be aware of hours - they're not open everyday! Bring cash-- not sure if they're cash only. read more

Really good sponge cakes and sesame balls. Go early or order a couple of days in advance if you're buying a lot because they do run out.

I love to stop here and get a bunch of red bean balls to take to the office or to a party. They have just the perfect amount of sweetness and the sesame flavor is dee VINE! read more

On our steam bun tour, we came to Kwan Lac to try their famous steam Taro Bun. The bakery had its own private parking lot, which was very convenient, and this no frill bakery accepted cash only. There were no menu or pricing on display, but the staff were friendly answering my questions. Most of the baked/fried desserts were kept in the glass display, and the steam buns were in the refrigerator section. We tried a few buns with filling and plain ones: Taro Bun (with red stamp logo), Red Bean Bun, Wheat Bun, and White Steam Bun. The white and wheat steam buns were pretty big; the texture was soft and fluffy, just the way I like them. The taro filling was refreshingly creamy, balanced and not overly sweet. However, compared to the plain buns, the buns with filling were about half the size, and it's easy to eat more than you intend to. No wonder all the buns are all packed in bags because one bun is NOT enough. Buy more and keep your tummy happy! TIP: they also have 壽桃 the pink birthday bun shaped in peach read more

Kwan Lac Bakery - Steam buns - Bakeries Near Me - Monterey Park, California

The cheapest best bakery in SG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Specially Austin's service is impeccable.

My family comes here specifically for their sponge cakes and man to (steam buns) Sponge cakes (sm) are about $2.50/ea Manto (steam buns) come in bags of 10 in white or wheat bread for $16/bg. I personally prefer the wheat cuz it's sweeter but the white is softer. These freeze very well and resteam perfectly. Enjoy with Chinese sausages and you've got yourself a cheap, easy, and delicious meal! Cash or Zelle only. read more

Insider local secret no frills bakery with the best spongecake muffin...impressively baked, and well...you gotta you just gotta...but forget about a fancy upscale bakery ambience...this place looks like it's closed permanently and gutted to make way for an upscale place ...but...don't let that fool you. This place sells only a handful of items...but locals knew what I only just discovered...they know this unassuming place bakes the best spongecake muffin...also a big taro bun...also those twisted cruller sticks you eat with rice porridge...two types of sesame balls...asian donuts...maybe two or three items more...but that's it. But oh wow...those gorgeous muffins! Soft fluffy subtle sweetness, not eggy at all... Cash only. Dedicated parking lot. Friendly fast service. Limited hours and when they sell out, they close. I've tried twice around 3 and 4 pm, no luck...so go in morning. read more

Kwan Lac Bakery - Best youll ever eat. Gigantic spongecake muffin! - Bakeries Near Me - Monterey Park, California

Cash! Hole in the wall place. Sponage cake, Chinese donuts, $2.50-$4.50 sticky rice, $2 pork cabbage steam bun, $1.50 sesame balls, etc. Free parking lot. Where the elders walk by to grab their breakfast to go and newspapers. read more

Kwan Lac Bakery is known for its red bean sesame balls. If you go towards closing time, they will be sold out. The mung bean sesame balls are just as good. You also can't go wrong with their sweet donut and paper cupcake. They also have steamed plain white buns. I have yet to try it though. read more

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This is a traditional bakery that their sponge cake and steam buns are very good. Worth the money.

I just heated up my bao. As I am eating my bao, I discovered there is no boiled egg or slice of Chinese sausage. Aren't they always supposed to be in baos? I was disappointed and won't be back for any future purchases. read more

I preordered a cake for September 10, and when I got there to pick it up at the scheduled time, the cake wasn't even made yet. Wasted my time waiting for the cake. When the cake was done the decoration and writing looked horrible. It was a waste of money and time. read more

Kwan Lac Bakery - Pandan cake - Bakeries Near Me - Monterey Park, California

-Excellent sponge cake in town, consistent every batch, friendly owner -$2.50 each as of 11/2024 read more

在这家店买馒头很多年了，没经常去，但是每次去都不会让我失望。一直都是那个味道，也没有让我发现食物有脏东西。希望一直保持下去，加油。只要你开我还住附近，馒头必须你家买。 在这家店买馒头很多年了，没经常去，但是每次去都不会让我失望。一直都是那个味道，也没有让我发现食物有脏东西。希望一直保持下去，加油。只要你开我还住附近，馒头必须你家买。 read more

A family run business. Do you like sponge cakes and Chinese donuts for your jook? well this place has them both plus other goodies I'll try one day. They have the salted donut good with the Chinese porridge and also the sweet and crunchy square ones also for porridge. I like their fluffy sponge cakes as I used to love it when I was a tiny tot. They also sell the sesame balls with red bean those that are on the dim sum carts. I forgot their name but I forgot to mention them. They also sell wedding cakes but I won't be needing that anytime soon. The place is tiny as probably the entire back area is for making these very likable treats. The front is always packed with customers so come early and fetch yourself some good eats. read more

Sponge cake is the best. Price has gone up over the years but all things considered it's affordable. My family also really likes their fried dough, and their bai tong go. Cash only though, and they close earlier in the day. read more

I love Vietnamese Donuts (Banh Tieu) but I usually have to drive all the way to Rosemead to the tofu spot (VK Food Products) to get my mini fix. I found this place that has the larger ones and they make a bunch! The flavor is not too oily and is the perfect consistency of airy and sweet and sesame-y! Sponge cake is super soft like a pillow! Banh Baos are fresh and good, no egg inside though. Chinese Donuts - super crispy. Overall - Yay local bakery! Support your local mom & pop shops! read more

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Best sponge cake in town!!! It is a small bakery and they don't sell a ton of selection. But the ones they have are so worth the buy. Everybody in the review says they have very good sponge cake; they do! And the price is definitely very very good. They have tons of buns at the store. Probably means they sell lots of them and they must be good. Gonna try next time. Also tried the fried sesame mochi ball filled with red bean and green. Delicious and only $1.25. Also have fresh steamed rice cake for only $2.50. read more

You can always count on this bakery to have the best tasting bao and sponge cake. BUT, I just have to let my peeps know that the lotus bean is not true lotus bean filling. They have added sweet potato to it. Now... before you get bent out of shape about it.. 1. Lotus bean and the paste has been really hard to come by during the pandemic. 2. Because it's been so hard to find, it's gotten really expensive. 3. It's still super delicious!!! I just ate 2 in one sitting and while this pandemic has taken my sweet lay-ung bao, it will never take my bakery!!!! Yum! read more

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They have consistent Chinese cupcakes! The cupcake is huge and it's a fluffy angel cake but better. Other bakeries and 99 ranch with pandan or other versions of it are no match. Their cupcakes are very moist and "not too sweet" or dense like other bakeries so it can be a dessert or a breakfast muffin. It's a hole in the wall place in the sense that it doesn't have any fancy or social media advertisements but have locals or locals' friends and families as regulars. read more

A bit of an update: the bakery actually closes at 3 and they take breaks on Wednesdays. This place is good for the price on the buns and cakes they sell, particularly if you're purchasing several buns for a funeral. They have a working relationship with a couple of Chinese temples in the area and they already know what you'll be looking for. Staff speaks limited English, but they know EXACTLY what you need and are courteous to customers in times of grief. read more

Great little place to pick up limited Chinese pastry items such as Chinese cupcakes( egg cake), BBQ, pork, chicken buns, Mochi fried balls with sweet bean paste inside, fried dough crullers, nor mai gai( Chinese version of tamales). Chinese version of a lemon or. Vanilla sponge roll. Very light and not too sugary. I like to buy a dozen of Bao and freeze it at home. Just microwave 1 minute and take it on the run. The price is a lot lower than in retail stores and cash only. Try to bring exact change due to coin shortage Open every day 7am till sold out. Closed Mondays They practice social distancing and everyone complies by wearing face mask. Citizens of Monterey Park are very complying with these practices. read more

Kwan Lac Bakery - Look at at the generous meat filling - Bakeries Near Me - Monterey Park, California

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This bakery specializes in paper-wrapped sponge cakes and they are super affordable at $1.50 each. The sponge cakes taste like you're biting into a sweet cloud, and it's easy to finish one in one sitting. I've always passed by this place in Monterey Park, but I never made much of it until I found it on Yelp. The parking lot is pretty small and it can get crowded during peak hours. Best sponge cakes around! My one suggestion is to go earlier when the sponge cakes are guaranteed to be fresh! read more

I love their sponge cake. Super soft and moist. Simple yet delicious. Service was friendly. Parking was easy with its own parking lot. read more

Kwan Lac Bakery - Bakeries Near Me - Monterey Park, California

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Came here for a quick visit to get their vegetarian tamales for the Dragon Boat Festival. It must have been busy, because I went in on a late afternoon and the bakery looked pretty sparse. However, I got 5 tamales for around 3-4 dollars each, and they were large. I also got a white sugar sponge cake, and it was authentic and delicious. It was also affordable. Everything was cash only. The vegetarian tamales were Vietnamese savory style with shiitake mushroom, peanuts, and mung bean. I would get some more again since the size was also a good value. read more

Our family has been coming here since the 90s to get taro buns each time for our Buddhist rituals. They are always fresh, fluffy and just sweet enough! Usually they are individually wrapped with the 福 stamped on it. My mom would call in to order when she wants a big order. They are very reliable and consistent! read more

My grandma loves buying Asian steamed buns from Kwan Lac Bakery. I went with her the other week and Kwan Lac Bakery is the definition of a "hole in the wall" type of establishment. The bakery did not have a flashy sign, did not look very clean nor tidy on the inside, but its freshly made buns speak for themselves. My grandma also mentioned that Kwan Lac Bakery has been around the area for a really long time and has somewhat of a cult following among older Asians. We usually get a ton of plain man tous, taro buns, and also pork buns to freeze at home because they are really convenient to grab-and-go after microwaving. The man tou is not very sweet so I usually add pork floss to transform it into a savory breakfast item. I also tried the taro buns for the first time and the filling is really sweet, but still good. As for the pork buns, my bf said the buns were surprisingly juicy after heating up even when it's been sitting in the freezer for a while. I would definitely come back to try more buns! read more

Kwan Lac Bakery - Bakeries Near Me - Monterey Park, California

Never knew about this bakery. Definitely a hole in a wall as it is super small and you probably would never guess they have the most amazing baked good and the best Cantonese Zhong I have had. A couple of bucks here can go a long way as everything is inexpensive and delicious. read more

I enjoyed the sponge cakes a lot!!! The prices went up a bit ($1.50 for cup size and $2 for the bowl size). I bought other bakery items as well but still enjoyed the sponge cakes the most. They are very soft and moist on the inside!!! I bought almost $20 worth of sponge cakes for myself and my boyfriend! This place has its own parking. Unfortunately, it was closed during COVID crisis. I cannot wait to get some more sponge cakes once this place is open again for business! If you are in the area, please make sure to check out the sponge cakes! You won't be disappointed!!! read more

Truthfully, a very solid little bakery that's great at what it services. There is a limited menu, but as long as you're aware of that, it's golden and for the price you can't beat it. I tried 2 fried sweet donuts (0.75 cents each!!) and one was filling enough for lunch. It is cash only so make sure you bring change. This is a great place for a little pick me up in the middle of the day. read more

HOLE IN THE WALL Chinese bakery with a limited selection of goods so they must do what they do well They appear to make a diff variety daily because I didn't see some of the breads featured in Yelp pictures. There were maybe 4 or 5 items I could have chose from ---pork bao: $1.50 steamed bun was so big and filling! Hot and fresh, loved the cracked pepper in the pork. Seems like customers like to buy in bulk from here because he was shocked I only wanted one (update: they only bake them fresh every 2 to 3 days and warm up a batch every morning ---sponge cake: they have a cupcake size and a larger size. Not the best I've had NOTE: I didn't see a cash only sign but the way everyone was buying their goods I'm pretty sure its cash only read more