While Texas Bakery has changed owners and even its name in the last 10 years, it still offers Chinese bakery goods. The current iteration might be the best one yet. Here’s what you need to know about this Chinese bakery in Austin.
Where are the Chinese Bakeries in Austin?
While there are similarities in baked goods in East Asian cultures, I’m most familiar with Chinese bakeries, and they were a regular delicacy while growing up in Dallas. I’ve noticed more and more the lack of these bakeries in Austin, a somewhat common deficiency in ethnic food. Austin’s population is becoming more diverse, and hopefully, with that, the choices and variety of restaurants will expand along with it. Years ago, we had at least two mom-and-pop bakeries, but with closures and constantly changing hands, it’s evident that this has always been on shaky ground. This is why I want to support Texas Bakery as much as I can – they have great baked goods to offer in a sorely lacking category in Austin.
You might be thinking, you’re forgetting all the other East Asian bakeries in Austin! There are several locations of Tour Les Jour (national Korean franchise) and 85 °C Bakery Cafe (international Taiwanese franchise) in Austin to satisfy our cravings for milk bread and taro buns. I still shop there. They fill the need and their products are consistent, but I’m always left wanting more. Maybe it’s something only mom-and-pop shops with recipes passed down through generations provide. Maybe it’s using local ingredients and making things from scratch. For me, Texas Bakery hits different.
Texas Bakery
Tucked in the corner of Austin’s Chinatown Center in North Austin, this small shop holds big dreams. It’s nostalgia for enjoying a coconut cream bun after school and the growing need to connect with my culture as an adult. This spot has been an Asian bakery for at least 10 years, though it has changed owners several times. A Chinese family currently owns it.
When you walk in, you’ll find trays and tongs on the left to help you gather your choices. The shelves are overflowing with options, a bit haphazard when it comes to the differing tables but still organized with item labels in English and Chinese.
As with many Chinese bakeries, dietary restrictions aren’t accommodated and most of the breads are made with gluten and milk. However, if you’re looking for meat-free options, they have sweet and savory types.
If you need a cake for a special occasion, they also do custom orders. Ask to see their product book and talk through the options.
They do have a $15 credit card minimum, so be sure to bring cash just in case or be ready to load up on pastries.
What to Buy at a Chinese Bakery
When it comes to sweet offerings, my favorite things are:
- Coconut cream bun
- Sponge cake and cake rolls
- Coconut bun
- Red bean bun
- Taro bun
- Pineapple bun
- Egg tart
- Wife cake
- Sesame ball with red bean
At Texas Bakery, I don’t recommend their egg tart and pineapple bun, but I love their coconut cream bun and pandan cake!
For savory items, the hot dog bun is traditional as well as dry pork / pork floss rolls. Texas Bakery sells curry “dumplings” (like an empanada) and pork buns.
It might be a monumental ask for this small shop to fill the physical and emotional needs of Asian Americans like me. All we can do is give them our support and hope for the best. I encourage you to give it a try!
If you’re looking for more Chinese baked goods, Tour Les Jour and 85 °C Bakery are available. You can also find them at dim sum at restaurants like Lin Asian and Chinatown.
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