Steamed red-bean peach-shaped buns: A sign of longevity, these peach-shaped buns are typically gifted to the elderly in Chinese culture. I found this particular brand of pre-made, frozen buns in a Chinatown grocery store in Boston. Though a serving size is a single bun, I eat two for breakfast to feel satiated. The buns are surprisingly good steamed in a rice cooker; the amount of steamed white bread feels substantial, and the red bean filling is sweet, but not overpoweringly so. The air-brushed peach accents are impressive, e... (read more) 4.0/5.0
redbean chinese peach pastry bread recommended dessert 4.0 steamed red-bean peach-shaped buns
Beard Papa's matcha cream puff: The Japanese cream puff chain Beard Papa's has made it to Boston, with a shop in the heart of Chinatown. I purchased a green-tea flavored puff, which was flaky on the outside and soft on the inside. The puff oozed cream, but the flavor was very light. So light there was basically no discernible green tea flavor. The color is the only indication of its supposed flavoring. Overall, it was not bad for a cream puff, but disappointing as a matcha dessert. 2.5/5.0
beardpapas pastry dessert creampuff matcha 2.5 boston chinatown cream puff
La Farine frangipane: Excellent pastry. Flaky crust topped with almonds. Inside is fluffy and light. Center has lightly sweetened almond paste. Some parts of the exterior are dark, but they're caramelized rather than burnt. Very sizable and filling for the price ($2.95). 4.5/5.0
lafarine bakery pastry almond frangipane croissant oakland exceptional 4.5
Ken's Artisan Bakery's cannelle: Crusty, caramelized exterior with soft, custard interior. Perfect level of sweetness, good vanilla flavor (with a hint of lemon?). Seems small but is actually very filling. 4.0/5.0
recommended pastry cannelle bakery portland kensartisanbakerys 4.0
