Pineapple Buns and Egg Tarts: 10 NYC Chinese Bakeries for a Cheap Morning

4.4 (4,105)

Mon – Sun, 08:30 – 20:00

41 Mott St

Mott Street has been lining up here since 1968 for the pineapple bun: a crackly sugar top over a generous filling of savory char siu. My move is one baked and one steamed pork bun, the chewy, soft counterpoint. It is the bun the neighborhood measures others against.

4.3 (1,247)

Mon – Sun, 07:30 – 19:00

194 Canal St, New York, NY 10013, USA

On Canal Street, Tai Pan stocks single-serving buns stuffed with roast pork, taro or red bean, plus three styles of egg tart. I'd grab a cookie-crust and a Portuguese tart and eat them on the walk, since seating is tiny. Reviewers rate the prices highly but warn it is cash-only and the paper-order system gets hectic.

4.7 (468)

Mon – Thu, Sun, 09:00 – 22:00; Fri – Sat, 09:00 – 22:30

2141 86th St

This roomy Bensonhurst bakery adds a matcha egg tart that balances bitter and sweet next to the classic one. I'd pair it with the avocado smoothie and take a seat — there is plenty of space. Customers say lines form often, but service moves fast and the tarts stay crispy and flaky.

4.5 (494)

Mon – Sun, 11:00 – 21:45

38-04 Prince Street

Flushing's Tsaocaa pairs bubble tea with Hong Kong egg waffles and fried chicken in six flavors, including soy garlic. My pick is a peach oolong with an egg waffle for a budget snack stop. Customers praise the refreshing drinks and say the recent makeover left the space brighter and cleaner.

4.3 (631)

Mon – Fri, 07:00 – 19:00; Sat – Sun, 07:00 – 20:00

83 Mott Street

Grab a tray and tongs: Fay Da's Mott Street shop is self-serve buns, traditional breads and custom-order cakes. I'd add a mango smoothie, which tastes of fruit rather than sugar. Regulars point to the $5 bubble tea as a deal, though note a $10 card minimum and very limited seating.

4.9 (235)

Mon – Sun, 11:00 – 22:00

971 Amsterdam Avenue

Near Columbia, this NaiSnow bakes egg tarts with a fluffy, flaky crust that holds up even chilled. I'd order a tart and a fruit tea at a lower sweetness level — you can set it yourself. Customers single out the tart quality and the adjustable sugar; expect crowds on weekends.

4.6 (375)

Mon – Sun, 07:30 – 16:30

58 Henry St

This Henry Street counter shares space with a tofu shop, so you can watch rice rolls being made for wholesale. I'd get the shrimp roll with a homemade sweet soy drink as a fast breakfast. Visitors say it is quicker and cheaper than the neighborhood carts, with rolls that come out fresh off the steam. Cash only.

4.4 (406)

Mon – Sun, 12:00 – 19:00

422 Amsterdam Ave, New York, NY 10024

Joe's brings made-to-order Cantonese rice rolls to the Upper West Side, with three vegetable fillings free before you add egg or meat. I'd lean on the self-serve chili oil and sesame sauce. Reviewers call it fast and affordable, and like the clearly labeled vegetarian options and summer outdoor tables.

4.5 (351)

Mon – Sun, 07:00 – 19:00

230 Grand Street

Double Crispy feels like a classic Chinese bake shop: lightly sweet cakes, pork floss buns and cookies, all baked daily. Come early for the Portuguese egg tarts (po tat), which have an exceptionally flaky pastry and often vanish first. Visitors call it authentic and affordable; bring cash.

4.7 (1,851)

Mon – Sun, 06:30 – 22:00

136-76 Roosevelt Ave

Shakalaka in Flushing bakes with real cream and butter and skips margarine entirely, which shows in cakes like taro pork floss. I'd pair a slice with an oat milk iced caramel latte for afternoon tea. Visitors praise the clean, modern space and say the cakes look as good as they taste.