Well now, if y’all are wanderin’ around St. Paul and gettin’ a hankerin’ for somethin’ sweet, you best stop by one of them Chinese bakeries. They got all sorts of goodies, from them little egg custard tarts to them fancy moon cakes. I ain’t kiddin’, these bakeries ain’t like them regular ones you find in the supermarket. Nope, they got a whole lotta flavor, and the folks that run ’em been bakin’ up these treats for years. I’ll tell ya, they’ve been at it so long, it feels like their recipes been passed down from generation to generation, kinda like a family secret.
Now, let’s start with Bravo! Café and Bakery. It’s been round since 2005, run by this lady named Tina Lin. She started in the food business back in the ’80s, I heard. Bravo’s on Grand Avenue, not too far from Lexington, and boy, let me tell ya, they know how to make a cake! I ain’t talkin’ about them store-bought cakes, I’m talkin’ ‘bout cakes that’ll make ya wanna take another bite even when you’re full. They got all kinds of goodies, and if you’re lookin’ for a cake that’s got a little extra somethin’ special, Bravo’s where you wanna be.
Then there’s Keefer Court Bakery. Now, that place has been around so long, folks say it’s a Saint Paul landmark. It served the Minneapolis West Bank for nearly 40 years, and you ain’t gonna find a more traditional Chinese bakery than this one. They got them Hong Kong-style egg tarts, moon cakes, and all sorts of pastries that’ll make you feel like you stepped into a bakery in Chinatown. And, let me tell ya, they’ve been doin’ it right for a long time, so they sure know how to please the crowd.
And don’t forget about Ai Hues Bakery & Deli. This one’s a bit newer but still got that authentic feel to it. They got all the favorites, and if you’re feelin’ fancy, they even make them cakes that’ll make your mouth water just by lookin’ at ‘em. Ain’t no shame in stoppin’ by for a little treat while you’re out and about in St. Paul. Heck, you could even grab somethin’ to go if you’re in a hurry.
Another spot you can check out is Pajai Fruit Arrangements & Bakery. They may not be as well-known as the others, but don’t let that fool ya. This place got a nice selection of pastries, and I reckon the fruit arrangements they make are real pretty too. Perfect if you’re lookin’ for somethin’ to take to a party or a get-together. Sometimes it’s the little places like this that end up havin’ the best surprises.
Now, I gotta tell ya, when it comes to these Chinese bakeries, it’s not just about the pastries. They got a whole lotta heart goin’ into each and every treat. Whether it’s a soft, flaky bun or a rich, custardy pie, you can taste the love and care they put into the bakin’. They don’t use all them fancy preservatives, neither. You can bet the ingredients are fresh, and the folks bakin’ ‘em are makin’ ‘em with pride.
So, if you’re ever in St. Paul and got a hankerin’ for somethin’ sweet, take a little detour and visit one of these Chinese bakeries. You won’t regret it, I promise you that. Each one’s got its own charm and style, but they all got that same heart that makes ‘em worth a visit. From Keefer Court to Bravo! Café, Ai Hues to Pajai, you’ll find somethin’ to satisfy that sweet tooth and maybe even try somethin’ new while you’re at it.
Before you go, make sure you got your hands free for a few extra pastries, ‘cause I bet you’re gonna want more than one! These bakeries are somethin’ special, and if you’re lucky enough to be in St. Paul, you might just find yourself comin’ back for more.
Tags：[Chinese bakery, St. Paul MN, best bakery in St. Paul, Keefer Court Bakery, Bravo! Café and Bakery, Ai Hues Bakery, moon cakes, egg tarts, pastry shops St. Paul]