I love food. I love Chinese food and I mean real Chinese food. Not the stuff of local takeouts that cater to a bland palate. One of the things that most Americans don't experience about Chinese food is the Chinese bakery. The Chinese bakery in America is a fusion of Western baking techniques and the Chinese palate. The baked goods range from sugary goodness in the middle of a napoleon walnut cake, the savory goodness of a pork thread bun and my favorite, the egg custard tart. Of course there is so much more for sale like roast pork buns, curry puffs, hot dogs wrapped in puff pastry, sweet white pullman bread and the list goes on . . . I could eat at a Chinese bakery everyday.
A couple of blogs and websites provide fantastic advice on navigating the menu and ordering etiquette at a Chinese bakery.
Ed Levine provides a detailed guide to New York's Chinatown bakeries.
This is a general New York Chinatown blog.
Fay Da is one of the most prominent and accessible bakeries in New York's Chinatown.
These bakeries typically provide trays, tongs and wax bags. It's self-service but sales attendants are always ready to help customers especially the ones that look confused. Please do not use bare hands, put baked goods into the wax bags. Move from left to right. Pass your tray to a cashier who will tally your purchases. Pay quickly and get out of the way. Don't be afraid to ask questions. Finally as always, say thank you and please and smile.
Enjoy!
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