King's Bakery

Years of driving down 82nd for various reasons, going someplace, coming back, I had never really thought about all the interesting little paces tucked away in plain sight as I passed through the Jade District. Places that simply never broke through my vague distaste of the traffic and lack of trees. And then suddenly as I drove along, I noticed King's Bakery with its bright yellow and red sign, as if it had just appeared out of the east side mists like a beacon appearing to a lost sailor. I did a quick u-turn, parked next to a graffiti covered wall and ventured tentatively into a garden of earthly delights. The young staff were very welcoming and immediately put me at ease and suddenly I was enthralled by a large selection of mysterious and interesting pastries. My first thought was, why has it taken me so many years to find this place? Everything looked amazing. I got a Curry Bun that was fabulous, and a hilarious pastry with lots of hot dog pieces sticking out of it, I haven't seen such a thing since I last left Asia many years ago. Over the years, I lamented to myself the American lack of fun delicious eclectic pastries, thinking I would never see or taste such a thing again. My wife simply dies for sesame balls with red bean paste and I got her two huge ones. I also got her a custard bun that she thought was amazing. She is a picky eater and when she comes to me later and says, "That was wonderful", my heart absolutely sings. I also got her a Wife Bun, which she didn't like quite as much, but I was already way ahead on the happy wife scale, so I'm going with it. The hot dog pastry took me back 30 years to my travels abroad and the BBQ Pork Bun was spot on. Suddenly 82nd becomes a different kind of place. Not just a busy, slightly run down area that doesn't look particularly safe, but a treasure hunt with welcoming people and truly delicious food. It was around 1:00 and the staff advised me several times that I should come early for a better selection, which honestly boggled my imagination a bit. I already thought they had a great selection, what must the early morning be like? When you drive down that traffic laden corridor, pay attention to the offerings that pop up along the way! You'll be amazed! And absolutely drop into King's Bakery and grab a selection of interesting goodies. You might not love all of them, but you'll really love some of them. It's worth the trip.

This bakery reminds me of the Chinese bakeries of my childhood and everything is delicious: hot dog buns, taro buns, red bean buns, all variety of cheese variations on said buns, coconut buns AND coconut custard buns, pineapple buns, roast pork buns, beef curry buns (so spicy!) ...

Hot dog pastries are amazing. Cookies and egg tarts are great too. Cheap! Come get some.

Best Chinese bakery since I was a kid! Good variety and the price is so affordable.

This is a wonderful gem on 82nd! Ignore the Taboo store next door and park in the back. It's been under new ownership for the past few years and the baked goods are delicious and the service is so friendly! They have amazing Asian buns, pastries and the most selection of hot dog stuffed buns I've ever seen. WINNER, or should I say WIENER!