The last few years have seen Hong Kong’s bakery landscape blossom, with an emerging generation, plus a few veterans, of independent bakers and pastry-makers getting creative in the kitchen and remembering that cakes and cookies are meant to be a sweet delight. These mavericks are breathing new, unconventional and artistic life into breads, biscuits, tarts and every baked treat imaginable. Drop into one of the Quality Tourism Services (QTS) Scheme-approved outlets, indulge your sweet tooth and marvel at Hong Kong’s baking wizardry.
A truly great meal or piece of art engages all the senses and takes us on a journey, and the patissiers at Arte by Padaria believe this rule should apply to desserts as well. Arte’s beautiful and delicious cakes marry traditional baking techniques with modern design in themed desserts that offer personalised experiences. Arte’s most popular sweet creations include its signature croissant balls, a classic madeleine cake wrapped in a crispy croissant pastry and complemented by uniquely Hong Kong flavours like XO Sauce or salty egg yolk, as well as Earl Grey, mango and more. Those looking for old favourites will also find volcano, lava, chiffon and cheese cakes – all constructed with impeccable artistry. It may take a while to summon the courage to take a bite.
Kowloon City is one of Hong Kong’s dining hidden gems, while Causeway Bay is a shopping mecca, so anyone in those areas won’t want to skip Cookies Quartet for dessert or an energy boost. Dishing out additive-free, handmade cookies and award-winning palmiers since 2008 from their shops and nine others across the city, and sourcing ingredients from 27 countries, Cookies Quartet balances tradition and innovation by offering a diverse array of flavours that collectively embody Hong Kong’s culinary profile. There’s plenty to choose from, but safe, tasty bets can be found in the 12 flavour gift box, loaded with a dozen of Cookies Quartet’s most popular, the assorted palmier box ideal for connoisseurs featuring a bold selection of matcha, hazelnut and chocolate, and the chocolate palmier set, which elevates the classic treat to new heights.
When three Hong Kong head chefs from five-star hotels – the Mandarin Oriental, The Peninsula and the Sheraton – come together to start a cookie emporium, Conte de cookie, the result is nothing short of magical. Using only the finest natural ingredients from Australia, France and Canada among other locations, the trio caps off their signature palmier and cookie creations with French Fleur de sel de Guerande sea salt. For anyone seeking the perfect gift, the Symphony of Bliss set with almond and pecan, chocolate and almond, mixed grain and coffee and macadamia, as well as the Butterfly Dance palmier collection, are not to be missed.
Nothing says ‘Hong Kong snack’ quite like an egg roll – and not the kind you find in restaurants overseas. In the 1970s, a local couple, began making egg rolls at home, and their creations were such a hit they eventually established Eggroll Queen. This crispy treat has been a local favourite for decades, cherished for its mouth-watering fragrance and the simple joy of placing a roll on each finger. Eggroll Queen still makes the snack by hand, just as they did 50 years ago, using only the freshest eggs, butter and flour for maximum richness. Recently, they added options such as the seaweed pork floss phoenix egg rolls, offering a more complex texture and unrivalled flavour, alongside the original.
Bread and baking culture in Japan dates back to the 16th century, particularly in the Kyushu region, which became home to numerous innovations that now infuse Japanese baked goods with a signature flavour profile. Hong Kong’s love of Japanese bakery items extends beyond mochi and soft cheesecake, thanks in part to Ryoyu Bakery Studio, founded in 1950, finally opening a shop in the city. Since 2013, Ryoyu has been shipping ingredients from Japan to its local studio in order to serve fresh bakery items daily. Using Japanese fermentation, house-cultivated natural yeast and stone oven techniques, Ryoyu Baking Studio is the go-to for residents and visitors alike craving the unique taste of Japanese baking.
Hong Kong’s premier tart-maker Tart Addict, is dedicated to preserving traditional methods while creating memorable, edible souvenirs. Steering clear of standard combinations, Tart Addict crafts pastries designed to tell a Hong Kong story, providing a feast for both the eyes and the palate. Its bakers and food designers incorporate cream, nuts and techniques from across the globe to create exquisite tarts. Among the must-tries are the signature macadamia tart, which fuses traditional Chinese and French sweets in an airy, crispy crust, the classic palmier or almond puff reimagined for a contemporary, less sweet finish, and British-inspired toffee candy with cashews, encapsulating Hong Kong’s East-meets-West vibe in a caramel-coloured treat.
A cake for capping off celebrations or visits is one thing, but a cake from Twinkle Baker Décor is something else entirely. Combining flavour, texture and visuals, Twinkle’s desserts, made fresh daily, have become legendary for their blend of local cultural legacy and artistry. Its signature cakes include the peach-shaped Chinese longevity bun cake, made with peach cheesecake mousse and fruit filling, and the chocolate steamer made with sponge cake, fresh strawberries and vanilla custard. Cakes are ideal for sharing, but solo diners can indulge in creative tarts like the pistachio mochi tart, featuring a crisp cookie crush and velvety mousse filling or the singular tiramisu with black sugar mochi tart, which breathes new life into classics.
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