Kwong Wah Company
“It reminds me of the Taiwanese pineapple cakes, but without the butter taste of the outer "cake" layer.”
“The price for drinks can't really be beat and they have a very good collection of pastries typical of Chinese bakeries.”
“Might have one for breakfast soon.”
Kwong Wah Company
Take-out: Yes
Bike Parking: Yes
Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
Price range.
$ Price range Inexpensive
6 reviews
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This bakery has been around for ages. The cashier/staff are really nice, but don't speak English. They speak Cantonese and Toisanese. Although the bakery doesn't have an update storefront, their pastries make up for it.
I love their pineapple puff pastry cake $1. It is flaky pastry with a dense pineapple filling. Like most Chinese pastries, it isn't too sweet. It reminds me of the Taiwanese pineapple cakes, but without the butter taste of the outer "cake" layer.
By the register, on the table, are prepacked items costing $1 for 2. I.e. fried sesame balls with lotus filling, and fried sweet dumpling with a salted chicken/pork filling.
The fried sesame balls were very fresh, meaning they were still crispy, with warm lotus paste filling inside. For anyone who has never had it before, this is essentially a mochi that is rolled in sesame seeds and fried.
Stop by the bakery if you're hungry and strapped for cash!
As long as I have lived in New York, I have seen this bakery. Since it did not go out of business, I had to assume it offers decent bakery goods. Apparently, I assumed too soon.
I came here and picked their Curry Chicken puff as a snack. It is only 80 cents so on the price point, it is unbeatable. However, the puff is overly dry; I felt as if I were chewing paper. The curry chicken had a decent flavor but the puff was a failure.
I could not even finish the pastry because it made me want to drink a big glass of water before I could eat more. Would not return ever again.
It is amazing that the tier of average/mediocre bakeries continue to survive in Chinatown, especially in areas that have become so gentrified and hipster-centric. Kwong Wah certainly fits that mold as none of its offerings from pastries (bun, custards, cakes) to teas will get one excited. The Manna House franchise is still the best in Chinatown by far, but Kwong Wah manages to keep hanging around perhaps by still selling at prices that haven't been adjusted for inflation for the last ten years.
With that said, there will always be a soft spot here for the old-school mom and pop shops that offers more nostalgic character than it does quality, Those scallion and shrimp rice rolls are a classic and still remain the most popular. The staff is very friendly and traditional Chinese. Not sure how much longer they are around, so if you have a craving for average Chinese breakfast items, KW still does the trick.
I stumbled upon this place while exploring Chinatown. Was craving some egg tarts and chanced upon the first bakery I came across. Wow, was I pleasantly surprised!!
The egg tart came with a small cup of complimentary Hong Kong style milk tea (steaming hot!). I also ordered a almond cookie. Prices are very reasonable. Both the egg tart and almond cookie tasted fresh and flavorful. The milk tea was very good as well. Just like the way they were made back in Hong Kong.
This place doesn't carry the variety of bigger bakeries in Chinatown but with the few select items on its menu, it does them very well. In fact, for the price you pay, you're getting a bargain.
What a treat! I'll definitely go back again!
Dear Yelp,
Today I saw a picture of an UBE cupcake with a circular slice of flan on top insteada frosting and I thought "wow, what a great effin idea!" Exactly. The problem is we don't have that on the east coast as that can only be found at —– bakery in Cali. (Guna look it up and make additions a lil later)
Went to Kwong Wah bakery on Grande st and got a slice of my fave cake from there. Ok I really got 4 slices. I know! Disaster alert!! Anyways, I just ate it and it reminded me of that mouthwatering pic from I forgot who, but one of my yelp or insta friends. I just don't know who right now ok? Wtf. I'm sorry!
There's 2 types: a peach one that tastes similar to a fluffy cheesecake and a green melon one that tastes similar to a cheesecake but green…flavor.
These really satisfy my sweet tooth and on the real, are probably healthier than your average cupcake. Good for when those evil sugar cravings come into play and you be needin it more than sex…you know I know! Sugar addiction is very real. Just ask Tiger Woods.
K…happy munchin!!
All the best,
MONICA$H
There was a huge variety of pastries, buns, and hot baked goods. Your typical Chinese bakery, but not much seating. I bought a ham, egg, tomato, lettuce sandwich. It was on white bread. It was not the best, since I noticed my egg had occasional tiny eggshell bits. Oh well. It was a deal. Only $2.60 for coffee and my sandwich. The two women working there were helpful and friendly. They speak Cantonese in case that helps.