The Best Chinese Bakeries for Lunar New Year Near You
Lunar New Year (coming up on February 17) is synonymous with delicious, symbolic treats—from pineapple cakes (good fortune) to red bean pastries (prosperity) and everything in between. We’ve found the best Chinese and Asian bakeries near Related properties where residents can pick up festive sweets, artisanal pastries, and traditional baked goods tied to the season’s themes of luck, abundance, and renewal. Get ready to ring in the Year of the Horse, sweetly.
New York City: Taipan Bakery - Sesame Balls
With locations in both NYC’s Chinatown and Queens’ Flushing neighborhoods, Taipan Bakery serves up traditional cultural sweets—often to the tune of a long line out the door and sold-out items. For Lunar New Year, opt for the sesame balls, which patrons describe as “fresh, warm, and so delicious.” Since sesame balls expand as they fry up, these crispy, chewy sweets symbolize rising success and wealth, while their circular shape stands for wholeness and unity. 194 Canal St., New York, NY 10013; 37-25 Main St., Flushing, NY 11354
Chicago: Chiu Quon Bakery - Red Bean Buns
Chiu Quon Bakery is known for its dim sum, cakes, and pastries and boasts two Chicago locations: the original on Wentworth, which opened in 1986 and is the oldest bakery in the city’s Chinatown, and a second outpost on Argyle. Whichever location you visit, you’ll want to order the red bean buns, which are praised by patrons for their generous filling-to-dough ratio and affordable price point. Red bean buns are a classic Lunar New Year treat, thought to bring positive energy and emotional warmth for the year ahead, and red is the ultimate lucky color in Chinese culture. 2253 S. Wentworth Ave., Chicago, IL; 1127 W. Argyle St., Chicago, IL 60640
Boston: Ho Yuen Bakery - Pineapple Buns
This Boston Chinatown classic bills itself as a hidden gem and attracts customers both new and old (with one reviewer noting she has visited with her grandmother since childhood). Chinese pastries abound, but foodies rave about the “perfect” pineapple buns, with “great texture” and a “satisfying crust.” Since the word for “pineapple” sounds similar to “prosperity arrives” in several Chinese dialects, pineapple is a popular choice to consume during Lunar New Year celebrations. Just be warned that this small grab-and-go bakery can get crowded, so you’ll want to visit early to avoid the risk of popular items running out! 54 Beach St., Boston, MA 02111
Los Angeles: Hi Bake - Egg Tarts
Hi Bake is an Asian bakery that serves up modern-fusion variations on Chinese favorites, and an inspiring mission to boot. The bakery isn’t just pet-friendly—it actively supports stray cats and dogs through free adoption events, vet care, and community partnerships. Hi Bake offers eclectic takes on traditional Chinese egg tarts, with inventive flavors like blueberry, caramel mochi, Dubai chocolate, and more. Egg tarts are thought to resemble gold coins, making them a symbol of wealth and abundance and a staple treat for the Lunar New Year. Bonus: enjoy your sweet treats in a serene outdoor courtyard, alongside Hi Bake’s selection of drinks like the Matcha Cloud Top and Pistachio Dirty Latte. 235 N. Canon Dr., Beverly Hills, CA 90210
San Francisco: Garden Bakery - Pineapple Buns
If you’re looking for pineapple buns on the West Coast, reviewers praise Garden Bakery’s take on the traditional Lunar New Year pastry as “the best pineapple bun I’ve EVER had!” The pineapple buns here are described as having a crispy, satisfying top with a light and fluffy, filled center. Patrons say the small, cash-only spot is frequented by seasoned regulars, with one reviewer saying he used to visit with his dad and grandma. 765 Jackson St., San Francisco, CA 94133
Washington, D.C.: Joy Luck House - Mooncakes
Although traditionally known for its dim sum and savory Chinese food, Joy Luck House does offer mooncake desserts. Mooncakes are more commonly eaten during the Mid-Autumn Festival, but have made their way into Lunar New Year festivities as they represent family and togetherness. These sweets come with different fillings, such as red bean paste (symbolizing good fortune), salted egg yolk (thought to bring on abundance and wealth), and pineapple (meaningful for good fortune, wealth, and luck). 748 6th St. N.W., Washington, D.C. 20001
West Palm Beach: Asian Market - Assorted Asian Pastries
While West Palm Beach doesn’t offer a traditional Chinese bakery, you can still enjoy packaged Asian treats from the nearby Asian Market in Lake Worth. Shoppers hail the space for packing a variety of Asian ingredients, products, and fresh seafood into a small space, and those looking to kick off the Year of the Horse with something sweet will find packaged black bean cakes for sale. In Chinese culture, black symbolizes water, wisdom, and protection, while beans stand for growth, nourishment, and abundance. 5891 S. Military Trl., Lake Worth, FL 33463
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