The Best Lunar New Year Baked Goods in Toronto

Just in time for Lunar New Year on February 12, chefs Mark McEwan and Craig Wong pick the best sweet treats from Toronto’s top Chinese, Hongkongese and Taiwanese bakeries.

McEwan praised the “fresh and soft” texture of the coconut roll and subtle flavour of the red bean snow ball. Wong said the egg tart had a “perfect puff pastry crust” that was “nice and flaky” as well as “perfectly set custard.” 5459 Yonge St., $1.50–$5.99
Both judges appreciated the texture of the sesame ball’s red bean paste, and Wong liked the egg tart’s golden brown colour. McEwan said the coconut roll had “really good flavour,” and he enjoyed the “sweet, buttery coconut” found throughout. 6464 Yonge St., $1.50–$2.00
Wong noted that the croissant was pleasantly moist, and al- though the pastry was untradi- tional, he appreciated the creativity. McEwan also praised the croissant as “sweet and fresh” and said the sesame ball had a nice, crispy exterior. 248 Spadina Ave., $0.80–$1.00
Wong loved the “traditional and nostalgic” feel of the treats from this bakery, noting the sweet and savoury taste of the pineap- ple bun and the flaky egg tart crust. McEwan enjoyed the “per- fect crumbly, buttery topping” of the pineapple bun. 345 Spadina Ave., $0.70–$2.00
Wong enjoyed the rich black sesame flavour of the roll, adding that the ground black sesame topping was a nice touch. He also said the raisin twist had a nice texture. Both judges loved the pineapple bun’s salted egg yolk centre. 4910 Yonge St., $3.20–$3.90