TLDR
Chinatown's go-to for S-tier egg tarts and savory pineapple pork buns. A local sleeper hit famous for authentic, budget-friendly Cantonese baking.
Instagram Posts References
Tao Hong is featured for its Classic Egg Tart, priced at $3.50 (as part of a pair with a Portuguese egg tart). The image shows a well-baked tart with a glossy custard.
This place is credited with having the best egg tart in America. The reviewer notes it's perfectly sweet with an amazing buttery crust, making it a must-try.
Tao Hong Bakery stood out as one of the reviewer's favorite stops, offering egg tarts for just $1.75. It was praised for a great filling-to-crust ratio, excellent flavor in the filling, and being super affordable.
Details
Located on Chrystie Street, this bakery has become a destination for authentic Cantonese treats, earning a reputation for some of the best egg tarts in New York City [1], [2]. Beyond its famous custard pastries, it is celebrated for savory snacks like pineapple pork buns, which often sell out early in the day [3], [4]. Visitors frequently praise its affordability and traditional quality, solidifying its status as a local favorite in Chinatown [5], [6].
Food Overview
The bakery specializes in Cantonese pastries, with egg tarts being the most consistently recommended item for their balanced sweetness and buttery crust [2], [5], [6]. Pineapple pork buns are another standout, frequently praised as a superior savory option [3], [4]. However, those avoiding pork should be aware that traditional Chinese bakery crusts, including some egg tarts, are often prepared with lard [7].
Highlights / Recommended
"The egg tarts are widely considered a must-try, often described as the best in Chinatown [1], [5], [8]. The pineapple pork buns are also highly recommended for those seeking a savory treat [3], [4]."
Mentioned Dishes:
- •egg tart(18)
- •egg tarts(14)
Customer Sentiment
Patrons are overwhelmingly positive, frequently citing the bakery as a personal favorite and often ranking its offerings as the best in the city [2], [5]. While the food is highly regarded, some customers note that popular items like egg tarts can sell out quickly in the afternoon [6].
Caveats
Due to high demand, popular items like egg tarts and pineapple pork buns frequently sell out by the afternoon [6]. Additionally, visitors should be aware that traditional crusts in many Chinese bakeries often contain lard [7].
Reddit Opinions & Reviews
Top Reddit Posts About TAO HONG BAKERY
Recent Reddit Mentions
From post: Which Pineapple Pork Buns Do U Prefer Tim Ho Wan
"This user expresses strong approval for Tao Hong, particularly highlighting their egg tarts as a personal favorite in all of New York City."
PositiveFrom post: Which Pineapple Pork Buns Do U Prefer Tim Ho Wan
"The commenter recommends Tao Hong as a superior alternative to both Tim Ho Wan and Mei Lei Wah for pineapple pork buns, suggesting it's a morning spot as they often sell out by the afternoon."
PositiveFrom post: Four Day Food Itinerary
"Tao Hong was recommended to be kept on the list, specifically mentioning their egg tarts."
PositiveFrom post: Honeymoon Trip
"The user is excited about trying Tao Hong's egg tarts, considering them an 'S tier' dessert when made properly."
PositiveFrom post: Honeymoon Trip
"Tao Hong is recommended for their egg tarts, which a commenter's Hong Kong friends also swear by, making it a clear favorite among Chinatown egg tarts."
PositiveFrom post: Where Can I Get Hong Kong Coconut Tarts
"The user plans to visit Tao Hong Bakery, which is listed among several traditional Cantonese bakeries in Chinatown potentially offering Hong Kong coconut tarts."
NeutralFrom post: Pineapple Buns In Nyc
"This user finds Tao Hong's pineapple buns solid, but highlights their egg tarts as the real standout."
PositiveFrom post: Pineapple Buns In Nyc
"Tao Hong is listed as a recommended place for pineapple buns."
PositiveFrom post: Blt From Fay Da Dont Sleep On The Chinese
"This user declares the Yuenyeung at Tao Hong Bakery as their absolute favorite, humorously describing it as 'liquid crack' to them."
PositiveFrom post: Best Place For Savory Pasteries
"Tao Hong is listed as a Chinese bakery option."
NeutralFrom post: What Chinatown Manhattan Foods Travel Well As A
"Tao Hong is mentioned as a place for pastries and buns in Chinatown."
PositiveFrom post: What Chinatown Manhattan Foods Travel Well As A
"Tao Hong is recommended for its egg tarts."
PositiveFrom post: Chinatown Food Crawl With Teen
"Tao Hong is among several bakeries recommended for egg tarts and pork buns."
PositiveFrom post: Manhattan Chinatown
"This user seconds Tao Hong for egg tarts but notes they do not have sesame balls. They suggest nearby Harpers Bread House and Lucky King for sesame balls."
PositiveFrom post: Manhattan Chinatown
"This user recommends Tao Hong and Double Crispy for egg tarts."
PositiveFrom post: I Plotted Rfoodnycs Most Upvoted Restaurants Of
"The commenter expresses their affection for Tao Hong, specifically mentioning their positive experience with the egg tarts."
PositiveFrom post: Breakfast Near Tenement Museum
"Suggests grabbing Chinese bakery buns from Tao Hong for breakfast."
PositiveFrom post: Tao Hongs Standout Cha Siu Bao Pork Buns A Great
"Agreement with the previous comment."
NeutralFrom post: Tao Hongs Standout Cha Siu Bao Pork Buns A Great
"This user asks if the prices at Tao Hong are the same."
Neutral