TLDR
Sunnyside bakery famous for cloud-like conchas, authentic tamales, and unique sourdough-based pastries. A must-visit destination for those seeking top-tier Mexican baked goods.
Molly Fitzpatrick reviews Masa Madre, a Sunnyside bakery-cafe, highlighting their exceptional conchas, pan dulce, and laminated pastries. The review praises the fluffy conchas and the delicious vanilla cream-filled conchitas as must-tries.
Details
Located in Sunnyside, Queens, this highly acclaimed bakery-cafe specializes in a diverse array of Mexican-inspired pastries, sourdough breads, and savory staples [1]. The shop is best known for its exceptionally fluffy, cloud-like conchas and creative variations like the key lime or hot chocolate versions [1], [2], [3]. Beyond its sweet offerings, the menu features standout savory items including tamales, tortas, and crispy pan de cristal [1], [4], [5].
Food Overview
The menu focuses on a blend of Mexican flavors and traditional bakery techniques, featuring items like sourdough loaves, laminated pastries, and donuts [1]. Customers specifically rave about the conchas, conchitas filled with vanilla cream, and the head cheese torta [1], [4], [8]. While most feedback is glowing, some inquiries have been made regarding gluten-free options and the specific masa-to-meat ratio in their tamales [4], [9].
Highlights / Recommended
"Highly recommended items include the vanilla and key lime conchas [1], the vanilla cream-filled conchitas [1], and the savory head cheese torta [8]."
Mentioned Dishes:
- •conchas(3)
- •mexican bolillos(2)
- •tamales(2)
Customer Sentiment
Visitors consistently praise the bakery as a true gem, frequently highlighting the exceptional quality of both sweet and savory items [3], [4], [6]. The general consensus is overwhelmingly positive, with many patrons making repeat visits specifically for items like the conchas [3], [7].
Caveats
Patrons should note that the bakery offers limited specials which can vary seasonally, and some items like the sourdough or specific pastry batches are highly sought after [5], [10].
Reddit Opinions & Reviews
Top Reddit Posts About MASA MADRE
Recent Reddit Mentions
From post: Where Can I Find Some Guava Cheese Pastriespuffs
"Highly recommends the pastel Gloria."
PositiveFrom post: Where Can I Find Some Guava Cheese Pastriespuffs
"Recommended for guava and cheese items."
PositiveFrom post: Where To Find The Best Coffee Roll In Nyc Not
"Mentioned as having sourdough cinnamon rolls that might satisfy the craving for a coffee roll."
PositiveFrom post: Looking For Unique Dessert Spots In Nyc With
"Masa Madre is recommended, with a note that their limited specials might be particularly 'unique'."
NeutralFrom post: Where To Find Bread Like This In Nyc Ideally
"This user recommended Masa Madre for its pan de cristal, describing it as 'crispy heaven'."
PositiveFrom post: Its Getting Into Strawberry Season Favorite
"Masa Madre is mentioned for having previously offered a strawberry sourdough loaf and occasionally seasonal pastries like conchas. The commenter is watching for strawberry items."
NeutralFrom post: Best Tamales
"This user recommended Masa Madre as one of the best places for tamales."
PositiveFrom post: Which Places Have Become Part Of Your Regular
"The commenter had a positive experience trying Masa Madre."
PositiveFrom post: Which Places Have Become Part Of Your Regular
"Masa Madre is listed by the commenter."
NeutralFrom post: Where Would You Go As Your Last Meal In Nyc
"Someone known to this commenter recommended Masa Madre in Queens, describing it as great."
PositiveFrom post: Where Would You Go As Your Last Meal In Nyc
"As part of a multi-borough last meal tour, the commenter suggests the head cheese torta and tamales from Masa Madre in Queens."
PositiveFrom post: Iconic Foods In Nyc
"The original poster notes that finding tamales with too much masa and too little meat is a common issue, even in Mexico City."
NeutralFrom post: Iconic Foods In Nyc
"The original poster notes that finding tamales with too much masa and too little meat is a common issue, even in Mexico City."
NeutralFrom post: Iconic Foods In Nyc
"The original poster is looking for tamales with more meat and less masa and asks about Masa Madre."
NeutralFrom post: Iconic Foods In Nyc
"The original poster is looking for tamales with more meat and less masa and asks about Masa Madre."
NeutralFrom post: Iconic Foods In Nyc
"This user seconds the recommendation for Masa Madre, noting their tamales and tortas are great."
PositiveFrom post: Iconic Foods In Nyc
"This user seconds the recommendation for Masa Madre, noting their tamales and tortas are great."
PositiveFrom post: Iconic Foods In Nyc
"This commenter seconds Masa Madre for great tamales and tortas, and also mentions their conchas."
PositiveFrom post: Iconic Foods In Nyc
"This commenter seconds Masa Madre for great tamales and tortas, and also mentions their conchas."
PositiveFrom post: Iconic Foods In Nyc
"Suggests visiting Masa Madre in Sunnyside for what they believe are the best conchas in NYC, also noting they have tamales."
Positive