Golden Gate Bakery

I was surprised to see that Golden Gate Bakery was back open — after such a long time that they were closed. This was one of the places that I would go to ever since I was a child, and Golden Gate Bakery is quite the delicacy. It’s the first time they’ve opened since the pandemic so you KNOW I flocked into the line QUICK! The only down side was that these custard tarts are $3.75 which made me hesitant to try it again, but I ended up letting go of that silly thought and stayed instead.

The tarts were honestly as yummy as when I had it a long time ago. The crust was flaky, and the tart by itself was just as soft and juicy like when I had it like a child. It brought lots of nostalgia back.

I’d definitely stop by again — the long wasn’t too long and are still some of the best in Chinatown!

Golden Gate Bakery in San Francisco's Chinatown is a true gem. Let me preface this review by saying it's a 5-star experience, but be prepared for a unique adventure.
Note - I've visited this bakery many times in the past, but I've always been unlucky - either they were closed or completely sold out.

First things first: it's cash only. Thankfully, there's a Chase Bank with an ATM right across the street, saving you from any scrambling. Secondly, forget about set hours. This bakery operates on its own delicious schedule, opening at 11 am, and closing whenever they sell out. We stumbled upon it on a whim after lunch, drawn by a short line outside - our only clue it was actually open that day.

The wait was surprisingly short, only about 5 minutes. Here's where things get interesting: they only offer three treats - custard tarts, coconut tarts, and mooncakes (depending on the season). Each individual pastry is $3.75, or you can snag a dozen for $45. There's no indoor or outdoor seating, so be prepared to enjoy your treat on the go.

But oh, those custard tarts! They're worth every penny and every minute of waiting. The silky smooth custard is simply divine. Rich egg flavor, perfectly balanced sweetness, a slight wobble on top, and piping hot and fresh – it's a textural and taste bud explosion. The crust is the perfect complement – light, crispy, and flaky.

Golden Gate Bakery might be a bit unconventional, but it's an experience that shouldn't be missed. Embrace the cash-only adventure, the mystery of its hours, and most importantly, savor those incredible custard tarts. You won't be disappointed!

Best crust, best custard of all Dan Tat in Chinatown.

On the other hand, they are some of the worst looking in the city, the most expensive, there are often long lines, their hours are incomprehensible, and the store is run by (very friendly and skilled) hoarders. Not only that, but there are many competitors nearby that are almost as good (like 95% as good) and don’t have any of the other problems.

But they are the best. Worth it? Hmmm

They’re open and dealing!!! It does feel like you’re buying illicit drugs as the front door is closed and the little old lady cracks it open takes your order and cash (but of course it’s cash only), she returns with your bag of custard tarts!

It’s not quite the same but still better than any others. The sweetness of the custard is sublime and not overly sweet. The crust is still flaky and a bit more crispy.

Better than expected, line was long and slow. Might be worth it if you enjoy egg tarts. Not my thing but it was skilfully baked.

The ratings are for the egg custard tart, they are still the best(*) in Chinatown but not enough to justify the experience, long lines and the price.

After trying all the shops in Chinatown, I tend to agree with

https://youtu.be/SMJ-EgvfSmk?si=tEe1cwqBtKWc5RBm

My personal favorite is at Napoleon/Stockton bakery (1049 Stockton), the crust is thicker but comparable, the custard is equally good and it's less than half price.

One huge difference is that Golden Gate always makes them fresh which is why they have a long line, which creates a circular problem especially when many people buy boxes.

Since they reopened for realz last month I have never seen more than 2 old ladies who pretty much produce 1-2 trays at the time, so sooner or later the lines stops to a halt till the next batch is ready

The coconut tart is unique and worth trying, it's the same Tart dough filled with lots of shredded coconut

One of the most interesting egg custard experiences I've had! The store is open besides the the boarded up windows and gates. You have to approach the door and there is a Asian lady saying CUSTARDS?... You hand over the $3.75 and for me I got some of the best egg custards in America, including NY! Def come here!

They are open today. Even google said there closed. Call to verify if they are open.
Long line waiting for about 1hr Now and waiting.
They take one customer at a time inside.

Update: waited for 3hrs total to get our egg tart.
Tart was freshly baked and they were nice and warm and delicious.
Tip: bring a chair while you wait. Lol
And cash only.
Hope this help.

Update 3/10/2024
Walking down the street and saw this place is open! Waited for around 20min and got our first taste of Golden Gate Bakery’s famous tart. It’s pretty good; not amazing but good for sure.
I admire the old ladies who’s running this store - they did their best and tried to open the store whenever possible. There’s no younger people who helps them, after least when I visited. Thank you for doing this for the community!

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Updated 5/29/2023
The place is still closed and there’s no notificaiton on whether or when it will be open again.

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Original review

Been here for so many times but it never opens… will update this review whenever they do open

Wanted to really try egg tart and mooncake because I really missed Singapore. Man, this really really hit the spot.

I had the BEST pineapple mooncake and the BEST custard tarts ever. The tarts were piping hot from the oven.

Just so good. Highly recommend this place.

We visited Chinatown here and this is one of the best bakeries in this area. We came from other state but we used to live in NYC. I can tell you their egg custard tards are the best and very good taste. You can't find any egg curstard tards like this stores. They are THE BEST! It's worth it to wait for 20+ mins in the line.

As someone who isn’t a big fan of custards, these custards were amazing. The lady running the shop was also really friendly. The line also gets REALLY long so go as soon as they open if possible. Just know that they only take cash then you go.

Probably the most skilled egg tart makers in Chinatown. Their tarts are nearly perfect, visually and structurally. Flavor is pretty on point, but I prefer the taste of the egg tarts from the double letter bakery on Stockton. Their coconut tarts aren't as popular, but they do make the best ones I've ever tasted. Call ahead to order.

This little store is running such a small business that they do not even open the gate. An elder lady stand by the glass door and take the cash and bring you good stuff - sounds like a drug dealer behavior.

Although the $3.5 per tart is anything but cheap, the queue is always there and they sold out quickly. So, worth a try if you find they are randomly open.

I cannot recommend this bakery more highly. The line outside says it all! You will want to make sure to try the custard tarts. And anything else’s for that matter. It’s all good, hence the line.

OMG! O!M!G!
Their egg tarts!
Popping hot, freshly made!
I haven’t had such a good egg tart for years, and it is definitely THE Best I’ve had in the US for the past six years. I love love how they have the right amount of sweetness in the egg custard, and the shell is crispy and the layer in between nicely soggy. Just, perfectly made. This is just how an egg tart should be.
I was lucky so that when I arrive, there was only six people in front of me. It took me about 5 min to get my egg tart and black bean moo cake (yet tried). By the time I left the line got really long and there were 30 people already. Would advice come here between 300-430pm in the afternoon to avoid the crowd.

Visiting San Francisco from out of town and was lucky enough that they were open on December 25th! Locals walking by couldn't believe their eyes and would immediately line up. They told me that since the pandemic, they have opened just occasionally, there's not a schedule and no one really knows when they'll serve. Some updates in Google maps say it is permanently closed but it isn't.

We got ours and they were so freshly baked that they were hot and still steaming! The most perfect tarts ever, giggly, not too sweet, perfectly golden crust. Heaven in your mouth.

If you're lucky enough to be there when they are open, make sure to have cash with you.

The egg tart is the best 👍👍👍. The store looks close, but it is open. There is a line in the street, and you will buy in front of the door, not inside the store.

Best egg tart in town. They increased the price by a quarter to $2.50 per egg tart, and $30 per dozen.

Moon cake is another popular item here. I personally like their pineapple moon cake with salty egg yolk.

They often takes months off, and if they open they usually open from noon to around 6 or 8pm, and off 2 days during weekdays.

Cash only!

If you want the best egg tarts in the city made by Chinese aunties. You cannot go wrong here. Just make sure to check if they are open since they are randomly not lol