Asian Sweet Bakery Madison

Great little bakery. We bought several things that we have never tried. But I specifically went for the red bean sesame balls. Unfortunately I think they are a bit overcooked and could use a bit more filling. But all of the other things were good. The prices are reasonable. We would go back.

TLDR: JUST GO! (But be careful of timing as they do sell out of the best items) I hope this place isn’t a secret to Madison residents but if it is it is legitimately the best kept culinary secret in this town. They supply a lot of the local Asian markets with legit authentic Chinese baked goods but I like to go straight to the source and I’ve learned that the best time to go is around 11 am. You can’t go too early because some things won’t be ready yet, but if you go too late you risk missing out on all of the good stuff I just cleaned them out of ;) Cheese bread usually won’t be ready until later and is a great choice for a first visit. Think a fluffy long hunk of bread with mayo and cheese melted on top. Next hit up anything with bbq pork in the name. At the top right of the main display case they have an additional display with smaller items. If they have any of the deep fried bbq pork dumpling thingies try them for something with a texture that will be new to most westerners but absolutely delicious (they don’t seem to make many of them so consider yourself lucky if you get some). Last recommendation is the zonza, aka Chinese tamale. It’s rice, soybeans, and a chunk of fatty pork wrapped in leaves. I buy all they have and eat them for breakfast throughout the week. Lately I’ve liked them better heated after unwrappingthem with a little butter and salt. They have a bunch of other stuff too and the prices are still pretty good even after the inflation that’s been hitting everyone. I usually spend around $50 and walk out with several bags full of goodies that will be lucky to survive the weekend.