85°C Bakery Cafe: a taste test

85°C Bakery Cafe offers a variety of treats, from savory breads to sweet treats. Photo by Molly Chang.

By Molly Chang

From flaky pastries to artisan bread, 85°C Bakery Cafe presents an exquisite assortment of delights that cater to all taste buds and preferences. Located in Fountain Valley, this bakery promises to bring baked goods to the next level, whether that be through classic flavors or innovative creations. Because of this, it is no surprise that this beloved bakery has gained an international reputation for its delectable treats and inviting atmosphere.

Here are our reviews for just five of the many treats offered at 85°C Bakery Cafe.

Pork Sung Bun

A unique spin on the typical pastry, the Pork Sung Bun offers a multitude of flavors and textures with every bite. The dry, shredded pork floss lies on a bed of mayonnaise, which could come off as a weird combination at first glance. However, the sauce’s sweetness and the pork’s saltiness create the perfect balance on top of the soft bread. The moist texture of the meat floss and mayonnaise also contrasts with the light and airy feel of the bun, which makes for a burst of flavor. 

Bacon & Cheese

Topped with asiago cheese and sprinkled with flakes of parsley, the slices of bacon create an enticing aroma to die for. The crispy bacon offers a savory flavor, contrasting the hints of sweetness in the bread. Not overwhelmingly filling, the pastry’s decent size and cloud-like texture makes for a great breakfast or snack. One bite into this masterpiece only leads to another, as I find myself snarfing down the Bacon & Cheese in seconds and longing for more.

Taiwanese Boroh

Often referred to as a pineapple bun, the Taiwanese Boroh actually doesn’t contain any pineapple at all. However, the Boroh features a grid-like texture similar to that of the fruit. Perfect for those who don’t love overly sweet foods, this pastry has a hard, crunchy layer of Boroh that when bitten into, reveals a soft texture of bread underneath. This combination of opposing textures makes for a simple, yet delicious snack. It is safe to say that this pastry is just as tasty as it is beautiful to look at. 

Spicy Sausage

Drizzled in Sriracha and mayonnaise, the sausage lies on a bed of cheesy, buttery bread. With this combination, it isn’t surprising to be bombarded with a plethora of flavors, from the spiciness of the Sriracha to the tanginess of the mayonnaise. The soft texture of the bread contrasts with the chewy feel of the sausage, which makes for a satisfying bite. Sprinkled with bits of dried parsley, the flavor of the Spicy Sausage pastry is elevated even more, creating the perfect, savory snack. 

Choco Bun

Described as a “chocolate lover’s heaven”, the Choco Bun never fails to live up to its name. Although quite small in size, the presence of chocolate throughout the bun creates a burst of flavor that will surely leave sweet-tooth havers yearning for more. Made out of chocolate dough, the outer layer of the cloud-like bun isn’t sweetened to a great extent, compared to that of the inner flavor. However, this makes for the perfect contrast throughout the delicious Choco Bun.

With its mouthwatering array of pastries and inviting atmosphere, it’s no wonder this Taiwanese-inspired bakery has become so popular through the years. From the first whiff of freshly baked bread to the last satisfying bite, 85°C Bakery Cafe never fails to live up to its reputation. So, whether you’re seeking a delightful treat or a place to gather with loved ones, this lovely bakery promises to deliver a truly exceptional experience that will keep you coming back for more.