In order for a cake to be great, not just good, Betsy and I believe it should be moist. All of our young lives, we grew up believing that the best bakers in the US were inspired by Europeans. We had never been exposed to nor heard of the wonderful cakes made by Asians.
Who would have thought that Chinese desserts were anything other than Fortune cookies, kumquats and lychees? Growing up in the 60’ and 70’s we didn’t even realize that the Chinese had an authentic cuisine all of their own. In those years, Jewish kids never ate anything more exotic than chicken “charmain” and Won Ton Soup.
It was only after we escaped the clutches of our World War II era Brooklyn-born parents did we really begin to explore foods that were misunderstood and forbidden at home. “No pork spare ribs for you. You’ll get worms (Trichinosis).”
Passing through Philadelphia’s China Town some years ago, Betsy and I stumbled upon KC pastries. It still exists at its newer location at 109 N 10th St. Boy, is that place ever so good!
According to their website, K.C.'s Pastries, Inc. was established by K.C. Leung in 1995. K.C. started his baking career in 1976 at Hong Kong and continues his success until now. K.C. has been spending tons of time on bakery and pastries, his professional experience is going to benefit everybody who always wants to taste and enjoy something new! K.C.'s Pastries, Inc. has been voted as one of the best bakery in Philadelphia since 1996 from Philadelphia Weekly.
At K.C.’s, we found some of the most delicious treats we ever packed into a box to bring home. In addition to their wide assortment of pork buns (and buns filled with other wonderful delicacies). Among our favorite buns at K.C. are the curry beef puff, custard egg tart, red bean mochi bun, shredded pork bun, red bean cake, and custard cream bun. But, this post is about their moist cakes.
For starters, we like their sponge cakes, both the chocolate and coffee flavored ones. And...for finishers, too. Very moist and very satisfying. By the way, Chinese pastries and cakes tend to not be overly sweet like American-made pastries and cakes. However, the tastes of the Chinese pastries and cakes are still satisfying and just sweet enough to not give you a tooth- or stomachache.
Here is what another customer had to say about K.C. Pastries:
“This place smells heavenly. They have two locations in Philly, and they both sell the best pastries/baked goods in Chinatown. Prices are reasonable and they have some unique buns and cakes. I love their Snowy Mountain Top buns, so moist and topped nicely with a sugary crust that melts in your mouth.”
Would you like to try making your own Chinese Sponge cake? Here is a recipe that we are sure you’ll enjoy. As good as it make taste, it won’t be as much fun as visiting Philadelphia’s Chinatown and washing it down with K.C.’s famous Bubble Tea.
It's all Yummy!
Not only is this post interesting and new to me, you added in some humor that went great in the piece. I have had a Chinese donut but that is the extent of my Chinese desert adventures. I will definitely have to look for something like that where I live.
ReplyDeleteMK, definitely give some of these items a try. Frankly, we have gotten some decent Chinese baked goods from local Asian supermarkets. If you can't get to Chinatown, stop in at one of these stores and pick up some.
DeleteKeep an eye out, too! In an upcoming post, we will be talking about Indian cakes and pastries. Some of these are amazing, as well.