Golden Gate Bakery

"There are two things that Golden Gate Bakery is known for: egg tarts so good that you’ll willingly text your ex about them, and hours as inconsistent as any of the Owl Muni lines. Many locals and tourists alike have known the heartbreak of being met with a closed grate door or a stomach-dropping line at this Chinatown institution, but it’s very much worth it. The egg tarts from Golden Gate are unmatched in SF. The crust is ruffled and flaky, and the custard is creamy and wobbly. While their mooncakes and almond cookies are good, your pink pastry box should always have at least a few egg tarts in it. Your best bet for getting these things is to call ahead and hope they answer. And once you do finally get some, be sure to ask the staff if you should be aware of any upcoming closures. Also important to note, this place is cash-only. photo credit: Carly Hackbarth" - Patrick Wong

"This Grant Avenue bakery is somehow the people’s champ, the prizefighter, and the underdog story all wrapped into one. Closed since 2020 due to the pandemic’s impacts, this bakery reopened to incredible fanfare in early January 2024, hopefully for good. The Hong Kong-style egg custard tarts have a reputation that is not outsized even a little bit: likely, these are San Francisco’s favorite egg tarts." - Paolo Bicchieri, Dianne de Guzman

"Note: Golden Gate Bakery is temporarily closed. There’s always a line at Golden Gate Bakery, but the egg custard tarts, with their flaky, buttery crusts and creamy yet jiggly fillings, are well worth the wait (it’s best to arrive just before they open, or the hour before they close). Their other pastry selections are also excellent—especially the mooncakes, which come in a variety of flavors including white lotus seed, winter melon, and mixed nuts with ham. Keep in mind that the hours at this Chinatown bakery can be unpredictable—it can sometimes close without notice for days or even weeks at a time. In an attempt to help confused egg tart lovers, a good Samaritan runs Is the GGB Open? on Twitter—though it's not always updated regularly either." - megan zhang, julia chen 1

"Golden Gate Bakery is famed for its Hong Kong-style egg tarts. The tarts have a sturdy, flaky pastry shell and a silky, gently sweet filling. The bakery has recently reopened after a long closure." - Eater Staff

"Golden Gate Bakery is a Chinatown institution famous for its dan tats and erratic hours. It highlights the local history of egg tarts in San Francisco, brought over by Chinese immigrants." - Becky Duffett