Zao Bakery and Cafe, a new destination for Chinese breakfast foods like steamed buns and congee, is now open on University Avenue near Dale Street.

The pastry case offers around a dozen varieties of baked goods, from hearty options like chicken curry buns and BBQ pork buns to sweet-savory choices like sesame black bean rolls. They also offer a hot menu including egg noodles in broth and congee, a classic rice porridge dish, and a drink menu of teas and fresh soy milk.

The pastry case at Zao Bakery and Cafe on University Avenue offers a variety of baked goods on Dec. 19, 2024. The business is run by William Ratsamy, whose family also operates Basil Cafe next door and 88 Oriental Foods a few blocks down. (Jared Kaufman / Pioneer Press)

And, so far, it’s been quite popular. During its first couple days open, the bakery sold out within hours. Weekdays have proven a bit slower than weekends, co-owner William Ratsamy said; the pastry case was well-stocked on a recent Thursday, but the day before, he said they’d been wiped clean, a pleasant surprise.

“We’re still trying to gauge it and see if we can get a pattern down,” said Ratsamy, whose family also owns Basil Cafe next door and 88 Oriental Foods a few blocks down University.

The sesame black bean roll is one of many baked goods offered at Zao Bakery and Cafe on Dec. 19, 2024. (Jared Kaufman / Pioneer Press)

Ratsamy, whose background is in architecture, designed the space and even built much of the furniture himself, including the restaurant’s tables, chairs and central pastry case.

“The inspiration was a Chinese street market,” he said. “I wanted it to be a continuation of outside inside, so when you walk in, a long stretch down toward the end of the building, plants on the side, street-style seating. Chinese street markets are very makeshift — people sit on the curbs and sell food on the sidewalks.”

As of December 2024, hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily.

Zao Bakery and Cafe: 575 W. University Ave; @575zao on Instagram or search ZAO Bakery + Cafe on Facebook.

Holiday hours: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Tuesday (Christmas Eve) and Wednesday (Christmas); closed on Thursday, Dec. 26; open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 31 and Wednesday, Jan. 1.

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