KNEAD TO KNOW
Cult Taiwanese bakery rises in San Antonio with first location
85°C Bakery Café is opening its first San Antonio shop.
One could barely hear over the din when it debuted in Houston. Crowds waited for hours during a soft opening in Seattle. Locals with agoraphobia be warned. Cult Taiwanese chain 85°C Bakery Café will soon debut in San Antonio.
According to a Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation filing, the international concept will begin construction on a space at 12710 W. I-10 in August. The shop will be the first San Antonio outpost for the beloved chain, known informally as the “Starbucks of Taiwan.”
Born in Taiwan in 2004, 85°C quickly began taking over the American market, starting with a 2008 opening in Irvine, California. It first dipped its toes into Texas with a 2016 Carrollton storefront and has since rapidly expanded across the state with locations in Dallas-Fort Worth, greater Houston, and Austin.
The chain, named after the ideal temperature for coffee, is perhaps best known as the originator of the sea salt latte craze. The menu contains several takes on the foamy sipper, boba tea, espresso drinks, and lemonades.
The affordable baked goods are just as popular — including many that are difficult to find in San Antonio. Selections include Japanese milk toast, matcha red bean rolls, and a dizzying assortment of sweet buns in varieties like mango custard, milk butter, marble taro, and white chocolate strawberry.
Those who prefer savory treats can opt for Danishes stuffed with spinach and kale, a klobasnik-like cheese dog, potato croquettes, and sung buns — a Taiwanese specialty topped with dry shredded pork and a mayo-based sauce.
Though state records state that construction will wrap up in mid-November, there’s no word yet on the official opening date. Whenever word does get out, prepare to need a comfortable pair of walking shoes.
