Sunset Bakery in the Sunset (obviously) does a great job with Chinese bakery standards. Think bolo bao and ruffled egg tarts that shed delicate little flakes with each bite. Those items alone make this takeout spot a great neighborhood standby for Chinese pastries, but there’s plenty more worth ordering—even if means taking an oppressively crowded crosstown 43. Go for the cocktail buns with a slightly molten filling, and the Chinese tamales that strike an impressive balance between chewy and satisfyingly sticky (the generous amount of peanuts and pork don’t hurt). The glossy-topped baked BBQ pork buns, with a particularly oniony filling, are among the best in the city. Plus, nothing costs more than $2.40, which makes it dangerously easy to over-order—just bring cash. It’s usually a one-person operation behind the counter, so waits can stretch a bit, but it’s a small sacrifice for these pastries.
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