Fantastic bakery in Chinatown. Super small inside, just a small counter to pay at. Postage stamp size. We had the yam sweet bread roll situation. It was purple and amazing. One of the best, lightest sponge cakes I've ever had. The owner and the other customers were all super nice. read more

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Pastries were tasty and cheap (2 euros for most of the common pastries like cream puff coconut bun and hotdog bun). But kept finding small pieces of baking paper in each of the pastries. Bought a small cake for a friend. 5/5 if not for the random pieces of paper. Service was good and friendly. read more

Golden Gate Cake Shop - Patisserie/Cake Shop Near Me - London, XGL

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What a lovely discovery in the heart of Soho while on a quest for a Chinese birthday cake. Rivaling bakeries I have used in San Francisco for special events, The Golden Gate Cake Shop in London provided a superb cake that was well received for the celebration and with reasonable pricing. Furthermore, their pastries and other desserts that seem quite popular with locals are quite tasty too. read more

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Nothing like the Golden Gate Bakery in San Fransisco! Such deception. I just ordered an egg tart for 1 GBP. It was cold and nothing fancy about it. I give the egg tart 3 stars out of 5. Perhaps I will try a different pastrie next time. read more

Golden Gate Cake Shop - Egg tart. Ehh - Patisserie/Cake Shop Near Me - London, XGL

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This is a good bakery for Hong Kong style baked goods and pastries. I try and stop by when I'm in London to pick up some goodies for a snack or for breakfast. The buns are fresh and they have quite the variety for a really decent price! It can get crowded but the lines do move along fairly quickly. I just hope in line with my tray and pick out items as I inch towards the cashier. I find the staff to be really friendly! The space is small so be prepared to squeeze in. It's not fancy but it's clean and the baked goods are fresh with high turnover. Sometimes when I'm craving a bit of SF while overseas, I stop by this shop to remind me of home. read more

They offer delicious buns and breads. Great varieties. Probably the best bakery in London's Chinatown. See the pictures. Some creative bakery items are great fun! Love it. read more

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For years, I had walked past this cake shop as I have more of a savoury tooth than a sweet tooth and the small window display only has cakes on the trays. Granted they look lovely and appetising but not enough to tempt me in. This all changed when someone told me recently that this was probably the best shop for Chinese pastries in Chinatown. So today, I investigated and lo and behold, inside the shop and there is indeed a much greater variety than the title Cake Shop would lead you to believe. I came away with a char siew (BBQ pork) crispy pastry, a sesame seed ball and a preserved egg in pastry. I didn't see any egg custard tarts, which are my gold standard test for any Chinese bakery. However, what I did buy was delicious. Not greasy and the pastry was light and flaky. I'll have to peek in here again just to see if any egg custard tarts appear read more

I guess many visitors to Chinatown will go to a restaurant or possibly a supermarket. Personally I always look for a cake shop, and on my last couple of visits, it's been this one. They do iced birthday etc cakes that will be familiar to westerners, but also a range of Chinese buns and cakes. On my last visit I picked up a white bread bun with a frankfurter, cheese and tomato ketchup baked into the top (ultimate junk food and very tasty) and a red bean cake. It's the latter that's my addiction! The red bean paste in the centre is made from aduki beans and is sweet. That might sound weird, but to me it tastes delicious, a bit like chestnut. You can also get cakes/buns with lotus beans which I've had elsewhere and found nice too. When you go in look by the door and you'll find trays and tongs. You take one of each and load what you want on your tray and take it to the counter. The staff don't seem to speak English but it's not a problem as everything is clearly marked with what it is and the price (mostly 90p each). And there's always lots of smiles. read more

Golden Gate Cake Shop - Patisserie/Cake Shop Near Me - London, XGL

Love the breads. Fresh . Feel like went back my childhood to have those breads. Recommended

Seeing as there are all sorts of Chinese New Year celebrations going on in Chinatown this weekend, and seeing as I'm Chinese, I thought I'd be cool and join in... but then I got there and realized how much I actually hate crowds. No worries, though, because my Golden Gate goodies were worth the hordes of tourists stopping SMACK DAB IN THE MIDDLE OF THE STREET to take pictures of paper lanterns. Due to the massive crowds and the small size of the store, the employees were selling all sorts of tasty treats on tables right outside the door, as well. I picked up an egg custard, red bean roll, coconut roll, three pieces of log cake, and BBQ pork bun all for a total of £7. A bit greasy, but I think that's standard of any Chinese bakery. The egg custards aren't the best I've had, but then again, I'm quite picky about them anyway (I like them less crumbly and a little more caramelized). Quality is nowhere near the stuff you'll find in Hong Kong or Taiwan, but not bad for the price, and it's actually authentic. Be warned, though - the space is EXTREMELY small. And a lot of the people who go to Chinatown apparently have no concept of moving around in small spaces. Also, I'm pretty sure they take cash only (not card, like it says on Yelp)... read more

It's strange that I actually like Golden Gate Cake Shop because I don't have a particularly sweet tooth and whenever I do venture into a bakery it's usually to get a sausage roll not a jam donut. Somehow I find it hard to walk past this Chinatown gem without stepping inside. I love the fact that there are always lots of Chinese people in here- confirmation that the goodies sold here are the real deal and not something created for the many tourists passing through the area. The custard tarts are really good- again, a ver strange thing fir me because I normally I wouldn't even touch a custard tart let alone eat one. The sweet coconut buns are also really tasty. A return visit is definately long overdue read more

The best bakery in Soho. It's a nice tiny place in a prime location, on a road just intersecting the middle of chinatown. Be prepared to squeeze in and fight for your space! It can get very claustrophobic particularly during lunch hours on a weekend. It's not as fancy as those two other places, but it has a better hygiene record and is well priced. [The prices seem to keep rising, but inflation is only to blame here] The cream of the crop are the kaya bun, coconut buns, tuna (if that's your thing), ham & onion bun, egg tarts and Pandan Swiss roll. But literally everything is good in here. And if you're lucky, maybe somebody will buy one of those nice fruit birthday cakes you keep drooling at in the window :) Also, goes without saying, but Cash only and pay quickly to avoid getting frowned upon read more

Lots of yum in a the tiniest store evarrr. But hey, I'll run the gauntlet for a giant pork bun and a mooncake. First trial, getting in the door. There were three other people in there so it was a stretch and I had to ask the boyfriend to stand outside and wait. Second trial, manoeuvring to get the case open and snag my choice baked goods as someone on staff pushed her way through the "crowd" with another tray of buns. The price was low and the product was good--not as cheap or as quality as some of the chinese bakeries I've been to in NYC, but I was satisfied. read more

So Golden Gate cake shop has reopened following its recent closure for renovations. I did not notice any change in the shop interior but did notice that prices have increased, I suppose they need to recover renovation costs somehow. This bakery stocks all the traditional baked Chinese sweet and savoury buns and fried snacks as well as cream/fresh fruit cakes. I come to this bakery especially for the egg tarts with puff pastry as many of the other bakeries in Chinatown use short crust pastry. read more

My British friend of Chinese origin took me to this place. Everything here looks so nice that it will make you feel like you have to try it. They not only make items look good, but also make them taste good. I picked a few different types of sweet buns and they all are so soft and delicious. I'd totally recommend to try every item here. This is totally on my list. I have a lot more to try out from here. Hopefully I'll live long enough to try them all. read more

I've been coming to this place, with varying degrees of regularity, since I was 14. Back then, it was well known for its roast pork buns, and, true to form, that's what many people come for now. I've heard half a dozen people come in , one after another, groan, and turn on their heels if they don't have any. However, this means they miss out on the other goodies; if you must have your roast pork fix, consider the pastries, or branch out and have a curry chicken bun instead. And then there's the coconut tarts, bean cakes, banana cakes, etc. A good place to pick up a big lunch-on-the-run for less than £5. read more

Tip: after 8pm the buns are all buy 2 get one free! They are open til 9.30pm-ish. Up until now, Kowloon has been my go-to bakery for Chinese pastries. But last night my cousin introduced me to Golden Gate. Ohhh wow. The custard bun was soft, sweet, and had the perfect amount of custard filling. The custard had a great consistency and taste. I also tried the super soft and light sponge cake, the crispy coconut bun, and the brown sugar coconut bun. Okay we went overboard but wouldn't you at £1 each?! I'm interested to go in earlier in the day when their shelves are fully stocked and see what other goodies they have! Service was great in here. Plus the pastries and cakes are self serve. However the place is tiny so I imagine it gets super crowded in there during peak times. read more

Have had multiple baked treats from here and have never been disappointed. Although the service could be friendlier, everything tastes very fresh and still tastes great a couple of days after purchase. My favourite items are the BBQ pork bun and the coffee flavoured swiss roll. The sponge in the swiss roll is so soft, complemented by the light, creamy filling. So yummy! Come after 8pm and take advantage of the 'buy 2, get 1 free' offer on all of the buns! read more

There are quite a few of these little bakeries / cake shops in Chinatown so it's always hard trying to decide which is the best to invest your money and sweet toothed desires in... The Golden Gate Cake Shop has always been my favourite. This shop is really small but they've packed their shelves with really affordable, tasty cakes. You can get things like a custard tart - my all time favourite and served as dessert in most of the Chinese restaurants in Chinatown. You can also get a slice of Pandan cake. This is like a light sponge cake that's green in colour. Don't let the colour put you off - this cake is super tasty too. Not too heavy and great with jasmine tea. I always end up leaving with a box of treats when I pass this little shop, I highly recommend it, Golden Gate Cake Shop rocks! read more

Perfect place to pick up a snack or a bun for tomorrow's breakfast! Its rather cramped inside, but the have a good range of different buns. Their sweet selection is a bit average, but what they excel in is their BBQ pork buns, which are massive (almost a meal) for £1.10. Their lotus buns too are pretty good too. Probably one of the best Chinese bakeries in Chinatown! read more

Tiny little shop surrounded by trays of baked Chinese goodies. As you enter pick up some tongs & a tray, choose a selection of cakes & pay at the till. This along with Kowloon are my fav two bakeries in Chinatown, Golden Gate is light & fluffy, Kowloon is heavier & sweeter...which one I go to depends on the mood, either way enjoy the treats & watch the waistline. read more

Out of all the Chinese bakeries in Chinatown, this one takes the cake ;-) The best thing about Golden Gate Cake Shop is that from what it does, it always just seems to do it the best. They don't have much space inside, so as the reviewer mentions it above, grab a tray and some tongs to pick out things you are going to have. If you already know what you're going to have, it's often quicker just to bag them yourself with the paper bags at the entrance. For any BBQ pork fans, their baked BBQ Pork buns are the best that I've had. Filled with plenty of meat (instead of chunks of fat that many other bakeries use as filler), these buns priced at £1.10 are plenty to fill you up if you want something on the run. If you prefer something a little bit more decadent, they also offer a flakier pastry version for only 90p. read more

I have been to this restaurant twice; once in the evening, and once for dim sum at lunch time. Although the food and service seemed much better at lunch than when i went in the evening, I was not convinced that it redeemed my overall opinion of it. It seems to owe its popularity more to its prominent location in the centre of Chinatown, being quite popular with tourists, than its reputation. There are much better options in Chinatown and even better ones further afield. Evening: 1* Lunch: 3* read more

we stumbled upon this place after eatting some amazing dim sum in chinatown. i love places that allow you to grab a try with some tongs. i just want to say everything in this tiny little joint is excellent, both savory and sweet! authentic, well priced and delicious. i got a box full of goodies here and we grazed on them the rest of the evening. if you're looking for the real thing... chinese baked treats... come here and i guarantee you will not be disappointed! read more

Golden Gate Cake Shop - A beauty - Patisserie/Cake Shop Near Me - London, XGL

My favourite Chinese Bakery in Chinatown. This bakery is one of the oldest and has consistently provided good quality baked goods for over 20 years; I remember coming here ever since I was just tall enough to see eye-to-eye with the cakes on display. Being able to pick your own cakes and build up a collection on your own tray is infinitely satisfying, meanwhile the cakes have always looked good and tasted good. In recent months, since it was slightly renovated, I feel like the cakes have also increased in size ever so slightly (with a slight price increase) and the textures have become ever more light as they have been able to capture more air and achieve more rise. I am referring to 'cakes' for want of a better word as actually Chinese 'cakes' consists of a very many different varieties of buns, tarts, glutinous desserts, etc. At this bakery over the years they have added new found favourite varieties as well as kept the traditional types. Incidentally, I also had birthday cakes ordered from here (when I was young enough to celebrate birthdays) and can report that they were pleasant enough with light cream, fresh fruit and a good sponge. The only change I would wish this shop to adapt is to enlarge and expand! read more

amazing bakery the shaftbury evenue has a great selection and seating available the cakes are wonderful , specially the ice cream cakes of strawberry or the mango selection is soo yummy!!! at cheap prices of £4 is great ;P they also have other desserts and BBQ pork buns etcetc all for around £1.20 will go again for sures.. read more

Delicious and worth every penny! Buns at Golden Gate are always properly filled. If you crave a red bean bun or even a kaya bun, rest assured you well actually get a taste of what you are paying for. Most other Chinese pastry shops in Chinatown have minimal filling and air in their buns. All buns come in generous portions. There is also a consistency in the quality of their pastry and it's filling (both sweet and savoury) Personal favourites are the (1) roast pork bun (2) lotus bun (3) kaya bun Goods prepared in store have a high turnover rate so the pastries put out are fresh. Unable to comment about their sponge cakes on display as I have never tried it. Do note that it is a very small store so be patient. Also this shop only accepts cash. read more

If I'm honest, it's hard for a Chinese bakery not to please me. Golden Gate has a homey feel. It's a tiny little shop: you grab a tray and basically do a 360 as you fill it up. They have a an interesting selection of desserts, including several with peanuts or almonds. The only thing I would like to see is ingredients on the labels. read more

With so many Chinese restaurants in China Town it's difficult to choose. I can at least recommend that the Golden Pagoda serves gorgeous food at good prices. There are about three floors with seating. The service was impeccable with waiters lingering. There is a choice of set meals or a main menu and the wine comes at the usual price. Good value, great experience. read more

Very good Char Siu Bao. Sweet port in a soft glazed bun. Cakes are light and fluffy as usual and cheap at that! Haven't found anywhere else that compares...yet. read more

I've had many buns from this place and not once have I been disappointed. On top of that, customer service is excellent. The bbq pork bun has been the best I've ever had, flavour is not too sweet, smoky with a lot of meat and less fat. The prices are very reasonable £1.20~£1.60 but quality is always there. read more

I first visited the Golden Pagoda when it first opened (for dim sum), and back then I wasn't impressed so never returned until this weekend when some Chinese friends invited me to try again, telling me how good it is. Well, I have to say the dim sum was really very good this time! I especially liked the duck spring-roll and duck in sticky rice that had also been pan fried (though they could have drained the oil a bit better before serving). We shared a dozen or so dishes, and all of them were good. The steamed dough was light and fresh, the prawns tasted fresh and were well cooked, and I even liked the brass teapot that poured without spilling! So now I have four options to choose from when in London Chinatown :-) read more

agree that this is another good choice for chinese baked goods, have all the classic items in a cramped space (just like london hotel rooms). nice variety, pork bun is similar to kowloon except not as sweet (darker contents). decent compared to the states and glad for the bridge reference! read more

This is my little piece of home in London. I am a frequent customer at their Shaftesbury Ave branch where they have seating. Their HK style milk tea is the best I can find in central London (although still can't really compare with the real thing so visitors from HK don't go unless really desperate). BEWARE! There may be a lot of other places selling milk tea but those are just not true authentic HK style milk tea - a lot of those are actually taiwanese or malaysian style in disguise or worst of all, just plain english tea with milk. I have had enough disappointments. Their selection of cakes and pastries are solid. Although I must say I am not a fan of the decor and the cake designs, kind of off-putting really. But when it comes to Chinese eateries in the China Town neighborhood, one must not judge a book by its cover. I also like their puff pastry with bbq pork and coffee swiss roll. Good place to go when you are waiting around the area. It gets busy on weekends though, when it might be tricky to get a seat with the floods of students. read more

Very excellently odd items of dim sum. Great service, very friendly. Suffered my daughters stumbling Mandarin in good humour.

Every time im in London, I always take a tube to Leicester Square specifically to visit this place. Its a fairly small cramped shop off one of the 'branches' of Chinatown, but they do manage to pack an awful lot of different buns and cakes in! My particular favourite is 'Pandan Cake' which is an amazingly light sponge-style cake with a cream filling. It looks a bit like a swiss roll, but the sponge is green! There are also yellow and pink varieties, but i haven't tried these yetother than that, it has some great decorated cakes in the window, perfect for an original cake for a special birthday party. There is a little ledge to perch on outside, which blows hot air out from the bakery beneath, perfect on cold winter days! A must visit place if you are in this corner of London! read more

I did enjoy the dim sum but people who serve us were quite rude. However, the food was nice.

Worst chinese restaurant I've ever been to!!! I was in London with my brother and my father the weekend before New Year's Eve and so we wanted to have a nice evening in Chinatown. So we decided to eat at the Golden Pagoda. We went inside and it felt as if the waitress was annoyed that there are more guests coming. When she came to take our order, she was looking like Ok guys, hurry up, 'got some stuff more interesting to do. So we made our order and after my father ordered some food, she asked in an unfriendly way Don't you want any sides? and my father answered Why? Isn't rice as a side included?, she answered again as if he was stupid Uhhh NO (In Germany rice is included). When she brought the drinks, she poured some of my drink aside to my glass without apologizing or bringing me a new drink. The food itself was average, it was a little flavourless, the duck was a little gummy. Then, although one of us was still eating, another waiter came and already wanted to clear away the tables. As we wanted to pay, the waitress told us, that we couldn't pay with our banknotes, because they were old. Unfortunately this was our german bank's fault, they gave us 'old' banknotes, but the waitress was again very unfriendly, she was also chewing on something while talking to us. After that evening we were all really shocked and to everyone who wants to eat chinese food in London, go somewhere else! The prices aren't really cheap (therefore that you have to pay extra for sides), the food is only average on a lower level and the service is just more than insufficient! By the way, I'm from Germany, so please kindly excuse any linguistic mistakes. read more

I buy birthday cakes here for all family members, but when it comes to my birthday I was so upset. My mum bought me the cake. As she is 70+ she couldn't see very properly. When I cut the cake I realised, that the fruit was mouldy. The grapes turned brown and mushy, the strawberries was mouldy and it ruined my party. Luckily I didn't invited any friends on that day or it will be so embarrasing. And much worse ... when I called to complaint, they people there didn't even care. As a regular ... yes, I still buy my cakes from there, making sure the fruit are fresh .. I was never given a calendar or a reusable nylon bag. Shame, that they treat the regulars as rubbish. read more

EDIT Down from 4 stars. My last two visits have been marred by an annoying, nosy mainland waiter who would butt into my conversations with my fellow diners. Throughout our meals, he would stand very close to our table and we could not help but feel our conversations were being eavesdropped on. He would without any warning contribute his unsolicited two cents to our discussion and ask very personal information, e.g. where we are from, where we live, etc. I normally enjoy chatting to my servers, but this one is annoying, if not a little creepy.Being Chinese, I am very particular about my food, especially when it comes to Chinese food. Golden Pagoda serves good Chinese in large portions. They are also very accommodating with my dietary requests (e.g. hot and sour soup, with no meat, no seafood, extra hot, extra vegetables, eggs ok). Once I even managed to order something that was not in the menu. The only reason this place does not get five stars is the sometimes rude staff. I do not believe they are intentionally rude. It is most probably down to language barrier. read more