- Attraction: ZAO Bakery + Café
- Location: 575 University Ave W, St. Paul, MN 55103
- Industry: Bakery
- Website: 575zao.com
Breakfast just got infinitely more interesting in the Twin Cities. ZAO Bakery + Café opened its doors in December 2024, bringing scratch-made Chinese breakfast favorites to University Avenue near Dale Street.
This family-owned spot draws inspiration from early morning meals shared between generations, creating an authentic experience that’s been drawing lines out the door since opening day.
During their first few days open, the bakery sold out within hours, proving that St. Paul was more than ready for what they’re serving. You’ll discover a welcoming space that feels like stepping into a Chinese street market, where fresh-baked buns line display cases and the aroma of congee fills the air.
Co-owner William Ratsamy designed the interior himself with inspiration from Chinese street markets, even building the tables, chairs, and central pastry case by hand. This isn’t just another bakery – it’s a cultural bridge bringing traditional Chinese breakfast culture to Minnesota.
Menu Highlights
BBQ Pork Buns: These pillowy steamed treasures showcase everything ZAO does well.
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Keep Exploring →The buns are incredibly soft and fresh, while the savory-sweet BBQ pork filling delivers that perfect balance of flavors you’d expect from an authentic Chinese bakery. You’ll understand why these disappeared so quickly during opening week.
Pineapple Buns: These golden beauties serve as the ultimate test of any Asian bakery’s authenticity. ZAO delivers exceptional quality with their signature crackled texture and perfectly sweet, buttery flavor profile.
The pineapple bread consistently earns enthusiastic praise for its outstanding taste and texture.
Chicken Curry Buns: A heartier option that’s become a customer favorite. These buns pack serious flavor with their curry-spiced chicken filling wrapped in that same incredible soft bread. They’re substantial enough to be a full meal while remaining light and satisfying.
Spam and Egg Buns: This combination creates something truly special that exceeds expectations. The savory breakfast flavors wrapped in perfectly steamed bread prove so compelling that many visitors return specifically for these after their first taste.
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Discover MoreRed Bean and Sesame Options: For those seeking something on the sweeter side, ZAO offers traditional sweet buns including sesame black bean rolls and red bean varieties. These provide that perfect balance of sweet and savory that makes Chinese bakeries so special.
Hot Menu Specialties
Chicken Congee: This standout dish has caught the attention of local food critics for its exceptional quality. The chicken broth delivers impressive depth with rich, savory flavors that coat each tender rice kernel perfectly.
Customers especially appreciate this comfort food during Minnesota’s cold weather. Available in four different varieties, this classic rice porridge delivers warming satisfaction.
Wonton Egg Noodle Soup: This comforting soup strikes the perfect balance with tender wontons floating in a flavorful broth. The dish blends Cantonese influences with subtle Thai accents, creating something both familiar and uniquely satisfying.
Fresh Soy Milk: ZAO crafts both hot and cold soy milk that delivers authentic flavors many have been seeking since travels to Asia. The soy milk is refreshing and perfectly balanced in sweetness, making it an ideal pairing with any of their buns.
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Keep Exploring →Ginseng Coffee: This unique beverage option achieves an excellent balance of ginseng flavors that becomes apparent with each sip, creating a distinctive drink that pairs beautifully with their baked goods.
Atmosphere & Experience
Self-Service Style: You’ll grab a tray at the front, line it with paper, and use clean tongs to serve yourself from the beautiful display of buns. This approach lets you really examine each option and build your perfect combination of flavors.
Bright and Inviting Space: The bakery seating area is very open and bright, creating a welcoming environment where you can watch the bustling activity. The beautifully crafted furniture and bakery display shelves highlight the artistry that goes into every item.
Display Case Drama: Walking in for the first time, you’re greeted by an impressive display of beautiful buns extending all the way to the counter – a stunning visual presentation. This immediately demonstrates the bakery’s commitment to both quality and artistry.
Street Market Vibes: The inspiration was Chinese street markets, creating a continuation of outside inside with a long stretch down toward the end of the building, plants on the side, and street-style seating. You’ll feel like you’ve discovered something authentically special rather than just another commercial bakery.
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Discover MoreOther Considerations
Reasonable Pricing: The pricing structure remains refreshingly affordable compared to similar local establishments. This allows you to explore multiple menu items and sample various flavors without financial concern.
Individual buns typically range around $3-4 each, while hearty hot menu items like congee are priced around $10-11.
Fresh Daily Selection: The bakery creates around a dozen varieties of baked goods fresh daily, though availability can vary based on demand. Some savory bun options arrive a little after opening around 9:30am, so visiting mid-morning might give you the best selection.
Limited Parking: There are a few parking spots right next to the bakery with entrance from University Avenue, plus plenty of street parking available. The location makes it easily accessible whether you’re driving or using public transit along the University corridor.
Family Business: The family behind ZAO also owns Basil Cafe next door and 88 Oriental Foods a few blocks down University, showing their deep commitment to serving the local community with quality Asian dining options.
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Keep Exploring →Weekly Schedule: Currently open Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 9am to 5pm, closed Thursdays. Weekend mornings tend to be busier, so weekday visits might offer a more relaxed experience.
ZAO Bakery + Café
📍 575 University Ave W, St. Paul, MN 55103
