Asian Bakery Cafe — Restaurant in Rockville

Based on a write-up from the $20 Diner in the Washington Post about must-try international breakfast spots in the DC area, I thought I'd give this a go.

Tucked away in a non-descript strip mall with a few other food shops, the Asian Bakery Cafe offers a wide selection of fresh baked, Hong Kong-style buns. These are just like the kind you'd order from a dim sum cart, except remarkably fresher and a much bigger variety.

Packaged in little cellophane bags and all priced under $2 and sorted by the time of day they were placed out, grab a tray and start loading up. Buy five and the sixth is free, which is a nice bonus. We went with the pineapple custard buns (named not for any fruit filling but for the crackly cookie-esque top that looks like a pineapple), a sausage and scallion bun, and a roast pork bun with a pineapple bun topping.

Not sure I'd go for any of their sausage buns again, as it was a meat more similar to a hot dog than the chinese sausage buns we normally get elsewhere. But the roast pork bun with the pineapple top was a revelation. I'd gorge on those alone.

We also picked up some amazing buns to steam at home later. There were bundles of sticky and seven treasure rice wrapped in lotus/banana leaves at the checkout, along with an extensive menu of other foods (including bubble teas). I didn't try those, but for a leisurely brunch one day when I can stay, I'd definitely give those a whirl. Otherwise, doing your own stay at home dim sum, this is a great...

I am a regular at Asian Bakery Cafe as I went to MC and would go to the cafe regularly between classes. I always get peach bubble tea and noodle soup with wontons, brisket, and pork! I also always get pineapple crust buns during the week. Their roast pork buns are also delicious, as well as the butter pineapple crust buns (only there on weekends). I also looove their custard tarts that are served warm. I find the noodle soup to be very filling, the noodles are slightly chewy, and the wontons are so flavorful and delicious. It is my ultimate comfort food and it never disappoints. I have also tried the strawberry cake which is light and fluffy and some of their steamed buns. My mom loves their almond cookies as well. This is simple, straightforward food, no frills, no extras, just delicious food. I will say the customer service can be hit or miss. There was one woman working there with glasses who went above and beyond to be helpful and kind. I think it doesn't take away from the overall experience and I love that place...

It baffles me as to why they don't change their customer service after all the negative reviews. I happened to be in the area on my way back to DC and decided to give this place a try. The food was not superb and somewhat decent for the price. The breads and sweets were definitely a little overpriced but it appears they do make everything from scratch. However, you guys ready for this (?), the service from that lady at the counter was beyond uncomfortable. I have dealt my share with bad Asian manner but this lady almost makes it clear that she doesn't like humans. She was rude and degrading to a much older lady in front of me, she was rude to me when I asked for a clarification, she was rude to a young couple after me when they asked for a to-go container. Heck, she was rude...