jina bakes — Restaurant in San Francisco

Finally I get the opportunity to try out Jina Bakes after seeing this bakery get so much hype all over social media. On weekends when I go to Japantown I always see this place with gigantic lines and selling out of pastries by noon. Today I went after work on a Friday afternoon and they still had plenty of options still available. I was surprised to actually not see it so busy. I had trouble deciding what I wanted, but the workers there were very patient and helpful with suggestions on what to try.

I decided to get the Injeolmi Croissant ($6.25) and the Kalbijjim Croissant ($8) since those are what are most popular and unique out of their options. My favorite was definitely these two and I enjoy savory pastries like the Kalbijjim Croissant. The filling had a nice mild spice with the beef and cheese. It definitely tasted like what you would get from Daeho, but in croissant form. The Injeolmi was delicious also and I really liked the mochi texture inside. I air fried both of them when I got back home and they were a 10/10.

Then I wanted to try each cream puff flavor especially their Hojicha and I always love matcha and black sesame. Each cream puff was $5. Very solid choices and not too sweet either.

For my last choice they recommended Mango Panna Cotta and I'm very glad they did because I felt it was worth it for the $5.50 price tag personally. Mainly because they use vanilla beans and also have little mango chunks on top that taste very fresh.

I wanted to get a drink on the ride back home and I was recommended the Hojicha Latte for $5.75. Not gonna lie it is not the most visually appealing beverage I've seen. The size for the price tag it costed made it not too worth it in my opinion, but it does have a nice Hojicha taste that I enjoy. I could live without getting it next time though personally.

From customer service to the quality and uniqueness of the pastries that they offer, I think Jina lives up to the hype. Hype can certainly create very high expectations that can lead to a let down, but I honestly was not disappointed with my experience there. My wallet hurt after going here, but it was nice getting to experience this bakery...

Nestled in the heart of Japantown, San Francisco, Jina Bakes has carved out a delightful niche for itself. This women-owned and Asian-owned bakery stands as a testament to the rich, cultural tapestry that defines the area. From the moment I walked into the cozy shop, the inviting aroma of freshly baked goods enveloped me, promising a treat for the senses. The display counter was laden with an array of beautifully crafted pastries, cakes, and tarts, each more tempting than the last. However, amidst this symphony of sweetness, it was the mango panna cotta that truly stood out as the highlight of my visit.

The mango panna cotta at Jina Bakes is a masterful blend of flavors and textures. Each spoonful of the creamy dessert offered a burst of rich, velvety sweetness. The delicate panna cotta base was perfectly balanced, its smooth, custard-like texture complementing the vibrant, fruity layer of mango puree atop it. This harmonious duo was garnished with a subtle hint of citrus zest, elevating the taste to a whole new level. The mango panna cotta not only satisfied my sweet cravings but also transported me to a tropical paradise with its refreshing, luscious flavors.

Beyond the delectable desserts, what made my time at Jina Bakes unforgettable was the warm, inviting atmosphere created by its dedicated team. The staff's passion for their craft was palpable in every interaction, adding a personal touch to the experience. It felt more than just a visit to a bakery; it was an immersion into a world of culinary artistry and cultural pride. Jina Bakes is not just a dessert shop; it is a celebration of flavors and traditions, a true gem in the vibrant mosaic...

My favorite bakery in San Francisco! I would highly recommend trying all the flavors of cream puffs if they aren’t sold out and grabbing a croissant or two. The cream puffs are so soft and filled with creamy goodness.

Food The cream puffs are delicious and I was surprised by just how good the cream was. Did not expect the whole thing to almost be cream as well. My favorite was the black sesame. I had a chance to try the kalbijjim croissant as well as the regular croissant. The bread was perfectly crisp, flaky, and tasty for both. I did not get to warm up my Kalbijjim bread but I think that it would’ve been even better if I did.

Atmosphere Small bakery on the bottom floor of the Japantown mall that only fits like 6 people inside. All you do is go up to the window and order. There was a huge line as soon as they opened on Saturday and were already sold out by the time I got to the front of the line.

Pricing The price per baker good is pretty pricey compared to baked goods I’ve had in Seattle (where I was visiting from). The quality definitely justifies the price point and even the wait though.

Service Service was good! The line moved consistently and pretty fast, I only waited about 25 minutes.

Other Located on the bottom floor of the Japantown mall. Be prepared to get there early and wait if you want to get certain things. Otherwise be flexible since there’s a good chance they...