California Bakehouse

Great variety and smells great when you walk in! It’s easy to pick up too much to eat because they maintain their inventory. We bought bread, sesame cookies, cake, pandan waffles and more bread! They also have Vietnamese sandwiches and Unilocal specials upon check-​in.

I noticed this bakery while walking around the plaza and couldn’t resist the smell of warm baked goods, so I decided to stop by and check it out. I always follow my nose after all!
I had tried green pandan waffles from many spots before, so I decided to mix it up and get the taro mochi and blueberry waffles. Both were very savory, warm, soft yet crispy, and delicious.
I also got a Vietnamese sandwich for the road, which turned out great as well.
They have an assortment of other dessert items, like egg custard, taro buns, and hotdog/​cheese breads. I will definitely come back to try all the other items later. The workers were also friendly and answered all of my questions. Overall, a great experience.

super disappointed in this place. Came here with the bf after dinner and was craving for pandan waffles. Sweet Coco ran out so we decided to go here for some, esp with their good ratings– we were eager to try their baked goods. We got a pandan flavored waffle, taro flavored waffle, I requested for 1 pandan and original flavored angel cake but only received 1 in my bag when we were already driving off.
The waffles flavors were way off. Both had weird flavors to it. The texture were super soggy and flat. I’m so used to San Jose amazing waffles, bigger, fluffier, more flavorful and a lot cheaper– where we will not be coming back here for them anymore.
In regards to the Check-​in offer:
We noticed that they offer a Vietnamese sandwich for checking in, but turns out waffles aren’t considered «baked goods» so we weren’t able to redemn the offer unless we buy more buns. Btw, this wasn’t stated in the offer, but whatever.
The lady kept pressuring us to buy more buns even after we says that we were done w our order. We paid for our purchase but she didn’t hesitate but insisted on us buying more buns. After her asking us 4 times to buy more and not willing to check us out if we didn’t, I ended up grabbing a pork bun just because. it was after that I finally understood why she was insisting us — she was being «nice» and she threw in the free mini sandwich yet reminded us that next time, the waffles cannot be accounted for the $ 5 to get a free item. I believe we already understood that originally, and refused the buns (since we don’t eat buns) for a reason.
I gave the bun to my housemate and we didn’t end up eating the sandwich since it looked like it has been sitting out for the entire day (we got there at 7 pm) and didn’t want to risk getting a stomache because Viet sandwich pickles are supposed to be eaten fresh.

After eating a large meal, I needed something sweet to make my day complete. Luckily, Unilocal showed a new spot that just opened with some super appetizing waffles! and there’s Pandan! In the car we gooooo.
Upon entering, there were a decent assortment of pastries and bread. Typical Asian breads: coconut buns, hot dog buns, egg tarts, loaf of breads, etc. It operates the same as Paris Baguette & 85 degrees– get a tray and tongs, select your bread and head to the counter. The color of the place is lively compared to other mom/​pop bakeries, just don’t expect it to be super modern tho.
Well the confusing part was when I got to the counter… how do I order waffles? Where are the menus? How much does it cost? How can I customize my waffle to get ice cream too? The lady at the counter noticed that I was looking at the waffle iron and proceeded to assist me.
Sooo after being helped, turns out that they have waffles in flavor:
Pandan $ 1.50
Strawberry, Blueberry, Taro are $ 2.
Also got some huge pieces of Coconut and Taro mochi for $ 1 each.
Verdict:
* The waffles have a nice chew. Not very crispy like regular waffles which is nice in a different way.
* Waffles did not hold up together well. Like the pictures show, it’s hollow on the inside where the waffles kinda fell apart.
PANDAN flavor: I can taste the pandan slightly, but the sugary side dominated more. This is the better flavor out of the others they make.
STRAWBERRY flavor: did not taste like fresh strawberry (but it did smell divine!). Has that artificial taste like fruity pebbles cereal or pop tarts.
TARO flavor: Tasted no taro in this. Also had the fruity pebble flavor, just toned down. Awkward… it tasted more like blueberries.
As a Chinese person I’m disappointed in the Mochi… well because they advertise it as «mochi» but I don’t think it’s mochi but actually a Chinese dessert called Nuomici.
Mochi is a Japanese dessert that’s supposed to be super glutinous and super chewy and a bit firm. Nuomici is soft, gummy, easy to digest, and less starchy. Both uses sweet glutinous flour but end results are very different.
Well that’s my bad, it’s a Chinese bakery, I can’t expect it to deliver me authentic Japanese dessert too. Anyways if you need to choose between Coconut or Taro «mochi» then just go for the Coconut. Coconut mochi has shredded coconut and sesame in the center. Taro mochi does have taro filling in the center, but the shredded coconut that they decorated all over the outside hinders you from tasting any taro.
If I wanted nuomici I am coming back cause they make it very well in terms of Chinese dessert. But for mochi, nope.

The coconut and taro mochi were very good– light, soft, and moist. The flavors were good and not too sweet. I almost feel like they are so light and fluffy (not dense or hard). They r quite large for the price. I normally don’t like dessert, however I am quite impressed by their fresh daily made mochi.
My son also really likes the green pandan flavored waffles and paper wrapped Angel food cake. The flavor is quite delicate and again not too sweet.
Finally my second son does not like mochi usually, however he really enjoyed the red bean mochi roll which I think Are better than Japanese mochis.

Tried their taro waffle with ice-​cream and blue berries waffle with ice-​cream. They were both very delicious. I would defined recommend them. Also their sponge cakes and almond cookies are on point too, it’s a must try!

Got a taro ball and another taro puff but the skin is crispy. Both tastes excellent. Reminds my mother of the taro mooncakes in Hong Kong. Also got a box of crispy sesame candy but didn’t seem to have too much of the candy part. The lady also gave us two breads to pick since they were closing shop. I chose a pandan sponge cake and my relative chose the other. The pandan sponge cake was really fresh and soft.
Maybe I came late but I wish they had more variety.

Was in the neighborhood for some black tea and saw this place. Walked over and got a moon cake and a taro bun. The place smelled heavenly. Tons of choices on display. Loved the flavor and freshness.

Baked goods and green waffles… Seriously.
Kee Wah was my go to place for baked goods. But now that this new place is here, I’m hooked.
They still have your standard breads, with hot dogs, or cheese, taro buns and custard buns! They are individually wrapped as well, which is makes for a really good place when trying to share with others!
The best part is that they make green waffles! They have samples put out and they make them all to order, so they’re very fresh.
The ladies have been really nice whenever I stop by and they are so polite! All around good service and good food.
*Like all other places in this plaza, beware going around lunch time! Parking is crazy here, but don’t let that stop you from coming!

From the moment you walk in, you are greeted with a warm smile and a warm smell of baked goodies.
I stopped by this bakery on Sunday and I did not regret it. They had free samples of desserts and tasty treats for customers. Their green waffle was delicious and close to the best ones I’ve had in another bakery in Grand Century (Located in San Jose). This place may seem small, but their selection of baked goods is quite large with an assortment of cakes, pineapple buns, egg custards, and other varieties of Chinese dessert.
I hope to stop by here more often.
PS: If they start serving Nutella w/​Vanilla ice cream on top of the green waffle I would be their number one customer!

I’m a big supporter of local businesses so I’m glad I had a chance to visit this place. It’s a small family owned bakery. Attended their grand opening and they had several samples to try out. So yummy! Pretty sure I’m in love with the pineapple bun and I’m coming back soon for the pandan waffle. Ended up leaving with a pork roll/​bun, pandan cake, pandan waffle, shredded pork bun, and different kinds of pineapple buns. Can’t wait to taste the pineapple custard :). Tasty baked goods and awesome customer service (the owner is so adorable) I’m sold! Plus, it’s nice to have other choices other than the usual Asian bakeries in the Bay Area.

We attended the Grand Opening event. They offered a great variety of baked treats and let us sample almost all they had to offer. I really enjoyed the red bean mochi treats, and the variety of fruit tarts. The almond cookies were so good! There’s a lot of chatter about the green waffles so I tried those. I enjoyed them very much, so I also had to try the strawberry and taro waffles as well. I had to take extra with me to share with everyone at home to enjoy! Great grand opening, we wish great fortune in your new spot!

Good mango cake! I was skeptical because it wasn’t kee wah, but the cake is fluffy moist and flavorful.

California Bakehouse takes over Kee Wah’s spot literally and figuratively. the redo is so fab one’s forgets Kee Wah used to be here.
offerings: cakes, cake slices, mooncakes, vietnamese coffee, chinese/​vietnamese baked items, pandan waffles, egg custards, buns, etc.
eats: taro bun (1)
–fresh, fluffly, just a smear of taro, the real stuff.
–most buns wrapped in plastic for easy handling (1.5+)
–buy 5 buns, get one free.
crumbs:
–pandan green waffles maybe the go to item here.
owner’s family claim to have introduced pandan waffles in the us.
*sample tasted good, wasn’t planning to buy, so passed… other plans…
3.5 stars everything looked fresh.

Time: 11:37am/71°F sunny
Purpose: After leaving Luisa’s around corner a scan of hot & new place nearby reveals CB. It was 900ft away in the same complex. Place not on my list to go yet, but I figure do it while you can. That’s one less when its time.
Set-​up: Located in open strip mall complex with many other businesses. Mostly eatery/​shopping places and a few knick knack shops. Standard dated asian bakery with kitschy décor of the 80s. There’s no seating strictly to stand and eat or take it to go. Place has a stand alone fridge, display lift boxes, L-​shape two tier shelves, altar, two register, blackboard with CB logo, intermittent electronic ad panel, faux marble table top with items wrapped for sale. Shelves along window is a two tier L-​shape shelf with hard plastic pastry case fully open and tag with description/​price. Rest of place same as most other bakeries vibrant colorful goods to get your attention. The smell of fresh baked goods has something to do with how the place is too.
Staff: Two older asian ladies about late 50s. As I walk in one of the ladies had a stare down on me already. I said let me look around. So I walk from end to end. Later, I heard fast footsteps approaching my back. Natural reaction is to turn as fast as you can. You don’t know who or whats gonna happen next. To my surprise, it was the shop lady herself. She yells «no pickiture» around 2 – 3 times, and yes thats her pronunciation. I made a purchase in hopes to slow her down forgetting about ordeal. As soon as I pocket change from transaction, she follows me around the shop. I try to squeeze one final shot of the cold fridge. That’s when she chase me out the shop into company car. Hopefully she’s not the type to copy down plate and report me to social media. Thinking back, that was a close call.
Cleanliness: Grade B+, can’t speculate the back, but front of shop seems clean with a few smudges of cake icing on display glass. The pastry boxes holding items were clean as expected from wrapped goods.
Eats/​Drinks: Onion cheese hot dog bun $ 1.75 didn’t get the BOGO deal because I look mix race. She stated that to other customers in broken english, but me. Why you do that to me lady? I ate it later near end of day and it wasn’t as good Sheng Kee version. As seen and try before, enriched white flour bun with slice scallion and processed hot dog pieces. Taste like what you can get at any asian bakery. Big deal, whoopie!
Main Features: Touts mooncake in box or single purchase.
Products/​Service: Cake, bun, tart, chiffon chocolate roll, sweet rice roll, mooncake, slices, peanut brittle, tiramisu slice, flan, mochi, pandan waffle, cookies, angel cake, cassava etc. 10% off all whole cakes, custom designs, buy 5 GO free.
Punch Lines: Rude and snooty, no seating, no beverages, moderately price, harried staff, kitschy décor, light bites, spotty service, off putting, nothing special, standard baked goods, attitude at the door, sleeper, not as great, go elsewhere, pretentious.
Tradeoffs: Doesn’t sell much single serving slices, but the 10% off whole cake might be a hit or miss. Kinda forcing you to buy whole cake not knowing how it taste. It’s definitely a set up to reap in profits.
Final Thoughts: So, for my 1,400^th review it will be a memorable one. When people ask do you remember your experience on that day? I’ll say sure I do. I was at CB bakery double park in front for a quick look around. While there the owner chase me out the shop for taking pictures. Wow really? Yes, I’m for real here not kidding around. Worst part is that she saw me getting in media vehicle driving off. Are you nervous? Nervous for what? It’s part of the job lol! Not sure how other Unilocalers got pics of shop without being chase out. More power to you guys. I’ll need to tone down on my business attire soon everyone thinks I’m a agent or state worker.

So glad there’s finally a place near me that has a pretty authentic banh kep (green waffle)! Originally, I was devastated to find out Kee Wah closed– but I’d much prefer this over Kee Wah. The family that owns this place also owns a Century Bakery in Grand Century– so you KNOW IT’S LEGIT. Oh man, just thinking about the pandan waffles are making my stomach growl. I will go get one after this review. Darn it, stomach.
They alslo have taro and coconut mochi which are HUGEE and delicious! Ah, okay. bye. Need to go to California Bakehouse now. haha

I was sad to see that Kee Wah was closing, as it was my favorite bakery to get hot dog buns after some Ten Ren. However California Bakehouse did not disappoint. They have a wide selection of sweet and savory buns to try, and the samples of their green waffles were pretty delicious. I bought five items and got the sixth one free! Haven’t tried them all yet, but the ones I did try were pretty good. The buns that they use are sweet and yummy. Also, the workers were attentive and friendly. I’ll likely come back again.

A small baked goods place owned by a Chinese/​Vietnamese family. Got a Pandan bun and a green tea crisp. After i started paying they offered me a green tea waffle fresh from the iron. All pretty tasty. Great little family business offering tasty goods.

I dont usually review but this place was pretty damn good. I was finished eating sushi kai when I noticed this new bakery right next door. I decided to stroll in to see what it was all about. I was pretty full, but everything looked really good. I decided to get a green waffle and I got to say that was the best waffle I’ve ever had. I will definitely be back for more waffles and maybe ill try some baked goods as well.
I want to also note that the quality of the food is very high. Everything is freshly baked and that is very important for a bakery.

Wow what a find!
This place is a newly opened bakery. It was originally another bakery but this one has a much nicer, newer feel. When I walked in I could instantly smell freshly baked goods. The place has a vibrant ambiance with colorful and pleasant decorations. The workers are super nice, and I think I even met the owner. He was nice enough to help me figure out what each different pastry and baked good was.
The quality of the food is delicious. There’s a ton a pastries with lots of savory foods as well. They told me that they were known for their green waffles and I have to agree. They’re absolutely delicious! I love that they make it right then and there and they definitely do it right. Their other baked goods include mochi, breads and other flavored waffles.
Overall this place is great. The workers are extremely nice and friendly. The shop has a cute new look and vibrant ambiance. The best part is, I get delicious waffles for an affordable price.