'Tis the season for a warm cup of coffee and a delicious pastry. Houston's bakery scene brings together the best ingredients and flavorful influences from every corner of the globe. Whether it is a nod to eating at grandma's breakfast table in Cambodia, Israel, or Mexico combined with traditional baking techniques, the long lines and critical acclaim at each of these bakeries are a testament to their innovation in the kitchen.
The days of easy-to-define baked goods are long gone as bakers are infusing their work with their personalities and lived experiences. Geometric cakes filled with chocolate, jalapeño, and cheese, heirloom corn scones, and kolaches stuffed with beef brisket phở are just a few of the delicacies worth the wait.
Bādolina Bakery & Cafe
Bādolina Bakery & Cafe, brought to life by the James Beard-nominated restaurant group behind Doris Metropolitan, Hamsa, and Októ, has become a favorite for its made-to-order baked goods. The bakery, an expansion of Doris Metropolitan's popular bread program, offers a mix of global flavors with a modern Middle Eastern and Israeli twist. There's always something new to try, from sourdoughs and croissants to babkas and pastries. Their signature coffee, made from custom-roasted beans, pairs perfectly with any pastry.
Bādolina's famous custom cakes require 24 hours' notice, though a few premade options are available daily—if you're lucky enough to grab one before they're gone. Those looking to indulge on Valentine's Day will have the option of mini heart cakes available for takeout, no pre-order needed. badolinabakery.com
Ema
Ema, a Heights cafe recognized as a Bib Gourmand restaurant by the Michelin Guide, opened its first brick-and-mortar location last year. Known for its brunch dishes like chilaquiles and mole, it has also gained acclaim for its pastry program, which was nominated for a James Beard Award in 2024. Highlights include innovative kolaches, conchas, and horchata berlinesas.
The Heights bakery-cafe rotates its pastry offerings, featuring items like matcha tres leches cake and heirloom corn creations. Customers flock for Mexican pastries, salsas, and espresso drinks, with lines forming early for its soft brioche conchas and nostalgic yet inspired flavors. emahtx.com
Koffeteria
Vanarin Kuch, Houston-born and a first-generation Cambodian chef, has gained recognition for his inventive creations at Koffeteria, his East Downtown bakery and coffee shop. A Top Chef: Just Desserts and Chopped competitor, Kuch has developed a cult following with dishes including nacho cheese-stuffed Hot Cheetos croissant and the phở kolache, inspired by Vietnamese noodle soup.
Following his James Beard Award semifinalist nod, Kuch continues to innovate, incorporating Houston's diverse culinary heritage into his menu. Seasonal highlights include creations that are as beautiful as they are tasty, including Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls and Guava Rose & Cheese Danish. koffeteria.com