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Cult-Favorite Win Son Bakery Arrives in the East Village
March 22, 2025, 1:14.09 pm ET

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Photos: Cititour.com

The hype is real—Win Son Bakery has officially landed in Manhattan, and the lines are already forming at its new East Village outpost on 23 Second Avenue. This marks the first expansion beyond its Williamsburg home, where its scallion pancakes have achieved near-mythical status.

First impressions? The space is pristine, bright, and effortlessly cool. A minimalist design keeps the focus on the food, with a front counter showcasing an array of baked goods. Orders are taken here, and if you’re dining in, you’ll receive a number before your meal is delivered on mini metal trays. No plastic utensils in sight—just metal forks, knives, and chopsticks, reinforcing the thoughtful, well-edited experience.

Now, onto the main event: the food. The Shrimp Burger is a must-order—a thick, juicy shrimp patty nestled in a pillowy milk bun, topped with a perfectly fried egg and a swipe of special sauce. It’s rich, indulgent, and downright delicious. The Fried Chicken Thighs, coated in imperial sauce and five spice, strike the perfect balance of crispy and sticky. They’re messy but worth every napkin, served with a choice of seasoned fries or a salad (pro tip: go for the fries).

The menu is a deep dive into Win Son’s signature Taiwanese-American flavors, divided into five categories:

• Scallion Pancakes—stuffed with everything from egg and cheese to pastrami beef tongue.

• Milk Buns—think double-smashed cheeseburgers, veggie burgers, and that standout shrimp burger.

• Sala (Salads)—like a golden sesame Caesar or wasabi-laced greens.

• Xiaochi (Snacks & Street Food)—including a juicy pork rou bao and pork or tofu rice rolls.

• Bian Dang (Bigger Plates)—featuring options like the “Big Chicken Box” and minced pork belly with snow pea leaf salad.

And then there are the pastries—an eclectic, flavor-packed lineup featuring a millet mochi doughnut dusted with ginger, cinnamon, and cardamom, a red date cake, custard toast brûléed to perfection, and pine nut sun cookies. Pair one with a five-spice latte or a fragrant tea, and you’re golden.

Win Son has cracked the code for craveable, wildly satisfying eats. Its expansion into Manhattan is a game-changer, making one of Brooklyn’s most beloved spots more accessible than ever. Expect a wait, but trust us—it’s worth it.


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