Saint Anna Bakery: Authentic Hong Kong & Shanghai Cuisine in Chicago's Chinatown

Saint Anna Bakery Introduce

Introduction / Overview

For residents across Illinois seeking an authentic and delicious taste of classic Hong Kong and Shanghai cuisine,

Saint Anna Bakery

stands out as an essential destination in Chicago's vibrant Chinatown. More than just a traditional bakery, this local favorite functions as a true Cantonese-style cafe, offering an extensive menu that seamlessly blends fresh baked goods with satisfying savory dishes and specialty beverages.

Saint Anna Bakery

is celebrated for its commitment to low prices and high authenticity, making it a beloved institution by long-time locals and a popular stop for tourists exploring the city. It’s the kind of place where you can grab a quick, fresh breakfast treat, a full bowl of comforting congee, or an afternoon snack alongside an authentic Hong Kong-Style Milk Tea.

Customers consistently praise the establishment for its excellent value and the genuine, home-style flavor of its offerings. The staff are noted for being

always very nice and quick

, ensuring a pleasant and efficient experience, even when a line forms. Whether you're craving a sweet, crumbly Egg Tart or an authentic serving of Xiao Long Bao,

Saint Anna Bakery

provides a true culinary experience right here in Illinois.

Location and Accessibility

Saint Anna Bakery

is perfectly situated in the heart of one of Illinois’s most famous culinary districts: Chicago's Chinatown.

Address:

2158 S Archer Ave, Chicago, IL 60616, USA

This prime location on Archer Avenue makes it easily accessible from various points across the city and suburbs. It's a fantastic spot to visit before, during, or after exploring the rest of Chinatown.

Accessibility and Planning:

Service is primarily focused on
Takeout
, catering to customers grabbing a quick treat or meal on the go.
The atmosphere is optimized for a
Quick visit
, ideal for busy individuals or those making a brief stop.
The only supported payment method is
Cash-only
, though the bakery now allows card payments for orders of
$10 and up
with a 3% processing fee. It is highly recommended for Illinois patrons to bring cash, as the individual item prices are exceptionally low.
The bakery is a popular choice for
Breakfast
, offering a wide variety of items from early in the day.

Services Offered

The menu at

Saint Anna Bakery

extends well beyond typical baked goods, offering a comprehensive array of savory meals and authentic Hong Kong cafe favorites.

Authentic Baked Goods and Pastries: Offering traditional Cantonese favorites such as highly-rated
Egg Tarts
and various kinds of soft, sweet buns. The bakery’s fresh-baked bread is also used to create popular items like
French Toast
.
Savory & Sweet Buns/Rolls: Includes items essential to the HK cafe experience like various steamed or baked buns, which are perfect for a snack or light meal.
Hong Kong-Style Noodles and Soups: Serving classic dishes like
Wonton Noodle Soup
with a choice of noodles (Rice, Udon, Vermicelli, Ramen, Macaroni, Spaghetti), as well as
Hot & Sour Noodle Soup
and
Shanghai-Style Noodle Soup
.
Rice Porridge (Congee / Jook): A comforting and traditional Chinese breakfast or light meal, available in several varieties including
Sliced Pork & Preserved Duck Egg
,
Sliced Beef
, and
Sliced Chicken
.
Steamed Rice Crepe (Cheung Fun): Delicate, rolled rice noodles with fillings like
Shrimp
,
Beef
, and
Roasted Pork
, served either steamed or
Pan Fried
.
Shanghai Specialties: A dedicated section featuring regional dishes like
Xiao Long Bao Soup Dumplings
,
Stir Fried Rice Cake
,
Peking-Style Zhajiangmian Noodle
, and classic entrees like
Sweet & Sour Pork
.
Specialty Hong Kong Drinks: Offering
Coffee
,
Tea
, and the essential
Hong Kong-Style Milk Tea
(hot or iced), plus unique blends like
Yin Yang: Tea & Coffee Mixed
.
Fresh Fruit Smoothies: A vibrant selection of smoothies including exotic fruit options like
Mango
,
Avocado
, and
Papaya
, with the option to
Mix two fruits for the same price
.
Savory Snacks and Combos: Quick, affordable meal sets like
Fried Pork Chop + French Fries + Soda
and
Curry Beef Stick Or Chicken Stick + French Fries + Soda
.
Roasted Meats: The bakery has recently expanded its offerings to include the popular Cantonese roasted meats, such as
BBQ Pork and Roasted Duck
, which customers describe as
legit
.

Features / Highlights

Saint Anna Bakery

is not just a place to eat; it's a piece of authentic Chinese culture in Illinois, defined by these key features.

Incredible Affordability: Prices are notably low across the entire menu, allowing Illinois locals to enjoy a full, authentic meal or a satisfying snack without breaking the bank. As noted by customers,
prices are so low, anyone should have enough change on them to snag a snack here
.
Authentic Hong Kong-Style Baking: The bakery is renowned for its genuinely authentic Hong Kong-style baked goods, from the signature
Egg Tarts
(loved by children and adults alike) to the savory-sweet
BBQ Pork Buns (Cha Siu Bao)
that are perfect for an on-the-go meal.
The Full Hong Kong Cafe Experience: Unlike many bakeries that only offer sweets, Saint Anna provides a complete range of savory dishes—Congee, Noodles, Soup Dumplings (
Xiao Long Bao
), and full Shanghai-style entrees—making it a perfect spot for any meal of the day.
High-Quality, Traditional Drinks: The
Iced Hong Kong-Style Milk Tea
and the option to add
Boba Pearl
are essential features, providing an authentic beverage pairing for the food.
Legitimate Cantonese Roast Meats: A recent, highly-praised addition of **BBQ Pork and Roasted Duck** has significantly broadened the menu, thrilling long-time customers who confirm the quality is
legit
.

Contact Information

To plan your visit or inquire about the daily baked specials at this authentic Chinatown spot, here is the official contact information for

Saint Anna Bakery

Address:

2158 S Archer Ave, Chicago, IL 60616, USA

Phone:

(312) 225-3168

+1 312-225-3168

Remember the best way to be prepared for a quick, hassle-free transaction is to bring cash, especially for purchases under $10, to avoid the small credit card processing fee.

What is worth choosing

For Illinois residents,

Saint Anna Bakery

is an exceptional choice for three compelling reasons: **Value, Culture, and Comprehensive Menu.**

The **Value** offered here is simply unmatched in many parts of the city. With low, everyday prices on authentic items, you can experience a variety of dishes—a sweet pastry, a savory bun, and a cold drink—for the price of a single item at other establishments. It’s the perfect place to explore new flavors without a large commitment.

The **Culture** is palpable. Visiting

Saint Anna Bakery

is an authentic experience of a classic Hong Kong-style bakery and cafe. It’s a genuine slice of culinary heritage in Chicago's Chinatown, where the quality of the food—from the flaky

Egg Tarts

to the comforting

Congee

—speaks for itself. The authenticity of their offerings, right down to the

Hong Kong-Style Milk Tea

, provides a rewarding cultural experience.

Finally, the **Comprehensive Menu** ensures that no craving goes unsatisfied. The extensive menu caters to every taste, whether you are in the mood for a sweet treat, a light snack, a hearty bowl of soup, a full Shanghai-style entree, or even freshly roasted meats. The ability to buy a delicious bao bun for $1.95 while also having access to

legit BBQ pork

and

Xiao Long Bao

is what makes

Saint Anna Bakery

an enduring and highly-recommended local gem in Illinois.

Saint Anna Bakery Menu

Appetizers
French Toast * Made From Our Fresh Baked Bread $2.00
Pan Fried Dumplings $3.25
(3 pieces)
Deep Fried Chicken Wings $3.50
(6 pieces)
French Fries $2.00
Chicken Wings (4 Pieces) & French Fries $4.75
Curry Fish Meatballs $3.50
Curry Fish Meatballs & Pork Meatballs $3.50
Bok Choy With Oyster Sauce $4.00
Pork Feet & Vegetables $7.00
Beef Stew & Vegetables $7.00
Beef Tripe & Vegetables $7.00

Congee / Jook
(Rice porridge)
Fish $4.00
Sliced Beef $4.00
Minced Beef $4.00
Sliced Pork & Preserved Duck Egg $4.00
Sliced Chicken $4.00
Minced Pork $4.00
Plain Congee $2.00

Steamed Rice Crepe
Shrimp $2.75
Beef $2.75
Shrimp & Beef $2.75
Roasted Pork $2.75
Dried Shrimp & Green Onion - Steamed $2.75
Dried Shrimp & Green Onion - Pan Fried $2.75
Fried Dough Cruller $2.75
Vegetable $2.75

Specials & Tastes Of Shanghai
Scallion Pancake $3.00
(2 pieces)
Homemade Pot Stickers $3.25
(3 pieces)
Shanghai Egg Rolls $3.50
(2 pieces)
Xiao Long Bao Soup Dumplings $5.95
(6 pieces)
Sweet Red Bean Pancake $5.95
Shanghai-Style Noodle Soup $5.45
Hot & Sour Soup $5.45
Hot & Sour Noodle Soup $5.45
Pork & Pickle Mustard Green In Noodle Soup $5.45
Peking-Style Zhajiangmian Noodle $5.45
Shanghai Fried Pork Chop In Noodle Soup $5.45
Onion Marinated Ribs With Rice $5.95
Stir Fried Rice Cake $7.95
Stir Fried Rice Cake With Pork & Pickle Mustard Green $7.95
Shanghai-Style Chow Mein $7.95
Twice Cooked Pork $7.95
Sweet & Sour Pork $9.90
Egg Tofu With Mushrooms & Vegetables $7.95
Beef Ribs In Black Pepper Sauce $11.95
Pan Fried Shrimp $11.95
Shrimp With Green Peas $11.95
Eggplant In Spicy Garlic Sauce With Shredded Pork $9.90
Eggplant In Spicy Garlic Sauce With Chicken $9.90
Eggplant In Spicy Garlic Sauce With Beef $11.95
Eggplant In Spicy Garlic Sauce With Shrimp $11.95

Fried Dough
(Beef) $3.75
(Shrimp) $3.75
(Roast Pork) $3.75
(Fried Dough) $3.75

Bun + Congee
(Shedded Chicken) $4.75
(Minced Beef Meat Ball) $4.75
(Preserved Egg With Pork) $4.75

Wonton Noodle Soup
(Rice Noodle) $4.75
(Udon Noodle) $4.75
(Vermicelli Noodle) $4.75
(Ramen Noodle) $4.75
(Macaroni Pasta) $4.75
(Spaghetti Pasta) $4.75

Wonton Noodle Soup - (Noodle Soup)
Choice of noodle
(Wonton) $4.75
(Beef Stew) $4.75
(Pork Chop) $4.75
(Beef Varieties) $4.75
(Pork Meat Ball) $4.75
(Fish Ball & Meat Ball) $4.75

Hot Beverages
Coffee $1.00
Tea $1.00
Lemon Tea $1.25
Ovaltine $1.25
Hot Chocolate $1.25
Hong Kong-Style Milk Tea $1.50
Honey Lemon Tea $1.50

Cold Beverages
Iced Hong Kong-Style Milk Tea $2.45
(16oz)
Iced Hong Kong-Style Milk Tea With Boba Pearl $2.95
(20oz)
Iced Lemon Tea $2.45
Iced Coffee $2.45
Iced Lemonade $2.45
Iced Honey Lemonade $2.45
Yin Yang: Tea & Coffee Mixed $2.45
Soda $1.00
(Can)

Fresh Fruit Smoothies
Mix two fruits for the same price
Strawberry
Mango
Honeydew
Avocado
Cantalopue
Papaya
Banana
Watermelon

Traditional Smoothies
Mix two fruits for the same price
Red Bean
Longan
Peach
Pineapple
Coconut
Lychee
Grass Jelly

Others
Curry Beef Stick Or Chicken Stick + French Fries + Soda $4.75
Satay Beef Stick Or Chicken Stick + French Fries + Soda $4.75
Fried Pork Chop + French Fries + Soda $4.75
Fried Fish Fillet + French Fries + Soda $4.75
Chicken Tenderloin W/ Punch Sauce + French Fries + Soda $4.75
Beef Tenderloin W/ Tomato Sauce + French Fries + Soda $4.75
Chicken Wing (4) + French Fries + Soda $4.75
French Toast + Soda $3.25
Sandwich $3.25
Egg / beef / chicken / ham / spam

Saint Anna Bakery Details

Service options
Takeout

Offerings
Coffee

Dining options
Breakfast

Planning
Quick visit

Payments
Cash-only

Saint Anna Bakery Photos

Saint Anna Bakery Location

Saint Anna Bakery

Illinois Cook County Chicago Armour Square South Archer Avenue

2158 S Archer Ave, Chicago, IL 60616, USA

Saint Anna Bakery Reviews

An average rating of ★4.5 from 296 user reviews.

egg tartscashchinesehong kong milk teadrinkscrustbbq pork bunred beansponge cakepineapple bun

★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1

Been coming here forever!They used to be cash only but now its $10 and up with 3% credit card process fee. Prices are so low you should be able to have cash but with more and more tourists I get it.The staffs are always very nice and quick even if there is a lineA lot of delicious and very authentic hong kong style bakery and drinks!My kids love the egg tarts here!Last but not least, the main reason after so many yrs I finally giving a review it is because all of a sudden they offer bbq pork and roasted duck! And its legit!
September 09 · Sum Lau
Visited Chinatown Chicago, and stopped at Saint Anna’s. Although they are cash only, prices are so low, anyone should have enough change on them to snag a snack here. We stopped in for a breakfast treat. The service was quick, no line. Chinatown here didn’t wake up until later it seemed, when we were there at 10, shops were mainly still opening. My mango smoothie was delicious, for $3.50. Some bao buns cost us only $1.95. Definitely visit here on your next trip!
May 25 · McKenzie Hagenbuch
A must visit if you want to experience a delicious and 100% authentic Hong Kong style bakery and Cafe. The staffs are super nice, just like the aunts you have in the family.
August 19 · Nana Sang
absolutely incredible bakery! there’s a few bakeries around chinatown and we almost went into a different one, but i’m so glad this is the one we chose. i got custard bun, ham and green onion bun, and red bean moon cake, and my spouse got the hot dog bun (not pictured) and a coffee, and it was only $16. just a ton of food for such a good price. the service was polite, and i was recommended the red bean moon cake by the woman at the counter, which i did not regret! every single item was delicious. definitely a must-visit.
September 06 · a b (T00MUCHD0G)
This place may be old, but the service is amazing and the food is delicious. I would recommend the egg tarts. This is an absolute must try!
July 23 · Estrella