Yen Bakery

Introduction / Overview

For residents of California, particularly those frequenting the renowned Little Saigon district in Westminster, Yen Bakery represents an essential culinary destination. More than just a traditional bakery, this establishment has skillfully combined the demand for authentic Vietnamese baked goods and sandwiches with a modern, specialty tea and fruit drink experience, largely driven by the partnership or location of AAZA Tea within its walls. As one customer noted, the popular tea house is "located inside a banhmi shop but oh man, the fruit teas are BOMB!" This hybrid approach makes Yen Bakery a one-stop-shop for a complete Vietnamese-style meal or snack, whether you're craving a savory lunch, a fluffy steamed bun, or a refreshing, fruit-packed beverage.

Yen Bakery's menu is an expansive showcase of Vietnamese cuisine's diversity. It features a wide variety of Bánh Mì (sandwiches), freshly prepared Steamed Buns with diverse fillings, and an array of traditional desserts and savory "Others" like Phá Lấu (a type of stewed offal) and Vietnamese Beef Stew. Simultaneously, the drinks side—spearheaded by the highly-praised AAZA collection—offers an impressive selection of Oolong Milk Teas, specialty Matchas, and seasonal real fruit blends that perfectly cater to California's love for innovative, refreshing beverages. Patrons who have experienced the quality rave about the drinks, describing them as "spectacular" and "like drinking fruit in a cup," confirming that the establishment maintains "perfection" in quality. Whether you're seeking a quick, authentic breakfast or a place to relax and enjoy a flavorful specialty drink, Yen Bakery offers a large space and a friendly atmosphere right in the heart of Orange County's Vietnamese community.

Location and Accessibility

Yen Bakery is perfectly situated in a high-traffic, accessible location within the cultural heart of Southern California's Little Saigon. This prime spot in Westminster, CA, ensures it is a convenient stop for locals and a must-visit for regional food enthusiasts.

The exact location is: 9302 Bolsa Ave, Westminster, CA 92683, USA.

The location on Bolsa Avenue, one of Little Saigon's main arteries, places it centrally among other popular shopping and dining areas. While specific parking information is not provided, its presence in a bustling commercial area suggests typical neighborhood convenience. One review mentions that the tea house located inside offers a "huge space and plenty of indoor seating," which suggests that it provides a comfortable environment for patrons to relax, distinguishing it from smaller, purely grab-and-go shops in the area. The strategic location is ideal for quick, in-and-out purchases or a leisurely break with friends.

Services Offered

Yen Bakery goes beyond the simple 'Bakery' definition by offering a broad, integrated menu of food, desserts, and specialized beverages designed to cater to various meal times and cravings for the busy California consumer.

The comprehensive services and offerings include:

• Bakery and Sandwich Services: Offering a wide array of Bánh Mì (such as Crispy Pork and House Special) and Steamed Buns (including unique options like Beef & Cheese and Pork + Salted Yolk) suitable for breakfast, lunch, or a hearty snack.

• Full-Service Coffee Bar: Features traditional Vietnamese Coffee alongside creative, modern twists like Salted Cream Coffee, Coconut Coffee, and Avocado Coffee.

• AAZA Specialty Beverage Bar: Provides an extensive menu of contemporary, high-quality fruit-based drinks, Oolong Milk Teas, and Matchas, with a reputation for using fresh, real fruit.

• Traditional Vietnamese Dishes: Serving warm, savory meals like Phá Lấu (stewed offal) and Vietnamese Beef Stew as an 'Others' category, offering a taste of home-style comfort food.

• Desserts and Sweets: A selection of traditional Vietnamese desserts under the 'Aaza' category, including Rau Cau (gelatin/jelly), Flan, and specialized Donuts with fillings like Durian, Oreo, and Custard, providing the perfect sweet finish.

Features / Highlights

Yen Bakery's reputation is built on the strength of its diverse menu and the quality of its specialty items. The highlights represent the best of both traditional Vietnamese cuisine and modern beverage trends that resonate strongly with the California market.

Key features and must-try highlights include:

• The AAZA Real Fruit Drinks: These are a major highlight, celebrated for being "spectacular" and "bursting with flavor." The Seasonal Real Fruit Drinks are consistently praised, with specific recommendations for the Grapefruit Summer, Coconut Jackfruit Pandan, and Mango Coco Pomelo blends, which offer truly refreshing, fruit-forward experiences.

• Innovative Coffee Creations: The coffee menu extends beyond the standard Vietnamese Iced Coffee with unique, creamy options like Salted Cream Coffee and the rich Avocado Coffee, appealing to a sophisticated, flavor-seeking local audience.

• Diverse Steamed Buns (Bánh Bao): Yen Bakery offers creative and classic buns, including savory fillings like Beef & Cheese and traditional options such as Pork + Salted Yolk, providing a range of choices for the ultimate handheld snack.

• Traditional Vietnamese Savory Items: The inclusion of comforting items like Phá Lấu ($8.00) and Vietnamese Beef Stew ($9.99) alongside bakery fare makes it a unique stop for those seeking a more substantial, authentic Vietnamese hot meal.

• Spacious and Relaxing Atmosphere: Despite the co-location with a Bánh Mì shop, the presence of a "huge space and plenty of indoor seating" makes it a perfect, comfortable spot for social gatherings or a quick, relaxing break, a valuable asset in the busy Little Saigon area.

• Unique Desserts: The "Aaza" dessert section features must-try, specialty items like Rau Cau Trái Dừa Lá Dứa (Coconut Pandan Jello/Agar-Agar), a visually stunning and flavorful traditional Vietnamese jelly dessert.

Contact Information

For residents and visitors in California, here is the direct contact information for Yen Bakery in Westminster, CA:

Physical Address: 9302 Bolsa Ave, Westminster, CA 92683, USA

Primary Phone Number: (714) 485-5935

Mobile Phone Number: +1 714-485-5935

What is Worth Choosing

When visiting Yen Bakery in Westminster, the choice is not between food and drink, but an opportunity to enjoy a seamless combination of both, reflecting the best of modern Vietnamese-American culinary trends in California. The sheer breadth of the menu ensures there is something to satisfy every craving, but focusing on their highlighted specialties offers the most rewarding experience.

Firstly, the AAZA Drinks are non-negotiable must-tries. Patrons are "ultra excited" about their "fresh fruit tea and blends" and you should prioritize the signature seasonal drinks like the Grapefruit Summer and the tropical Coconut Jackfruit Pandan. These are fresh, vibrant, and perfectly formulated, serving as an excellent thirst-quenching complement to any food order or a delightful treat on their own. The innovative coffee selections, especially the Avocado Coffee and Salted Cream Coffee, also present a compelling choice for a caffeinated indulgence.

Secondly, while the bakery features a strong lineup of classic Vietnamese items, the Steamed Buns offer an excellent combination of flavor and convenience. The Pork + Salted Yolk is a traditional favorite, and the Beef & Cheese bun offers a unique, fusion option that is hard to find elsewhere. Pairing a hot, fluffy steamed bun with one of the signature cold drinks creates a perfect snack experience.

Finally, for those seeking something savory and substantial, exploring the 'Others' menu is highly recommended. Choosing authentic, hearty options like the Vietnamese Beef Stew or the Phá Lấu provides a true taste of home-style Vietnamese cooking that distinguishes Yen Bakery from a simple sandwich or coffee shop.

In summary, Yen Bakery is worth choosing for its unique and successful integration of an outstanding specialty tea and coffee bar (AAZA) with a robust menu of high-quality Vietnamese bakery essentials and savory comfort foods. For the local California consumer, it offers unparalleled variety and quality in a single, accessible Westminster location.

Yen Bakery

9302 Bolsa Ave, Westminster, CA 92683, USA