Violet's Bake Shoppe
Smells of a morning full of baking provide a nice respite from the clamor of Austin Street. Fresh-baked breads and muffins sit coyly on sheet trays lining the lavender wall of this tiny Asian-inspired pastry shop. Owner and chef Chris Tang opened Violet’s Bake Shoppe last January in a homey space evoking that “Keep Calm and Drink Bubble Tea” credo in even the most recalcitrant customer; offering a wealth of fresh loose teas as well as using pure cane sugar and cream in their bubble teas.
Most mornings Tang can be found firing up authentic Cantonese and Vietnamese baked goods for breakfast before turning his attention to lunch. His current obsession? Perfecting the bánh mì sandwich. Served in a light baguette stuffed with carrots, radish, cucumber and cilantro, with the choice of fish, pork, chicken or veggies—whatever the choice, this bánh mì is sure to soothe lunchtime pangs. When indecision reigns, check out the playful handwritten chalkboard menu for inspiring choices. Enjoy a pleasant morning or afternoon sitting at one of the two tables or at the bar seating in front of the window.
Sip your bubble tea or coffee, eat your bánh mì, or take your favorite pastries to go. Oh, and Violet? She is the owner’s 3-year-old daughter, who regularly comes to taste-test the baked goods to keep standards in tip-top order. And the palate of a child can be the most discerning of all.
