Hong Kong’s pastry scene has been swept by an irresistible trend, as bakeries across the city reinvent traditional nian gao (glutinous rice cake) with a buttery, golden-crisp crust and chewy interior. From heritage bakeries to trendy newcomers, at least six establishments have launched their own versions in 2026, offering flavors ranging from classic butter to viral Dubai chocolate and savory salted egg yolk. Here is everything you need to know about the city’s most talked-about sweet indulgence.
The Rise of Butter Nian Gao
For decades, nian gao has been a staple of Lunar New Year celebrations, typically steamed and sliced into pan-fried pieces. But this year, Hong Kong bakers are elevating the humble dessert by baking it into individual portions with a caramelized, cookie-like exterior—earning it the nickname “butter nian gao.” The result is a texture that shatters upon first bite, then gives way to a soft, chewy center that pastry lovers cannot get enough of.
What began as a niche offering in a few specialty shops has exploded into a full-blown trend, with bakeries competing to outdo one another with inventive flavors, eye-catching shapes, and even healthier formulations. Sales data from major bakery chains suggest that butter nian gao has become one of the top-selling seasonal items in mid-2026, driven by social media buzz and word-of-mouth recommendations.
1. 初麥 (Jake n’ Me Bakery): The Crunch Champion
Known for its “extreme crispy crust,” 初麥 in North Point and Causeway Bay has built a loyal following around its signature butter nian gao. The exterior is baked to a deep golden brown, producing a satisfying crunch with every bite. Classic flavors include original, oolong tea, and Earl Grey, but the Causeway Bay branch has debuted a Dubai chocolate variant—rich cocoa blended with pistachio and crunchy kataifi-like threads. This flavor has quickly become a must-try for adventurous dessert fans.
Locations: North Point (485 King’s Road) | Causeway Bay (475 Hennessy Road)
2. 享樂烘焙 (LY Bakery): Caramel Allure
With five outlets across Hong Kong—including New Kowloon, Kowloon Bay, Lai Chi Kok, Yuen Long, and Tsuen Wan—享樂烘焙 has become a household name. Their butter nian gao is shaped like a scallop shell and distinguished by a subtle caramelized sugar topping that adds depth to the buttery aroma. The texture is chewy and resilient, rewarding those who take their time to savor each bite.
Locations: Kowloon Bay (Eastmark, 21 Sheung Yuet Road) | San Po Kong (3 Tai Yau Street) | Cheung Sha Wan (83 King Lam Street) | Tsuen Wan (152 Tsuen Wan Market Street) | Yuen Long (Yoho Mall I, 9 Long Yat Road)
3. 嘉多娜餅屋 (Kadora Bakery): Four Bold Flavors
嘉多娜餅屋, the bakery that once made headlines for its French custard buns, has applied the same culinary creativity to butter nian gao. They now offer four distinct flavors: original, Dubai pistachio, black sesame, and salted egg yolk lava. The salted egg yolk version delivers a surprising sweet-savory contrast, while the pistachio variant is generously packed with nutty richness. Both flavors are intense—so much so that they may slightly overshadow the butter base—making them ideal for those who prefer bold tastes.
Locations: Yau Ma Tei (54 Pitt Street) | Jordan (Man Ying Building, 1 Wah Kwai Street) | Ho Man Tin (69C Waterloo Road) | Mong Kok (7 Soares Avenue)
4. 喜承烘焙 (Hei Shing Bakery): Health-Conscious Indulgence
Located in To Kwa Wan, 喜承烘焙 stands out for its low-sugar, low-oil approach. The owner spent months refining the recipe to create a butter nian gao that is neither greasy nor overly sweet, appealing to those who usually shy away from rich desserts. Despite the reduced fat and sugar, the exterior remains perfectly crisp. The texture is notably non-sticky—unlike many traditional versions—and the butter flavor emerges gradually rather than hitting all at once. Their Dubai pistachio crunch variant adds a savory, crispy element that enhances the overall experience.
Location: To Kwa Wan (78 To Kwa Wan Road)
5. FriendshipMarket: Young, Bold, and Filled with Surprises
A new brand under the FreshFresh umbrella, FriendshipMarket targets younger consumers with an edgy, indulgent lineup. Their butter nian gao comes in three flavors: original, Dubai pistachio crunch, and peanut brittle. The original version features a lightly toasted crust and an intensely buttery taste. The pistachio option is loaded with crispy strands for extra texture, while the peanut brittle variant is generously layered with peanut butter, delivering a sweet yet not cloying finish—perfect for die-hard peanut fans.
Locations: Admiralty (Admiralty MTR Station, Shop 26-27) | Tsim Sha Tsui East (East Tsim Sha Tsui MTR Station, Shop ETS 20)
6. 泰興餅店: The Budget King
Tsuen Wan’s 泰興餅店 has taken the city by storm, not with gourmet ingredients but with an unbeatable price point. At just HK$4 per piece, their scallop-shaped butter nian gao offers exceptional value. Despite the low cost, the baking technique is precise—each piece emerges with a perfectly crunchy shell and a soft, chewy interior. For those seeking maximum bang for their buck, 泰興餅店 is the undisputed champion.
Location: Tsuen Wan (50 Hoi Pa Street, Moon Lok Dai Ha)
What This Trend Means for Hong Kong’s Food Culture
The butter nian gao phenomenon reflects a broader shift in Hong Kong’s culinary landscape: traditional foods are being reinvented for modern palates without losing their cultural roots. Bakeries are experimenting with cross-cultural flavors like Dubai chocolate and salted egg yolk, appealing to both locals and tourists seeking novel experiences.
At the same time, price competitiveness remains a key factor. While some bakeries charge premium prices for artisanal products, others like 泰興餅店 prove that quality does not have to come at a high cost. This diversity ensures that butter nian gao remains accessible to everyone, from office workers seeking a quick snack to families buying in bulk for gatherings.
How to Choose Your Butter Nian Gao
When selecting a butter nian gao, consider your priorities:
- For the crispiest exterior: Start with 初麥.
- For distinct caramel notes: Try 享樂烘焙.
- For bold, unconventional flavors: Head to 嘉多娜餅屋.
- For a lighter, healthier option: Visit 喜承烘焙.
- For fun textures and peanut lovers: Check out FriendshipMarket.
- For unbeatable value: 泰興餅店 is your best bet.
As the craze shows no signs of slowing down, more bakeries are likely to join the bandwagon in the coming months. Whether you are a lifelong fan of nian gao or a curious newcomer, now is the perfect time to explore Hong Kong’s most exciting sweet treat of 2026.