Ho’s Bakery

Just along Vicar Lane, in Leeds’ mini ‘Chinese quarter’ as it were, you’ll find Ho’s Bakery. I’ve been past a million times at least, and not ventured in, whilst rushing from one place to another but I’ve always fancied a chance at seeing what goodies I could get from here. After dining upstairs at the restaurant, despite being utterly stuffed, my friend and I couldn’t resist the charms of a sweet thing post feed, so popped in for a Sunday afternoon delight.
They were clearly closing up for the day when we nipped in, but were very warm and welcoming, even asking if we’d like to sit in. One look at the counter, and I knew we were in for some serious treats. It’s so hard to pick a cake when you’ve several beautiful visions of gluttony before you. And in such colours. There are pastries, cakes, and all sorts of sugary goodness, adorned with fruit, icing and more. Some cakes have English descriptions, others do not — and it’s the unexplained mystery treats that I want to try next time. We ate our cakes at home that evening, and my word, they were excellent. Soft, layered with icing, not too sweet and very moreish.
Also, having lamented over and over that Leeds was missing Bubble Tea, I find that Ho’s also serves it up. Too. Much. Joy! I didn’t bombard them with excitement like I did the other place I found recently, but that boundless enthusiasm was certainly present within. Less flavour options appear to be available as at the new place I’ve found near St. John’s centre, but I can’t tell you how delicious and divine my Taro flavoured bubble tea drink was from Ho’s. What is Taro? Well, I’d not a clue, but she assured me it was good –and good it was. Excellent in fact. It’s some kind of root plant or something, but the drink itself was purple, and tasted like delicious pudding. Almost bready, but not quite. Sweet and milky and amazing, and the tapioca was perfectly done-​not in the least bit hard.
I’m jealous of my past self, because she had an amazing bubble tea drink, and I do not. The long and short of it is this: there are so many amazing treats in this cute little shop, you have to go and check it out. It mightn’t be decorated too flashy, but your stomach doesn’t care about that. And, the delightfully decorated cakes make up for this, since they’re a veritable feast for your eyes as well as your mouth parts. Yum!

Situated downstairs from Ho’s Chinese Restaurant, the bakery is a separate thing entirely. The interior is very simplistic, school canteen style tables and chairs are more functional than stylish. Enough of this piffle though, let me tell you about the bakery goods. They are absolutely gorgeous and there is such a huge and varied range. From sweet spam or pork filled buns to bean curd cakes, from sweet chicken buns to coconut cake.
My overall favourite is the Po Tart. (Saliva has flooded my mouth, just thinking about it.) It is an individual sized tart with an egg custard filling encased by glazed puff pastry. It is simply divine!
If you require a traditional tea-​room filled with antique furniture and china cups in a picturesque room, Ho’s Bakery is not your place. But if you want the best pastry of your life, I suggest you head down there post haste.