Meili Bakery Amsterdam: Chinese Pastries Worth the Visit

Why Meili Bakery Stands Out on Haarlemmerdijk

Amsterdam has no shortage of cute cafes, but Meili Bakery on Haarlemmerdijk is doing something distinctly its own. The entire concept is rooted in Chinese baking traditions — not a fusion pastry shop chasing trends, but a focused, craft-driven Asian bakery Amsterdam where the menu rotates daily and everything is made fresh on-site each morning. The result is a place that feels alive: what you find one week may not be there the next.

The space itself is small — genuinely small. We're talking a handful of seats, and they fill up fast. If you want to sit down and eat in, arrive early or you'll be taking your buns to go. Which, for the record, is not a consolation prize — the pastries travel perfectly in their paper bags, and Haarlemmerdijk is a beautiful stretch to eat and walk. The vibe is warm and unfussy, with a quiet confidence in everything that comes out of that kitchen.

What We Tried — And Would Order Again

Let's talk about the food, because that's really the reason you're here. Our standout — and we genuinely did not see it coming — was the **rose bergamot cream bun**. Floral, creamy, and delicate without being fussy. It's the kind of thing that makes you pause mid-bite and look at your friend like *did you taste that?*

The **matcha lava bun** is a must-try for matcha lovers: soft and pillowy on the outside, with a properly creamy matcha lava filling that walks the line between rich and light. For something with a little heat, the **Sichuan pepper cookies** are a fun departure — a little spice, a little sweet, and completely unlike anything else in Amsterdam.

On the day we visited, the daily special was a **potatoes and octopus bun** — a rotating savoury option that changes regularly. The display also featured a matcha cake and a melon cake. The menu at Meili Bakery Amsterdam keeps you on your toes, which is half the charm of coming back.