The Best Asian Cakes: Our Gourmet Guide

With the endless variety of Asian sweet snacks, it's easy to feel overwhelmed. From crispy Japanese biscuits to melt-in-your-mouth Korean cakes and countless other treats, how do you choose the right one? At Joybuy, we're here to help you navigate this delicious world. This guide showcases today's top picks and gives you the keys to finding the perfect Asian pastry to fall in love with—whether for a unique snack, a comforting break, or to surprise your loved ones with new flavours.

How to Choose the Best Asian Cakes

To make the perfect choice, keep these three criteria in mind. They'll help you narrow down your preferences and find the snack that's truly right for you.

1. Texture: Crunchy or Soft?

This is often the first question that comes to mind. On one hand, you have Japanese biscuits like the famous Hello Panda, offering a light and crunchy experience. On the other, there's a myriad of pastries, especially custard pie style cakes, which are known for their unparalleled Asian-style softness. These are often airy, light sponge cakes, prized for their delicate mouthfeel. So, are you team crunchy or team soft?

2. The Filling: The Delicious Secret

The heart of the cake is often where the magic happens! The cream-filled cake is a timeless classic. The creams come in endless varieties: milk, vanilla, chocolate, or more traditional flavours like matcha and fruit. The consistency of the filling—whether smooth, airy, or dense—defines the cake's character. Be sure to check the filling's flavour to find the perfect match for your palate.

3. The Format: For Any Occasion

Asian sweet snacks are often designed for convenience. Many come in individual packaging, perfect for slipping into a bag to enjoy at the office, at school, or on the go. Others come in family-sized boxes, ideal for sharing or for keeping a strategic stash at home. This is a key factor for families or anyone looking for a simple and effective snack solution.

Our Top Picks: The Asian Cakes We Love

To get your mouth watering, here are three products that perfectly illustrate the richness and quality of Asian sweets.

Meiji Hello Panda Biscuits with Milk Filling 50g

Why we love it: This Japanese biscuit is a true classic. Each small, hollow shortbread is printed with a sporty panda—a playful detail that makes all the difference. Its milk cream centre adds just the right amount of sweetness to balance the biscuit's crunch.

Key features:

• Light and crunchy texture.
• Creamy filling with a sweet milk flavour.
• Fun design that kids love.
• Convenient size for a light snack.

Who is it for?: Ideal for families with children looking for a snack that's as fun as it is tasty, and for anyone feeling nostalgic for this Japanese confectionery classic.

Daliyuan Custard Filled Cake 230g

Why we love it: This cake is the very definition of Asian-style softness. Its texture is so light and airy that it literally melts in your mouth. The generous custard centre adds a delicious and ultra-comforting touch.

Key features:

• Ultra-soft, almost cloud-like texture.
• Rich and smooth custard flavour.
• Practical individual packaging for on-the-go consumption.
• A perfect comfort cake, great with tea or coffee.

Who is it for?: For fans of soft cakes and creamy flavours. The perfect choice for a gentle, nostalgic snack.

Orion Custard Pie 138g (Contains 6 Small Packs)

Why we love it: Orion is a star Korean brand, and its Custard Pie is an absolute bestseller. This Korean cake features a soft sponge cake enclosing a creamy custard-flavoured centre. The balance between the cake and the cream is simply perfect.

Key features:

• A modern classic in Asian pastry.
• Perfect balance between the light sponge and the creamy centre.
• Individually wrapped, making it easy to slip into a bag.
• Versatile: ideal for a quick breakfast, a dessert, or a snack.

Who is it for?: For those who want to discover a must-try Korean cake or who enjoy simple yet flavourful cakes that can be enjoyed any time of day.

Craving Even More Treats?

Our selection is just a taste of the infinite world of Asian sweets. If you love melt-in-your-mouth textures and creamy centres, you're in the right place. To explore an even wider range and find the cake to satisfy all your cravings, discover our complete category of cream-filled biscuits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I buy Asian cakes?

Good news! Asian cakes are becoming easier to find than ever. You can find them in specialised Asian supermarkets, of course, but also on online platforms like Joybuy, which offer a vast selection of imported products delivered right to your door.

What's the difference between a Japanese cake and a Korean cake?

While there's some overlap, a few trends stand out. Traditional Japanese pastry often plays with unique textures like mochi (made from glutinous rice) and subtle flavours like red bean paste (anko). When it comes to modern snacks, biscuits reign supreme. The modern Korean cake, on the other hand, is often represented by pie-style cakes (like the famous Choco Pie or Custard Pie), featuring very light sponge cakes and delicious fillings.

How should I store these sweet snacks?

Most of these cakes store very well at room temperature. To preserve their freshness and texture, it's best to keep them in a cool, dry place away from direct light. Once a package is opened, consume it quickly or seal it tightly to maintain its crunch or softness. And of course, always check the expiration date and storage instructions on the packaging.