Custard Cakes and Asian Pastries: A Buyer’s Guide

Asian cuisine is on the rise, and its desserts are no exception. Among them, the custard cake is particularly intriguing with its creamy flavours and sometimes surprising textures. But between the different types of pastry, original fillings like taro or salted egg yolk, and the multitude of formats, it can be hard to know where to start.

Our guide is here to demystify this delicious world and help you choose the filled Asian pastry that will delight your taste buds—all without the marketing fluff.

Buyer's Guide: Finding the Right Custard Cake for You

To make the right choice, here are the key criteria to keep in mind.

1. The Filling: Beyond Classic Custard

The term "custard" refers to a smooth cream, often egg-based, but Asian variations are far more creative.

• Traditional custard: Sweet and creamy, it's similar to pastry cream, with a distinct egg flavour.
• Salted egg yolk: This is the star ingredient in many pastries. The salted egg yolk pastry offers a particularly addictive sweet-and-salty contrast. After being cured in salt, the egg yolk develops an umami flavour and a sandy texture that balances the overall sweetness.
• Taro or sweet potato: These root vegetables provide a natural sweetness and a dense, almost velvety texture, enhanced with subtle earthy notes.

2. The Texture: From Soft to Flaky

The pastry shell is just as important as its filling. There are three main types of dough:

• Soft pastry: Similar to a sponge cake, it is light and airy. A comforting and straightforward choice.
• Flaky or shortcrust pastry: More crumbly and buttery, it provides a delicate crunch that contrasts with the melting centre.
• Glutinous rice dough (mochi): Often incorporated into the filling, it offers that characteristically elastic and soft texture known as "chewy".

3. The Format: On-the-Go Snack or Dessert to Prepare?

The format will also depend on the occasion. An individually wrapped Asian sweet snack is perfect for a quick treat on the go. In contrast, frozen products that need to be fried or baked, like sesame balls, become a warm and comforting dessert, ideal for sharing.

Filled Asian Cakes and Pastries

Here are a few recommended options, each offering a distinct tasting experience.

Lao Xian Sheng Taro Custard Pastry, 320g

Why it stands out: This pastry is a true multi-layered experience of flavours and textures. The sweetness of taro, the chewiness of mochi, and the savoury salted egg yolk centre create a surprising and addictive balance.

Key features:

• Generous taro filling (≥26%) for an authentic taste.
• Dual filling of mochi and salted egg yolk for a delightful interplay of textures.
• Golden, crispy pastry, sprinkled with sesame seeds.
• Ready to eat right out of the package.

Who is it for?: For the adventurous eater who isn't afraid of bold combinations and multiple textures.

Xuan Ma Custard Filled Pastry (Purple Sweet Potato Flavour) 55g x 6

Why it stands out: This pastry showcases purple sweet potato, with its smooth purée enveloping a salted egg yolk centre. Its butter-rich dough is both crumbly and melt-in-your-mouth.

Key features:

• Filling made with purple sweet potato purée for a creamy sweetness.
• A salted egg yolk centre for a savoury touch that elevates the flavour.
• A surprising layer of mochi for a chewy texture.
• Rich, buttery dough that crumbles delicately.

Who is it for?: For lovers of flaky, buttery pastries who enjoy gentle, earthy flavours enhanced with a hint of salt.

CHINATOWN Sesame Balls filled with Custard Cream 228g

Why it stands out: This frozen dessert allows you to prepare a warm, nostalgic treat in minutes. Once fried, these balls reveal a crispy exterior and an ultra-runny molten custard centre.

Key features:

• "Lava cake" style custard filling that becomes liquid when cooked.
• Contrast between the crispy exterior (sesame seeds) and the chewy glutinous rice dough.
• Quick to prepare in a deep fryer or an air fryer.
• Perfect for an original dessert or snack.

Who is it for?: For fans of warm desserts and playful textures who want to recreate the pleasure of an Asian restaurant dessert at home.

Daliyuan Filled Custard Cake 230g

Why it stands out: This Chinese custard cake is a simple and effective classic. It consists of a very light and airy sponge cake filled with a thin layer of custard-flavoured cream.

Key features:

• Ultra-soft sponge cake texture.
• Creamy filling with a rich egg flavour for 100% comfort.
• Individually wrapped, perfect for on-the-go or for kids' lunch boxes.
• Ready to eat with no preparation needed.

Who is it for?: For families and anyone looking for a simple, light, and portable snack with the nostalgic taste of a childhood cake.

Craving Other Flavours?

The world of Asian sweets extends far beyond custard. Fruity mochi, traditional mooncakes, crunchy biscuits... a multitude of treasures are waiting for you.

To expand your culinary horizons, explore our complete selection of pastries and desserts.

Frequently Asked Questions about Custard Cake

What makes an Asian custard cake different from a French pastry?

The main difference lies in the ingredients and flavours. Asian pastries often incorporate rice flour (for mochi) or purées of root vegetables (taro, sweet potato) in their fillings. They are also distinguished by bold sweet-and-salty combinations, like the salted egg yolk pastry, which are much less common in classic French baking.

How should I store these filled Asian pastries?

It all depends on the product. Dry, individually wrapped cakes can be stored in a cool, dry cupboard. For frozen products like the CHINATOWN sesame balls, they must be kept in the freezer until you're ready to cook them. In any case, the easiest way is to follow the instructions on the packaging.

Is the salted egg yolk pastry very salty?

No, not at all. The taste is not comparable to a savoury cracker. The salted egg yolk acts as a flavour enhancer, much like a pinch of sea salt on a chocolate dessert. It adds a rich, complex flavour (umami) and a sandy texture that balances the sweetness of the filling. It's a subtle balance, not an overwhelming saltiness.