An Insider Guide To The 85 Degrees Menu
There are bakeries, and then there is 85°C. It’s a space that operates on a different frequency, a culinary playground where the scent of freshly baked bread and brewing espresso hangs in the air like a bespoke fragrance. This isn’t just a place to grab a quick coffee. It’s a cultural touchstone, a phenomenon that has redefined the modern bakery experience. The brand’s ascent is part of a larger, fascinating story about the rise of Asian bakeries and their incredible influence on the American palate. For anyone who has stood before its gleaming display cases, a pair of tongs in one hand and a tray in the other, the sheer variety can be both thrilling and a little overwhelming.
This is your definitive guide to navigating the 85 Degrees menu. We’re not just listing items; we’re curating an experience. From the cult-favorite breads and architectural cakes to the precisely brewed teas and coffees, consider this your field manual to making the perfect choice every time. Whether you’re a seasoned regular or a curious first-timer, you’ll walk away knowing exactly what to order.
The Art of Bread A Masterclass in Texture
The foundation of 85°C is its bread. This is where the magic begins, in the delicate balance of Japanese, Taiwanese, and European baking traditions. The texture is key—a signature softness, an ethereal cloud-like quality that distinguishes these creations from their Western counterparts. Yet, within this softness lies a world of complexity.
Spicy Sausage Bread Let’s start with a legend. The Spicy Sausage bread is a masterwork of savory satisfaction. A premium sausage, with just the right amount of snap, is nestled in a pillowy bun. But the artistry is in the details: a lattice of melted cheese provides a rich, salty counterpoint, while a final drizzle of Sriracha mayo delivers a warm, lingering heat. It’s a complete, handheld meal that feels both comforting and decidedly modern.
Boroh Cream Puff This is a study in contrasts. The exterior is a crackled, golden crust—a delicate shell that gives way to an airy, sweet bread. Inside, a generous filling of sweet milk butter awaits. The experience is a journey of textures, from the initial crispness of the crust to the soft bread and the smooth, decadent cream. It’s a classic for a reason, a testament to the idea that simple concepts executed perfectly can be revolutionary.
Guava Cream Cheese Pastry For something that leans into the unexpected, the Guava Cream Cheese pastry is essential. Flaky, buttery layers of pastry shatter with each bite, revealing a vibrant core of sweet guava paste and tangy cream cheese. The tropical brightness of the guava cuts through the richness of the dairy, creating a balanced and sophisticated flavor profile. It feels like a vacation in pastry form.
Shoring Up Your Savory Options While the sweet options often get the spotlight, the savory side of the menu is just as compelling. The Ham & Cheese bun is a timeless classic elevated by the bakery’s signature soft dough. For something more uniquely Asian, the Dry Shredded Pork bun offers a fascinating mix of salty, savory, and slightly sweet notes, with a feathery texture that melts in your mouth. These breads serve as excellent snacks or the base for an inspired sandwich.
The Centerpiece Cakes and Desserts
The cakes at 85°C are architectural marvels. They are designed to be the focal point of any celebration, from a birthday to a simple Tuesday afternoon that needs a lift. Visually stunning and texturally complex, these are not your average supermarket sheet cakes.
Ube Brulee Sponge Cake Ube, the vibrant purple yam from the Philippines, has become a global sensation, and 85°C’s Ube Brulee is a brilliant showcase of its appeal. Layers of delicate ube-infused sponge cake are separated by a creamy, luscious brulee filling. The flavor is subtle, nutty, and slightly floral, a stark contrast to the aggressive sweetness of many Western desserts. The cake is crowned with a light whipped cream, a final touch of elegance that makes it a true showstopper.
Mango Crème Brûlée This dessert is pure sunshine. A buttery graham cracker crust provides the foundation for a silky, smooth mango cheesecake. Topped with a glistening layer of mango jelly and fresh fruit, it’s a vibrant explosion of tropical flavor. The richness of the cheesecake is perfectly balanced by the bright, tangy notes of the mango. Each spoonful is a reminder of warm days and effortless indulgence.
Classic Tiramisu A good tiramisu is a thing of beauty, and the version here is exceptional. Layers of coffee-soaked ladyfingers are enveloped in a rich, velvety mascarpone cream. A dusting of premium cocoa powder on top adds a touch of bitterness that grounds the entire dessert. It’s a sophisticated, adult treat that demonstrates the bakery’s command of classic European techniques. It’s the perfect accompaniment to a strong espresso, a moment of quiet refinement.
Liquid Assets The Drink Menu
The beverage program at 85°C is as thoughtfully curated as its bakery offerings. The name itself is a nod to the perfect brewing temperature for coffee, so you know they take their drinks seriously. From robust espressos to inventive fruit teas, there is a drink for every mood and every pastry.
The Sea Salt Cream Sensation Perhaps the most iconic beverage is the Sea Salt Coffee. A chilled, robust Americano is topped with a thick, creamy layer of sea salt-infused foam. The initial hit of salty cream gives way to the bold, clean flavor of the coffee beneath. It’s an unexpected combination that works brilliantly, creating a drink that is both refreshing and deeply satisfying. For the non-coffee drinker, the Matcha Latte with sea salt cream offers a similar experience, swapping the coffee’s bitterness for the earthy, grassy notes of high-quality matcha.
Espresso and Lattes The espresso game is strong. The beans are high-quality, and the baristas are well-trained. A classic latte is always a good choice, but the specialty options are where things get interesting. The Brown Sugar Oat Latte has a comforting, caramelized sweetness, with a hint of cinnamon that makes it feel like a warm hug. When the seasons change, look for limited-time offerings like the Pumpkin Spice Latte, a well-balanced take on the autumnal favorite.
Teas, Smoothies, and Fusions The tea selection is expansive. The Jasmine Green Tea is a fragrant, delicate option that cleanses the palate, making it a great partner for a sweeter pastry. For something more substantial, the Mango Smoothie is a thick, luscious blend of fruit, coconut milk, and chewy konjac pearls. It’s a drink that feels both healthy and indulgent. While their expertise is clearly in the realm of coffee and tea, it’s a focused menu. If your tastes later in the evening run toward something with a bit more of a kick, like a cocktail built around tequila, you’ll find that some moments demand a completely different kind of experience, perhaps even a flaming margaritas menu.
The Insider Edit Curated Top Picks
For the uninitiated, the wall of options can be daunting. Here are the three items that offer the quintessential 85°C experience—a curated flight of the bakery’s best work.
- Marble Taro Bread: This is arguably the most beloved item on the menu. The striking purple and white swirl of the bread hints at the treasure within: a sweet, creamy taro filling. The bread itself is impossibly soft, and the taro paste is nutty and satisfying. It’s a perfect introduction to the brand’s unique flavor profile.
- Sea Salt Coffee: You simply have to try it. It’s the drink that put 85°C on the map for many people. The salty-sweet combination is a revelation, a testament to the brand’s innovative spirit.
- Mango Crème Brûlée Slice: It’s a perfect single-serving dessert that encapsulates the bakery’s approach: high-quality ingredients, beautiful presentation, and a balance of flavors that feels both sophisticated and immensely gratifying.
The Art of Gifting Box Sets and Occasions
85°C understands the power of a shared experience. Their curated box sets are designed for exactly that, transforming a simple bakery run into a thoughtful gift. Whether you’re trying to win over new clients at the office or be the hero of a family gathering, showing up with one of these boxes is a guaranteed power move.
The assortments are intelligently designed. You can opt for a savory box, filled with options like the Spicy Sausage and Pork Sung buns, or a classic collection of their greatest sweet bread hits. For holidays and special occasions, the bakery often releases themed sets, beautifully packaged and ready for gifting. These boxes are more than just a collection of pastries; they are a gesture of generosity and good taste.
The Pulse of the Seasons
Part of the excitement of being a regular at 85°C is the rotating cast of seasonal characters. The menu is not a static document; it’s a living thing that changes with the seasons. Autumn brings the aforementioned Pumpkin Spice Latte, along with pastries featuring flavors like apple and cinnamon. Winter holidays might see the arrival of cakes decorated with festive flair or breads infused with gingerbread spices.
These limited-time offerings create a sense of discovery and urgency. They are a reason to keep coming back, to see what new creation the bakers have dreamed up. It’s a smart strategy that rewards loyal customers and keeps the menu feeling fresh and dynamic.
How to Order Like a Pro
Navigating the 85°C experience is part of its charm. You grab a tray, a pair of tongs, and you’re the curator of your own culinary journey. Take your time. Circle the displays. Let your eyes guide you. Once you’ve made your selections from the self-serve cases, you head to the counter to pay and to order any cakes or drinks.
For those who plan, the 85°C app is a useful tool. It allows you to browse the menu, collect rewards, and stay informed about new product launches. You can explore the full range of options and even get a sense of the 85 Degrees menu prices before you go, allowing for a more strategic and efficient visit. The menu can vary slightly by location, with bakeries in California, Texas, New York, and other states sometimes offering regional specialties.
The Next Frontier Apparel and Brand Identity
Looking at the current landscape, the 85°C menu is strictly focused on the edible. There are no branded mugs, no t-shirts, no tote bags. This feels like a missed opportunity. The brand has cultivated a powerful lifestyle aesthetic—one that is modern, stylish, and has a devoted following. People don’t just like 85°C; they identify with it.
Imagine a line of minimalist, well-designed apparel: a sleek black hoodie with a subtle 85°C logo, a sweatshirt in a shade of ube purple. It’s a natural extension of the brand. This would allow loyal fans to express their affinity and would open up new avenues for gifting. A holiday bundle combining a box of classic pastries with a stylish branded hoodie? That’s a gift that resonates on a different level, connecting the tangible pleasure of food with the lasting statement of fashion.
The 85°C experience is about more than just flavor. It’s about a certain kind of modern, global sensibility. It’s a brand that feels confident and cool. Expanding into merchandise would be a powerful way to solidify that identity, transforming a beloved bakery into a complete lifestyle brand.
A Final Thought
The 85 Degrees menu is a testament to the beauty of fusion. It’s a place where different cultures and techniques meet to create something new and exciting. Every item tells a story—of craftsmanship, of quality ingredients, and of a deep understanding of what makes food comforting and delightful.
So next time you walk in, grab that tray with confidence. You are now equipped with the inside knowledge to make a perfect choice. Explore the classics, dare to try something new, and savor the experience. What will be your first pick on your next visit?
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