Mei Mei Bakery

Jian, the owner of Mei Mei Cafe, understands how to work in the kitchen and build his pastries from scratch. He specializes in Hong Kong pastries, having mastered the art of rolling out the bread. 28 years ago, Jian immigrated to America with his friends from China and developed his love for the art of baking. Mei Mei Cafe has stayed afloat for 5 years now, their main customers being loyal Asian residents in the area. To advertise their store, they hand out cards so that Quincy locals can spread the word.

When COVID-19 first hit, the bakery hit a major obstacle. Nobody came to buy pastries as they were all staying home. Because no one was working or coming to buy, the bakery had to shut down for a couple months. Once the restrictions of the pandemic eased, the bakery regained its popularity. After all, bakeries are by default takeout businesses, making it easier for customers to grab and go. Like all of the other business owners we interviewed, Jian has not heard of much anti-Asian violence within Quincy, but he believes that Asians do not deserve the ignorance of others and their conflicts. Jian’s favorite buns to make are pineapple buns and Cha Siu Baos, both traditionally popular buns that Mei Mei Cafe sells out daily.