Desserts, fun drinks, and a charming interior? If you’re seeking a spot with all the above, and more, visit Folsom’s T&5 Café & Bakery—an Asian-inspired bakeshop that goes beyond just cakes and cookies. Curious where the name comes from? One of the owner’s last names is Tong, hence the “T,” and his wife and co-owner’s last name means “5” in Chinese. Besides baked goods, they also serve smoothies, boba tea, coffee, and tasty dim sum! One thing I love about their drinks is you can choose the sweetness level, how much ice you want, and any additional toppings (on most drinks). I tried the Fresh Watermelon Tea with a 75% sweetness level, standard ice, and lychee. My daughter ordered the Brown Sugar Boba Coconut Milk, which is one drink you can’t adjust the sugar level on. Made with house-made brown sugar boba, house-made coconut milk, and topped with boba soaked in caramelized black sugar, it was “the best!” according to her. The Heavenly Japanese Cheesecake—which had a pleasant, not too sweet flavor with a fluffy texture—and Green Tea Crepe Cake also caught my eye and were impossible to pass up. With so many unique menu offerings, you, too, will be tempted to try them all—trust me!
— by JULIE RYAN  |  photo by TAYLOR ALLRED

— by Bella Nolen
Take a quick trip around the globe, locally, by trying these five internationally inspired baked goods.

Ensaymada
WHERE TO TRY IT:
Bad Bakers, 1420 East Roseville Parkway, Suite 180, Roseville, 916-883-2253; 195 Placerville Road, Folsom, 916-790-8042, badbakers.com

 

Stuffed Concha
WHERE TO TRY IT:
Brissa & Co., 409 Natoma Street, Folsom, 916-597-2972, brissaandcobakery.com

 

Syrniki
WHERE TO TRY IT:
Chant’el Café, 1750 Prairie City Road, Suite 150, Folsom, 916-790-8395, @chantel–café

 

Forest Berry Crepe
WHERE TO TRY IT:
Julian’s Pâtisserie and Café OR Pastry Nouveau
6610 Folsom-Auburn Road, Suite 7, Folsom, 916-936-4735; 1490 Eureka Road, Suite 170, Roseville, 916- 474-5475, julianscafe.com

 

Pistachio Nut Baklava
WHERE TO TRY IT:
NorthStar Home Baking, 4500 Northstar Street, Rocklin, 408-656-0830, northstarhomebaking.com