Pineapple King Bakery, the Inner Sunset favorite known for its Hong Kong-style pineapple buns, is bringing its buttery operation to the Peninsula. The bakery is planning its first Peninsula outpost in downtown San Mateo later this year, with its third Bay Area location headed for 145 E. Third Ave and a menu that includes butter-stuffed bolo bao, egg tarts and other Hong Kong-style pastries.
Pineapple King's Menu And Reach
Pineapple King has built a devoted following around its crackly-shelled pineapple buns, typically served warm with a slab of chilled butter tucked inside. The menu has since expanded to include pandan coconut butter, guava butter and a croissant-egg-tart hybrid that shows up as a seasonal favorite. According to Pineapple King Bakery, the company highlights both its San Francisco and Fremont locations online, along with gift boxes and announcements of new flavor drops.
San Mateo Location Confirmed
The San Francisco Chronicle reported that Pineapple King will open at 145 E. Third Ave in San Mateo, and a representative confirmed plans for a late-2026 debut. As the SF Chronicle notes, the representative said the move would allow us to better serve our growing and loyal customer base in the region. The San Mateo storefront will mark Pineapple King's first Peninsula location and its third shop in the Bay Area.
What’s In The Space
Local outlet WhatNow reported that the new bakery is slated to move into the former home of Shabuway Japanese Style Hot Pot at that address. As reported by WhatNow, the San Mateo site had been occupied by Shabuway, although Shabuway's own website still lists a San Mateo location at 145 E. Third Ave, a detail that suggests timing or lease specifics may still be in flux.
Why Peninsula Fans Care
Fans regularly drive across the Bay, and sometimes even haul boxes of buns onto flights home, just to score Pineapple King's warm bolo bao and other pastries. The bakery's 2023 expansion to Fremont put its treats within easier reach for East Bay customers, as Eater SF reported.
When To Expect It
Pineapple King has not released an exact opening date for San Mateo. Representatives told reporters the new shop is slated to arrive later this year. The bakery's official channels are expected to share opening updates as the build-out moves forward.
