Seemor
New Cameron BakeryBWorth Trying
242 Canal St, New York, NY 10013
· Chinese bakery, Bakery
· 4.5/5 Google (145 reviews)
Delivery · Takeout
Old-school Chinatown bakery turning out tasty, very affordable pastries and rice/noodle plates with quick counter service; expect occasional service brusqueness and a no-frills, slightly worn space.
Why it gets a B for overall quality
New Cameron Bakery delivers reliable value and strong pastry quality in a no-frills Chinatown counter shop, but inconsistent hot dishes and a cramped, worn interior prevent a higher grade. The exceptional speed and budget-friendly pricing make it a solid neighborhood stop for buns and quick lunch combos, though it lacks the polish or consistency of grade A-grade establishments. Best visited for what it does best: fresh pastries and grab-and-go convenience near Canal Street.
Restaurant Summary
Right off the Canal St subway, this tiny counter shop hums with old-school Chinatown energy. People dart in for soft buns, milky coffee, and budget rice plates, then spill back onto the sidewalk. One regular summed it up: "Fresh buns, fast service, and prices that feel like a throwback." It is a no-frills space with handwritten menus and the occasional brusque moment, but the draw is consistent pastries and on-the-go convenience. The cooking leans traditional and comfort-first: egg tarts, sponge cake, pineapple buns, congee, and mix-and-match rice or noodle combos. Pastries earn the most love, while hot dishes can be hit-or-miss, so stick to the bakery case or tried-and-true combos if you want the best odds. Coffee is praised more than milk tea, and totals routinely stay under fifteen bucks for a filling lunch. For families, this is easygoing and kid-friendly. The menu reads like a greatest hits list for picky eaters: sweet buns, plain sponge cake, simple noodles, and congee. There is no kids menu, seating is scarce, and it is grab-and-go at heart—but the familiar flavors and tiny prices make it a painless stop with little ones.
At a Glance
- Excellent value with combos around $6.50-$9 and cheap pastries
- Consistently good buns, egg tarts, and sponge cake
- Inconsistent hot dishes and occasional undercooked rice reports
- Credit card surcharge and minimum noted by customers
- Quick, efficient counter service near the subway
What Sets It Apart
- rock_bottom_combo_prices
- classic_chinatown_bakery_vibe
- custom_cakes_on_request
What People Love
- Wallet-friendly totals that feel rare in Manhattan
- Soft, fresh buns and nostalgic flavors
- Lightning-fast counter service
- Custom whole cakes that look great and taste balanced
Points of Concern
- Hot-food quality can vary; a few reports of off flavors or undercooked rice
- Space is tight with minimal seating; not suited for lingering
- Credit card minimum and surcharge may surprise some customers
- One report of miscommunication about meat content in congee—ask to confirm ingredients
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleCounter With Seating
Average Cost$10-$16 per person
ReservationsNot required
What to Order
- For best value, choose the 2 Entrée combo with noodles or fried rice ($6.50)
- Pair a baked bun with small congee ($2.75) for a light meal under $8
Perfect For
- A fast breakfast before the train
- A cheap and filling lunch between errands
- Sweet-tooth snack runs for classic Chinese pastries
- Locals stocking up on buns and sponge cake
Location Insights
Area: Busy Chinatown corridor with heavy foot traffic, commuter flow, and on-the-go eating.
Safety: High pedestrian activity and lighting; typical urban grit but generally safe with constant street presence.
Nearby: Near Canal St subway; surrounded by small shops, markets, and other bakeries and takeout counters.
SoHoSoHo is renowned for its trendy boutiques, art galleries, and upscale dining establishments. The dining scene is eclectic, ranging from casual eateries to high-end restaurants, attracting a fashionable and diverse crowd. The area is lively and pedestrian-friendly, with a mix of locals and visitors enjoying the vibrant social atmosphere.
NolitaNolita, just east of Canal Street, is a smaller, charming enclave known for its intimate cafes, boutique shops, and a strong sense of community. It offers a quieter, more residential feel compared to SoHo, with a focus on artisanal and locally sourced dining experiences.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday07:00–20:30
Tuesday07:00–20:30
Wednesday07:00–20:30
Thursday07:00–20:30
Friday07:00–20:30
Saturday07:00–20:30
Sunday07:00–20:00
Available: Delivery, Takeout
View full analysis on Seemor →