Salt Lake's new 85°C Bakery Cafe is drawing crowds

Customers are lining up out the door at South Salt Lake's new 85°C Bakery Cafe — and there's so much to choose from.

Driving the news: Taiwan-based 85°C opened its first Utah location about a month ago in the Chinatown mall near 3300 South State St.

Why it matters: Asian desserts are taking Utah by storm, with cream puff chains, bubble tea shops and Japanese waffle houses opening hither, thither and yon — often to huge crowds.

Details: I asked a few of 85°C's new regulars for recommendations and can enthusiastically second each of these.

• The milk tea buns are the star of the show — like boba in a doughnut. The white chocolate strawberry buns are pillowy and sweet, a close second.
• The cinnamon twists are wildly popular; if the shelf is empty, ask the staff whether more are coming.
• Milk pudding buns are the prettiest on the shelf; the custard doesn't flood the roll as you bite in, which is good because you might need to share these big treats.
• Pineapple cakes, sold in three-packs, are more like soft shortbreads with fruit filling.
• The milk butter puff pastry has a creamy but not overly sweet filling slathered on the inside.
• On the savory side, the cheese dog takes the humble hot dog to places you didn't think it would go. Someone alert Mitt.