I don’t make it to Mount Vernon nearly as often as I’d like, and every time I do, I wonder why I don’t come more often. This part of Baltimore has so many cute coffee shops serving up amazing food, and I’m clearly missing out.

On a recent Saturday, a friend and I were exploring Graffiti Alley in Station North, and by the time we headed back to my apartment, we were both a little hungry. It was that weird mid-afternoon hour — too late for lunch, too early for dinner — so we wanted something small to hold us over. That’s when I remembered The Bun Shop, a café known for its sweet and savory buns from around the world and its strong Vietnamese coffee. It sounded perfect, so off we went.

The Bun Shop

The moment we walked in, we were greeted by the smell of freshly baked buns and a pastry case full of options. Every single one looked tempting.

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My friend went for a savory bun — the Chicken Pasty, a British-style bun served warm and filled with shredded chicken, potatoes, peas, and carrots in a creamy celery sauce. It reminded me of a handheld chicken pot pie — comforting, hearty, and super satisfying.

Chicken Pasty

Inside Chicken Pasty

I was craving something sweet, so I ordered the Rotiboy — the only sweet pastry on the menu that day. This Malaysian bun had an espresso-vanilla shell and a buttery, slightly salty center that melted in your mouth. Honestly, it tasted like a warm hug in pastry form. The bun was soft, fragrant, and just sweet enough without being over the top.

Rotiboy

Rotiboy

Everything we tried at The Bun Shop was fantastic, and I can’t wait to go back to sample more of their globally inspired buns. Whether you’re looking for a quiet spot to sip coffee, catch up with a friend, or just treat yourself to something new, this place is absolutely worth a visit.