In March, Fat Rice (2957 W. Diversey Ave., 773-661-9170) tacks on a daytime bakery component. Abraham Conlon’s global-style creations—mostly sweet with a handful of savory options—range from artful to wacky and feature the same unapologetically exotic flavors that make the restaurant such a standout. Chicago sampled the entire lot and selected the five tastiest.
Our Top 5 Fat Rice Pastries
Apricot and Thyme Tart
Light, fruit-forward, and a perfect coffee mate, this one starts with a buttery base and custardy center and finishes with bright citrus and a sprinkle of thyme. $6
Portuguese Egg Tart
A rich, eggy filling nesting in a textbook flaky crust borders on savory but is addictively sweet at its oven-brûléed perimeter. $3
Pig Bun with Chorizo
A slightly sweet bun and an irresistibly salty slab of chorizo hidden inside make this lunch-worthy. (Just ignore the precious, Instagrammable little pig face.) $5
Malasada with Marshmallow Fluff
You may want to rethink your doughnut habit for this: the dreamiest, creamiest fluff you’ll ever taste, enveloped in a tender, golden-brown capsule that lets the filling shine. $3
Purple Sweet Potato Sponge Cake
This pretty periwinkle pinwheel, dusted on one side with toasted coconut bits, delivers layers of moist cake and creamy, only-somewhat-sweet sweet potato. $4.50