JinJu Patisserie Just Won the James Beard “Best Bakery” Award—and It’s Not Surprising

When Maria and I discovered JinJu Patisserie back in 2023, it felt like our pastry-chasing prayers had been answered. Every flaky croissant, every glossy bonbon—they were little pieces of bakery perfection. Fast forward to June 16, 2025, and our favorite spot in the Boise/Williams District officially earned the James Beard Award for Outstanding Bakery—America’s highest honor for a bakery.

Why This Win Means Everything

• Second time a finalist, first time a winner: They’d earned a nomination before—but this year they walked away with the prize .

  
  

• Praised nationally for flaky, buttery mastery: Their signature croissants, gianduja kouign-amann, and matcha red‑bean pain suisse were repeatedly highlighted.

  
  

• Built from passion and community roots: Co-founders Kyurim “Q” Lee and Jin Caldwell, both Korean‑born and trained in Vegas, opened JinJu in 2019 with a neighborhood bakery dream.

PC: Eater.com

Onstage in Chicago, Q squeezed Jin’s hand and said, “We did it.” And as they both acknowledged, none of it happens without a supportive local community—and, of course, that secret recipe magic.

Our Personal Take

Maria still raves about their strawberry pistachio tart, but for me, it’s all about the ham, cheese & bacon croissant. I’ve tried this croissant at nearly every bakery we visit, and nothing comes close to JinJu’s. The way they layer butter, flaky pastry, and savory fillings makes it crack like autumn leaves with every bite. We’ve watched them evolve from a tiny storefront into the bakery everyone swears by (and now, legit, the best in America).

What This Means for Portland and Beyond

This win puts Portland back on the national food map. It becomes the third U.S. bakery to ever win this category since it was introduced in 2023. And it underscores how much the local scene is thriving—alongside other awards for Antica Terra in Amity and strong showings for a dozen or more Oregon finalists.

Next Steps (Hint: Go Taste It)

The bakery is back open for business—croissants, bonbons, tarts, and all—Friday through Sunday 8 am–2 pm at 4063 N Williams Ave, Portland. Maria and I are already planning another pilgrimage (sorry, waistline).