An Asian French bakery is slated to open in downtown Menomonee Falls.
MochiUnni, which started in 2023, plans on opening its first brick and mortar business in spring, said Pa Vang, who co-owns the business with her sister-in-law, Rose Xiong. Prior, MochiUnni sold its desserts and pastries at farmers markets and events around the greater Milwaukee community.
Vang, who was born in Laos and raised in the United States, and Xiong both want to share their Hmong heritage with the community. “I think one that is important is that we are very welcoming for people to learn about cultures and flavors,” Vang said.
It will feature a variety of boba tea flavors, Asian sweet bread and pastries, mochi doughnuts, French pastries and popular Asian sweet bread and pastries.
“Every item that is created is meant to bring comfort, joy, and a sense of home to … customers,” Vang said.
Where will MochiUnni be in Menomonee Falls?
MochiUnni will be at N89 W16750 Appleton Ave., which was formerly Gather Bakehouse. Gather Bakehouse, which was previously called Batter & Mac, closed its Menomonee Falls location in October.
What kind of French baking influence will MochiUnni have?
Vang said the French influence will be in its desserts and bread and will show up primarily through its baking technique. They will use elements including light mousses, pastry creams and an emphasis on balance rather than heavy sweetness.
“I take those classic French foundations and reinterpret them as a way to express my own culture and flavors,” she said. For instance, MochiUnni’s coconut cream bun is filled with a light, fluffy French buttercream that’s infused with coconut milk.
What kind of cultural flavors will be at MochiUnni?
Vang said the main cultural flavors at MochiUnni will be coconut, pandan (a tropical plant to produce a sweet, vanilla-like aroma) and ube (similar to sweet potato and a purple yam). Vang said most of their desserts will be centered around these cultural flavors.
What will the self-serve, build-your-own Boba tea bar be like?
MochiUnni will have a unique build-your-own boba tea bar, Vang said. Customers will have the experience to build their own boba from start to finish.
Vang said nine flavors of Boba tea will be available, where customers can use Matcha milk and taro milk, which is kind of like a sweet potato flavor. Her most popular flavors are mango peach and strawberry lychee (a tropical fruit).
What are some of the unique finds at MochiUnni?
Vang said the Japanese cotton cake, which is like a Japanese cheese cake, should be popular at MochiUnni as well as their cream-filled croissants.
She said 21 flavors will be available of mochi donuts – made with rice flour that provides a chewy texture – but flavors will be switched out so just six flavors a day. Vang said the s’mores, strawberry shortcake and raspberry lemon cheese cake are the most popular flavors.
Vang added MochiUnni will feature 25 variety of breads and pastries with flavors such as red bean and purple yam bread, zucchini muffins and coconut cream bead. Gluten-free bread options also will be available.
Why did the owners decide to open a bakery in Menomonee Falls?
While both owners live in Milwaukee, they fell in love with the Menomonee Falls community when they sold their desserts as vendors at various markets and events.
“The community is amazing and family-oriented,” she said.
Will there be indoor and outdoor seating?
Vang said a few tables and chairs will be available for indoor and outdoor seating.
What will the hours be?
Vang said the hours have not been finalized for the bakery, but it will be open seven days a week and open from around 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Where can I find more information and updates?
For more information, visit facebook.com/mochiunnimke.
Cathy Kozlowicz can be reached at 262-361-9132 or cathy.kozlowicz@jrn.com. Follow her on X at @kozlowicz_cathy.
Dining and Cooking