The Best Bao Buns in Chinatown—Ranked
Soft, pillowy, and packed with savory (or sweet) fillings, bao buns are one of Chinatown’s most craveable delights. From traditional char siu bao to trendy fusion versions filled with pork belly or fried chicken, these steamed or baked buns deliver serious flavor in a small package.
In this roundup, we’ve scoured Chinatowns in New York, San Francisco, and Chicago to rank the best bao buns by flavor, texture, and value. Whether you’re a bao beginner or a seasoned bun connoisseur, these spots are worth adding to your list.
New York City, NY
- Bao Tea House (Canal Street)
This minimalist shop offers Taiwanese-style gua bao loaded with braised pork, pickled greens, and crushed peanuts. The buns are soft, the meat melts, and the price stays under $7.
See more on The Infatuation NYC - Mei Lai Wah (Bayard Street)
A Chinatown institution known for its roast pork buns, both steamed and baked. The filling is slightly sweet, with just the right amount of fat.
Check their inclusion on Time Out NY - Deluxe Green Bo (Bayard Street)
While more famous for soup dumplings, their steamed pork buns are juicy, thick-skinned, and filling—perfect for budget eaters.
San Francisco, CA
- Good Mong Kok Bakery (Stockton Street)
This tiny, cash-only bakery consistently draws lines for its BBQ pork buns. The texture is springy, the filling flavorful, and they go for under $2 apiece.
Spotlighted in The Infatuation SF - Eastern Bakery (Grant Avenue)
One of the oldest Chinese bakeries in SF, known for their baked pork buns with a slightly crisp crust and nostalgic flavor profile. - Wing Lee Bakery (Clement Street)
This Richmond District sleeper hit offers huge portions and affordable prices. Their lotus seed buns and curry chicken bao are underrated favorites.
Chicago, IL
- Qing Xiang Yuan Dumplings (Chinatown Square)
Better known for dumplings, but their bao game is strong—try the pork belly bao for a crispy-soft contrast that hits every flavor note.
See reviews via Time Out Chicago - Chiu Quon Bakery & Dim Sum (Wentworth Avenue)
The oldest bakery in Chicago’s Chinatown, offering excellent baked char siu bao and sweet custard buns. Authentic, cheap, and satisfying. - Wow Bao (Loop & Delivery-Only)
More commercial than the others, but if you’re looking for a bao fix outside Chinatown, this chain delivers consistent texture and unique fillings like teriyaki chicken and spicy Mongolian beef.
What We Considered
- Flavor: Balance of sweet/savory, intensity of the filling
- Texture: Softness of the bun, chew factor, bake vs. steam quality
- Price: Value relative to portion size and quality
- Consistency: Long-standing favorites with steady quality over time
Final Thoughts
Each city has its bao legends, and the beauty of Chinatown is that many are still family-run, no-frills operations that deliver big flavor at small prices. Whether you’re hunting for the best char siu bao or branching into modern fusion fillings, these spots make the hunt worth it.
