Chinese bao buns (包子, bāozi) are the most comforting food in all of China — fluffy, white, steamed buns filled with everything from pork to red bean paste.
What Is Bao?
Steamed bread made from fermented wheat dough — soft, fluffy, slightly sweet. Made from flour, water, yeast, steamed rather than baked, giving the distinctive cloud-like texture.
Types of Bao
Char Siu Bao (叉烧包): BBQ pork filling — the most famous Cantonese dim sum variety.
Also worth reading:
Shengjian Bao (生煎包): Pan-fried after steaming — crispy bottom, fluffy top. A Shanghai specialty.
Nai Huang Bao (奶黄包): Custard-filled buns — a sweet dim sum classic.
For more on Chinese bread and dumplings in our Chinese Food Complete Guide.
