What Is a Bao Bun?

Soft, fluffy, and packed with delicious fillings, bao buns have become a favorite among food lovers worldwide. But what exactly is a bao bun? Whether you've seen them at a dim sum restaurant or trending on social media, bao buns are a must-try for anyone who enjoys flavorful, pillowy bites of comfort food.

1. What Is a Bao Bun?

A bao bun, also known as baozi (包子) or simply "bao," is a Chinese steamed bun made from yeast-leavened dough. These buns can be filled with sweet or savory ingredients and are steamed until they become soft, light, and airy. They are a staple in Chinese cuisine and have been enjoyed for centuries.

Bao buns come in different shapes and sizes, from closed stuffed buns to open-faced gua bao, commonly known as the "Taiwanese hamburger."

2. The History of Bao Buns

The origins of Chinese steamed buns date back over 1,800 years to the Three Kingdoms period in China. According to legend, the strategist Zhuge Liang invented mantou (a plain steamed bun) while traveling with his army. Over time, mantou evolved into baozi, which are stuffed with a variety of fillings and enjoyed across China and beyond.

3. Different Types of Bao Buns

There are many variations of bao, each with unique flavors and textures:

• Gua Bao (刈包) – Also known as the "Taiwanese hamburger," this open-faced bun is folded in half and filled with braised pork belly, pickled mustard greens, and crushed peanuts.
• Char Siu Bao (叉烧包) – A Cantonese dim sum classic, these buns are stuffed with sweet and savory barbecue pork.
• Sheng Jian Bao (生煎包) – A pan-fried version of bao, often filled with pork and soup, popular in Shanghai.
• Vegetarian Bao – Bao can also be filled with mushrooms, tofu, or other plant-based ingredients for a delicious meat-free option.
• Dessert Bao – Sweet bao varieties include fillings like red bean paste, custard, or black sesame.

4. How Are Bao Buns Made?

Making bao buns involves a simple but precise process:

1. Prepare the Dough – A mix of flour, yeast, sugar, and water is kneaded into a soft dough and left to rise.
2. Shape the Buns – The dough is either rolled flat and folded (gua bao) or formed into round buns and filled (baozi).
3. Steam the Buns – Bao are placed in a bamboo steamer and steamed for about 10-15 minutes until they are light and fluffy.

The result? A perfectly soft and airy bun that pairs beautifully with a variety of fillings!

5. Where to Find Bao Buns

Wondering where to try bao buns? You can find them at:

• Right here on the Bao Bao Buns website! Order frozen to steam up at your leisure or find us at a pop-up to grab hot baos.
• Dim Sum Restaurants – Traditional Cantonese restaurants often serve char siu bao and other steamed bun varieties.
• Street Food Stalls – Many Asian markets and food vendors sell fresh bao buns.
• Modern Bao Shops & Food Trucks – Many restaurants now specialize in creative bao variations, from Korean BBQ bao to spicy chicken bao.
• Make Them at Home! – You can also try making bao buns yourself with simple ingredients and a steamer. 

6. Why Are Bao Buns So Popular?

The combination of soft, fluffy dough and flavorful fillings makes bao buns irresistible. Their versatility means they can be enjoyed as a snack, main meal, or even dessert. Plus, their handheld size and variety of flavors make them perfect for sharing!

Final Thoughts

So, what is a bao bun? It’s a delicious, pillowy Chinese steamed bun that can be filled with sweet or savory ingredients. Whether you enjoy a classic char siu bao or a modern gua bao fusion, bao buns are a timeless and flavorful dish that everyone should try.

Would you like to learn how to make bao buns at home? Join us for a bao making class at Bakehouse!