Baozi

Chinese food · steamed buns · comfort food

Fluffy steamed pockets. Baozi are soft, yeast-leavened buns made from wheat flour that puff up when steamed. The dough rises and becomes pillowy, creating the perfect vessel for tasty fillings.

Endless filling options. While pork is the most common filling, baozi can be stuffed with chicken, beef, vegetables, or even sweet red bean paste. Different regions of China have their own special versions with unique flavors.

Cooked by steaming. These buns are always cooked by steaming rather than baking or frying. The steam makes them stay moist and gives them their characteristic tender texture.

Related to mantou. Baozi are a type of filled bun that developed from mantou, a plain steamed bun from Northern China. The main difference is that baozi have delicious fillings while mantou are usually empty.

Street food favorite. You can find baozi sold by street vendors all throughout China, making them one of the most popular snacks and lunch foods for both kids and adults.