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Bao bun spots and markets

Made for those who prioritize the pillowy texture of a steamed bun above all else when scouting a market.

Based on 690 Opinions
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Updated June 2026
01

Food truck offers innovative fusion with a regularly changing menu that includes generous portions and vegetarian-friendly options upon request. Energy feels positive and welcoming, with a focus on attention to detail and unique flavor combinations.

Cubano bao stands out with its packed flavor and pairs well with egg for an added twist. Butter chicken bao offers a rich and comforting taste, making these options notable among the bao buns.

Booths offer chicken tinga empanada, peach & cream empanada, chicken dumplings, and cubano breakfast bao. The market runs on Saturdays and draws a steady crowd.

People are saying

"The food here is familiar, yet inventive and perfectly spiced."

"The Cubano bao was packed with flavor and so good."

"The potstickers at this Market are the best I've ever had."

Good to know

1

The menu changes regularly, offering new items frequently.

2

Many menu items can be made vegetarian or vegan upon request.

3

Generous portions provide good value for the money.

02
Tenmomi image 1
Ramen restaurant

Ramen kitchen offers intimate dining with seating in the chef's workspace, creating a unique atmosphere. The place draws those seeking authentic, carefully crafted ramen with unmatched broth and noodles. It operates mainly through takeout and delivery, maintaining consistent quality and flavor.

Bao buns feature crispy and juicy chicken thigh with scallions for freshness. Pork bao offers rich, flavorful pork inside a soft bun. Chicken Katsu bao stands out for its crispiness and bold flavor.

Pop-up markets feature great food from vendors like Tenmomi. Regular farmerโ€™s markets offer a limited menu with familiar stands every Thursday.

People are saying

"The ramen broth here is so delicious and smoky."

"You can see the chef prepping your Bao Buns right there."

"The food at this market is always delicious and fresh."

Good to know

1

Tenmomi is take-out only with no dine-in options available.

2

Parking can be a bit tough around the area.

3

Seating is extremely limited, with only 2 small tables.

03
Mills Market image 1
Food court

Modern Asian food hall offers unique food options and a clean, welcoming atmosphere with a food court vibe. Seating includes bistro-style high and tiny metal chairs, and entertainment features a claw machine and photo booth. Music plays in the background, enhancing the cool, lively energy.

Bao buns come with juicy pork filling and fresh buns. Honey pork bao and BBQ pork bao offer rich protein and good flavor. Some bao buns could use more sauce to boost taste.

Offers a variety of Asian street food from multiple countries and cultures. Features a family-run market with many different shops, all clean and well organized.

People are saying

"The food here has amazing variety and tasty options."

"This market has so many excellent food choices and great prices."

"I thought the pork bao was one of the best I've ever tasted."

Good to know

1

Parking is very limited at Mills Market, making it hard to find a spot.

2

Seating is limited, so be prepared to wait for a table.

3

Expect short wait times for food orders, even during busy hours.

04
Kai Kai BBQ & Dumplings image 1
Cantonese restaurant

Indoor food court stall with hanging roast ducks behind fogged glass creates a vivid visual focus. Atmosphere shifts from chill to loud when crowded, reflecting a lively, energetic vibe. Preparation of dumplings on site adds to the authentic market feel resembling a miniature oriental marketplace.

Roasted duck bao stands out with its super flavorful and tender meat, often paired with chili oil. The honey BBQ bao offers a sweet and savory taste that many find very delicious.

A small but beautiful Asian market offers a unique shopping experience unlike others. It features a Kai Kai BBQ & Dumplings spot where the duck stands out, making the busy market visit worthwhile.

People are saying

"The roast duck food here is perfectly seasoned and melts in your mouth."

"The Chinese BBQ pork and duck at this market are incredibly flavorful and tender."

"You have to try the roast duck bao; it's super flavorful and tender."

Good to know

1

Be prepared for weekends when the shop is super busy and the line can take a while.

2

Parking could be difficult to find.

3

The place was small and could be crowded during the weekend.

05
Good Chef Restaurant image 1
Asian restaurant

Small dining space blends with an attached market offering Asian snacks and imported goods. Atmosphere feels vibrant and relaxed, decorated with anime and lanterns that create a cozy, intimate vibe. Crowds gather here, drawn by the unique setting and lively energy.

Pork and fried crab bao buns stand out with rich flavors. Ginger dumplings and pad Thai complement the exceptional bao offerings.

A small market offers imported Asian snacks and goods. It connects to the restaurant and sells foreign drinks and treats.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing and full of authentic flavors."

"The food at this Market is flavorful and authentic Asian."

"You have to try the delicious pork Bao Buns here."

Good to know

1

Free dessert is offered on Tuesdays for all diners.

2

Reservations are recommended on weekends due to high demand.

3

Parking is available on-site but can fill up quickly during peak hours.

06
Madbun image 1
Asian fusion restaurant

Asian fusion spot inside a bustling market offers generous portions and flavorful chicken sandwiches with crispy fries that stand out. Atmosphere feels underwhelming due to minimal storefront decoration and market setting. Food hall setting brings a casual vibe with many dining options nearby.

Bao buns come with Thai sweet chili and Korean BBQ flavors, each offering a distinct taste. The buns have a soft texture and the Bulgogi on bao stands out as a popular choice.

People are saying

"These sliders have perfectly cooked, moist chicken with amazing sauces."

"The bao buns here are full of flavor and so good."

"The chicken sliders here are mouthwatering with perfectly balanced flavors."

Good to know

1

Madbun is located inside Haven City Market, near the main entrance.

2

Expect a 15-minute wait for your order during busy hours.

3

The portions at Madbun are generous and suitable for sharing.

07
Krog Street Market image 1

Restored 1920s warehouse hosts a spacious food hall with industrial charm and communal seating. Atmosphere stays lively and bustling, drawing a diverse crowd for casual gatherings. Indoor and outdoor seating options complement a variety of food and drink kiosks, including a bar and bottle shop.

Pork belly bao stands out with its moist, flavorful filling. Some bao buns come spicy, so asking for no spice is possible.

Offers a diverse and unique selection of food stalls and products catering to many culinary needs. The market has a nice food court with uniquely different restaurants and a good variety of food and spirits under one roof.

People are saying

"This market has a great mix of different food options."

"It's a cool place with a nice atmosphere and a lot of energy."

"The pork belly bao buns are moist and flavorful."

Good to know

1

Parking at Krog Street Market is paid parking or valet; street parking is not available.

2

The parking fee is $15 per hour, which many find overpriced.

3

Expect a $75 penalty for unpaid parking fees if you overstay.

08
Mee Sum Pastry image 1
Chinese bakery

Small window and street-side setup create an authentic, bustling vibe with a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Dim sum fans find best bao, fast service, and consistent quality despite no seating and a cash-only policy with a $10 minimum. Pastries like curry beef bun and pork hombow stand out as favorites.

Bao buns here stay consistently delicious with fresh steamed and baked options. The BBQ pork hum bao stands out with its sweet and savory flavors and slightly crispy outside with a soft inside.

Stalls offer pork hombow and five-dollar potstickers as quick, affordable snacks. Visitors often grab these walking bites while exploring the market.

People are saying

"The BBQ pork buns have a caramelized crust and tender meat."

"The curry beef hom bow at this Market spot is delicious."

"I thought their hum baos were the best around."

Good to know

1

The place only accepts cash payments.

2

There is a $10 minimum for card payments.

3

There is no seating available at Mee Sum Pastry.

09
Korner Kitchen image 1
Asian restaurant

Dining space opens directly into an Asian grocery store, creating a bright, clean, and casual atmosphere with limited seating. The vibe feels comforting and organized, blending food service with market shopping. Korean and Japanese dishes stand out for their authenticity and flavor.

Pork belly bao buns deliver excellent flavor that stands out. Char siu bao and spring rolls also offer fantastic taste alongside the baos.

A variety of Asian products fills the market, making it easy to browse while waiting. You can grab a fun drink or ice cream for dessert to enjoy with your meal.

People are saying

"The Japanese food, especially the sushi and sashimi, was fresh and great."

"The market's sushi and fish quality were outstanding."

"The pork belly bao buns are excellent and flavorful."

Good to know

1

Ordering takes about 10 minutes, allowing time to shop at the market.

2

They have a QR code on the printed menu for easy ordering ahead.

3

Prices are generally more reasonable than similar places downtown.

10
Okiboru House of Tan Tan image 1
Japanese restaurant

Japanese restaurant inside a lively market offers Tan Tan Tsukemen and Tan Tan Ramen with rich, spicy broths and chewy noodles. Crowds line up even during off-peak hours, creating a busy, energetic atmosphere. Rooftop views include Brooklyn Bridge and Manhattan Bridge, adding a scenic backdrop to the dining experience.

Bao buns feature crispy chicken tempura inside a soft, pillowy bun with mayo drizzle. The filling offers a layered flavor blending cultural influences, though the chicken can sometimes be undercooked.

Bright orange-red Tan Tan Ramen with perfect noodles stands out as an authentic Japanese dish. The market offers a fun and lively atmosphere alongside tasty meals.

People are saying

"The Tan Tan ramen broth is creamy, savory, and perfectly balanced."

"The thick, bouncy tsukemen noodles cling perfectly to the rich sesame broth."

"The Market's Tan Tan ramen has amazing, deep flavors and spicy heat."

Good to know

1

Ordering via QR code and receiving at the table is easy.

2

Okiboru House of Tan Tan opens till 10 pm every day.

3

Expect small portion sizes for the price.

11
Suzy Siu's Baos image 1
Steamed bun shop

Steamed bun shop offers small, flavorful baos with options like Korean BBQ and pork belly. Atmosphere feels cute and lively within a bustling market setting. Pricing leans high, but distinctive Korean flavors stand out among similar spots.

Bao buns come with succulent pork belly, perfectly seasoned Korean beef, and juicy carnitas. Each bao is more than filling despite only three per order, with standout options like fried green tomato and Impossible baos.

Krog Street Market offers a variety of bao buns, including Korean BBQ Beef and a bao trio with Fried Chicken, Korean BBQ, and Pork Belly. The market atmosphere is lively and the workers are friendly.

People are saying

"The pork belly Bao Buns here are succulent and delicious."

"The Korean BBQ beef and pork belly were both amazing."

"The Korean BBQ beef buns at this Market are so flavorful."

Good to know

1

The minimum order is two of a kind, making it hard to sample a variety.

2

Prices for baos are typical for the Krog Street area, around $10 for two.

3

The ordering process involves walking up and ordering at a screen.

12
Julia & Henry's Food Hall image 1

Rooftop food court features glass floors and rooftop terrace views with lively social energy. Crowds create a hectic, loud atmosphere while music and occasional entertainment add to the vibe. Multiple seating areas and bars offer diverse experiences across levels.

Fried Grouper Bao Buns come with crispy texture and pickled onions that add a sharp contrast. Palmar's baos taste fresh and flavorful, matching well with other items like dumplings and handrolls.

Ground floor hosts a European-style market with various food and drink options. The concept resembles a metro market offering a nice mix of eateries and food stalls.

People are saying

"I found tons of food options and many choices to buy."

"The Bao Buns here are amazing, thanks to Carlos and his great team."

"This market's design is bright, modern, and totally Instagrammable."

Good to know

1

Expect a 30-minute wait to get in during peak hours.

2

Happy hour runs until 7pm with various drink specials.

3

Bingo night is on Mondays, offering a fun experience.

13
Seattle Dumpling Co. image 1
Dumpling restaurant

Tiny, hole-in-the-wall dumpling spot with limited indoor counter seating and some outdoor tables in a back alley. Atmosphere feels cozy and family-run despite being cramped and busy, with a chill vibe in less crowded areas. Freshly steamed dumplings fill the air, creating a hidden gem experience.

Taro Bao and Red Bean Bao stand out with strong flavors. Beef bao lacks meat inside and tastes poor, while soup dumplings are overly salty.

Offers more outdoor seating than many market vendors. Serves quick bites that combine comfort and deliciousness. Located conveniently inside the market for easy access.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and always amazing."

"I loved their flavorful, juicy mushroom dumplings."

"The bao buns here are amazing, especially the taro."

Good to know

1

An order of dumplings typically contains 10 pieces instead of 12.

2

The dumplings cost about $13 for 10 handmade pieces.

3

There is very limited indoor seating, with only 4-5 stools available.

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