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Bao buns in California

Bao buns that are fluffy and substantial enough to be a meal, not just a bite-sized snack that leaves you hungry.

Based on 727 Opinions
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Updated April 2026
01
Men & Beasts | Modern Chinese Restaurant & Tea Lounge - Los Angeles, CA image 1
Men & Beasts | Modern Chinese Restaurant & Tea Lounge - Los Angeles, CA image 2
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Patio space offers an elevated modern garden vibe with cozy seating and a chill atmosphere. Bao buns feature king oyster mushrooms that are rich and earthy, delivering sweet umami flavors. Indoor areas blend precision and warmth with an elegant design that invites lingering.

Bao buns come filled with king oyster mushrooms that are pillowy, rich, and earthy with a sweet umami flavor. The mushroom bao stands out as a highlight, alongside the monkey bao and curry cauliflower.

People are saying

"The vegetarian dishes here are flavorful and thoughtful."

"The desserts here are one of a kind and showcase creativity."

"The mushroom bao buns were the best thing on the menu."

Good to know

1

Parking is available a block or two away in residential areas.

2

The entire menu is plant-based, offering a variety of unique dishes.

3

The restaurant is dog-friendly, allowing pets in outdoor seating areas.

02
Bao Bao Dumpling image 1
Chinese restaurant

Modern space with glass panel kitchen offers a quiet, cozy vibe like old Shanghai. Authentic Shanghainese dishes attract families and locals seeking stylish, low-key dining. Shengjian Bao shines with juicy, pan-fried pork and soft, fluffy buns loved by all ages.

Shengjian Bao stands out with its pan-fried, juicy pork filling, offering a taste authentic to Shanghai. The bao buns here are consistently great, combining a soft, fluffy texture with flavorful fillings that appeal to both kids and adults.

People are saying

"The pan-fried dumplings here are amazing and sublime."

"The smoked fish here is perfectly crispy and tender."

"I thought the pan-fried Bao Buns were the best I'd ever had."

Good to know

1

Parking could be challenging in the area.

2

The restaurant offers authentic Shanghainese taste and affordable pricing.

3

The owner mentioned that more dishes are coming soon, like crab xiaolongbao.

03
Steamy Piggy Point Loma image 1
Asian restaurant

Asian spot buzzes with photo-worthy decor and loud, chill music. Cocktails like lychee mix well with soft dumplings and flavorful chicken rolls. Bao buns are super filling and a fun, tasty choice.

Bao buns here are super filling and very yummy. They stand out as a fun and satisfying choice to eat.

People are saying

"I found the food to be delicious and the portions huge."

"The servers here are so friendly and quick with recommendations for the Bao Buns."

"The soup dumplings here are amazing and tasty."

Good to know

1

Happy hour starts at 8pm with $1 wings and late night deals.

2

The $1 wings are a popular choice during happy hour.

3

Parking is easier at this location compared to others in the area.

04
P P Pop Taiwanese Noodle Restaurant image 1

Small, cozy spot offers pan-fried pork bao with a crispy shell and rich filling. Casual vibe with Chinese chill R&B sets a lively tone. Friendly, affordable, and often busy, it draws those craving authentic Taiwanese flavors in a homey setting.

Pan-fried pork bao stands out with its crispy exterior and flavorful filling. It consistently appears as a highlight among other dishes like fried bao buns and dumplings.

People are saying

"The beef noodle soup is authentic and delightful."

"The bao buns here are full of flavor and soup."

"The food here is delicious and the prices are very good."

Good to know

1

The kitchen closes at 8:30 pm, so get your order in before then.

2

Reservations are recommended to avoid waiting, especially during peak hours.

3

Parking is shared with a supermarket, which may make finding a spot difficult.

05
Kirin Express image 1
Chinese restaurant

Noodle and dumpling house offers authentic Chinese dishes in a cozy, modern setting. Pan fried pork bao is super hot and juicy with a crispy bottom, perfect with chili garlic and black vinegar. Friendly staff create a down-to-earth dining experience with generous portions and fair prices.

Pan fried pork bao comes out super hot and juicy with a crispy bottom. The shen jian bao has minimal soup inside and pairs well with chili garlic and black vinegar on the table.

People are saying

"The beef noodle soup here is fantastic and flavorful."

"The atmosphere here is simple, modern, and authentic Chinese."

"The pan-fried bao buns were super hot and juicy."

Good to know

1

A grand opening special allows a 5-star review for any dish to cost $1.

2

Parking is not available on weekends and weekday evenings.

3

The restaurant uses QR codes on tables for ordering.

06
Mian Sichuan Noodle and Dumpling (Milpitas) 滋味小面 image 1

Spacious interior and sleek design create a comfortable, casual vibe with lively energy. Signature dishes include handmade buns and soup dumplings that stay true to original flavors. Authentic Sichuan noodles with house-made chili oil add bold, distinct taste.

XiaoLong Bao here are really juicy and stay true to the original taste. Handmade buns come alongside signature Chengdu noodles for a solid combo.

People are saying

"The soup dumplings here are juicy and have thin wrappers."

"The food here is amazing, especially the tender, flavorful braised beef."

"I really enjoyed their signature Chengdu noodles and Xiao long bao."

Good to know

1

Ordering is done through a QR code, but it may not always work properly.

2

Expect a wait time during peak lunch hours as the place gets popular.

3

Prices are reasonable for the quality of food offered.

07
Linglong玲珑-Soup Dumplings image 1

Spacious and inviting, the restaurant offers authentic modern Chinese cuisine with well-balanced flavors. Soft baos filled with steamed pork and mustard greens pair perfectly with comfort staples like fried noodles. The bright, welcoming interior stays quiet even when busy.

Steamed pork with mustard greens stands out as a filling for little pork belly baos. Baos come soft and pair well with comfort staples like fried noodles and Orange Chicken.

People are saying

"I found the Chinese food here to be the best I had to date."

"The honey walnut shrimp is the best seafood I've ever eaten."

"I found the Bao Buns here to be a top-tier choice."

Good to know

1

The restaurant uses a QR code for menu access; no physical menus are available.

2

Food typically arrives about 15 minutes after ordering.

3

The restaurant is currently in a soft opening phase, so some services may be limited.

08
Meimei Dumpling image 1
Dumpling restaurant

Cozy spot with handmade dumplings and affordable prices perfect for quick meals or sharing. BBQ bao buns and Char Siu Bao offer flavorful options while Xiaolong Bao come in tins with tasty broth. Small dine-in area adds to the charm.

BBQ bao buns offer a solid, flavorful option alongside the Char Siu Bao. The Xiaolong Bao come smaller and served in tins, which makes them a bit tricky to eat but still tasty with a delicious broth.

People are saying

"I found the dumplings to be juicy and flavorful."

"The cucumber salad is delightfully refreshing."

"The soup dumplings and BBQ bao buns are my favorite dishes."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers affordable dishes with large portion sizes.

2

Parking can be tricky, so plan accordingly.

3

The menu is easy to understand and quick to order from.

09
Good Alley image 1
Chinese restaurant

Modern Asian interior blends bright design with tasteful Chinese décor, creating a lively yet tranquil vibe. Signature baos like crab meat and guan tang bao shine with authentic flavors. A bubble tea station adds a unique twist to the dining experience.

Signature baos feature crab meat and the guan tang bao stands out. Xiao Long Bao has a thin skin with flavorful soup inside but can be hot to eat. Shao Long Bao offers a tasty, not too salty filling.

People are saying

"You have to try the Chinese food, especially the soup dumplings."

"The beef wraps here are flaky and packed with flavorful ingredients."

"You have to try the bao buns with that tasty soup inside."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not accepted; expect long wait times, especially on weekends.

2

The skewer menu is available from 9pm to 12:30am.

3

Good Alley offers discounts and free coconut jelly during its soft opening.

10
Soup Shop image 1
Restaurant

Enjoy soft bao buns with a perfect pork filling that balances fat and seasoning. The restaurant boasts a modern, cozy interior with spacious seating and a warm vibe. It stays open late, offering a lively yet comfortable atmosphere for any visit.

Soft, pillowy bao buns have a slight crunch outside and a fresh, flavorful inside. Pork filling balances fat and seasoning well, making the buns stand out alongside dishes like meatball pho.

People are saying

"The Vietnamese food here, especially the pho, has the best broth I've ever had."

"This late night spot has amazing pho with tender, juicy meat."

"The bao buns here are so soft and packed with flavor."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is open late until midnight, making it a great option for night owls.

2

Parking may be scarce during peak hours due to its location in a busy plaza.

3

The menu includes a variety of dishes beyond pho, catering to different tastes.

11
TeaWich image 1
Asian restaurant

Small, cozy spot with an artsy vibe and indie rock tunes. Fresh, soft bao buns like candied pork belly shine with rich flavors. Homemade boba adds a sweet touch, all at affordable prices in a family-run space.

Bao buns come fresh and soft, with a texture that holds up well against sauces. Options like the candied pork belly bao and fried chicken bao offer rich, exceptional flavors in generous portions.

People are saying

"The bao buns here are so soft and fluffy, they're amazing."

"The passion fruit candy drink here is just right and so refreshing."

"The fried chicken baos are fresh, flavorful, and a generous portion."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for custom dishes to ensure availability.

2

Expect long wait times during lunch rush hours due to limited seating.

3

Everything is made in-house, ensuring fresh and unique flavors.

12
Mutsu image 1
Temaki restaurant

Stone-carved sushi bar offers an intimate vibe with a backlit onyx counter and chefs preparing food in front of diners. Pillowy bao buns filled with Wagyu & Shrimp shine alongside fresh shirasu bowls. Early 2000s hip hop adds a modern vibe to the Japanese-inspired design.

Pillowy buns hold tender, flavorful Wagyu and shrimp in the bao. The Wagyu & Shrimp Bao stands out alongside other solid options like shirasu bowls and zucchini tempura.

People are saying

"The sushi here is excellent, with thoughtful touches."

"The Wagyu Yakitori was flawlessly tender and delicious."

"The Bao Buns here are pillowy soft and packed with flavor."

Good to know

1

Reservations are a must to dine at Mutsu.

2

Seating is limited, so arrive early.

3

Almost half of the menu was unavailable when I was seated.

13
Altamirano Restaurant & Bar image 1
Peruvian restaurant

Covered patio with a fireplace table and live Spanish guitar sets a stylish, intimate mood. Cocktails like pisco sours pair well with authentic Peruvian dishes. Bao buns shine with fresh lobster and crab flavors, including a unique Black lobster option.

Sea flavors stand out in the lobster bao and crab bao roll, both tasting fresh and rich. The Black lobster bao offers a unique twist alongside other well-made options.

People are saying

"The dinner here is incredible, especially the ceviche and Lomo Saltado."

"The cocktails here are divine and works of art."

"The lobster bao here is incredible and has a unique flavor."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4 to 6pm with a special menu.

2

Pisco tasting events occur occasionally; check the schedule.

3

Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends.

14
SEVEN FOLDING DUMPLING HOUSE image 1

Cozy spot with a warm vibe and clean decor welcomes families. Handmade dumplings shine, especially the black truffle bao with rich umami and pork soup dumplings full of flavor. Nostalgic fried noodles and crispy wings add to the authentic, relaxing experience.

Black truffle bao offers a luxurious depth with rich, aromatic, and umami-packed bites. Xiao long bao pork soup dumplings stand out with a solid flavor, while the Cantonese BBQ pork bun delivers classic char siu taste.

People are saying

"The dumplings here are delicious and made from scratch."

"The black pepper beef udon had a great wok-fried taste."

"The black truffle bao were rich and bursting with umami."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers a limited dim sum menu including har gow and siu mai.

2

Prices for dim sum dishes are generally reasonable, but some items may be expensive.

3

There is plenty of parking available near the restaurant.

15
1st Dumpling & Noodle image 1
Asian restaurant

Large, clean Asian restaurant offers a see-through kitchen where you can watch fresh dumplings made. Xiao Long Bao are fresh and juicy, especially the pork filling. Quiet, relaxing atmosphere with comfortable music makes dining enjoyable.

Xiao Long Bao come out fresh and juicy, with the pork filling standing out as a better option. Watching them make the bao adds to the experience, and the sheng zhen bao are also juicy and delicious.

People are saying

"The Chinese food dumplings here are fantastic, especially the soup dumplings."

"The beef noodle soup here is rich and flavorful."

"The xiao long bao here are so juicy and delicious."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended due to high kitchen demand during peak hours.

2

Takeout orders should be placed in person rather than over the phone or online.

3

Customers must write down their orders before everyone arrives at the table.

16
Baozi King 包子大王 image 1

Spacious spot offers authentic steamed buns with a standout pork belly bao. Fast service and a family vibe make it welcoming. Air conditioning and soft music create a relaxing atmosphere for a tidy, customizable meal.

Soft, flavorful bao with a perfect thickness stand out here. The pork belly bao is especially popular, and all baos taste freshly made and authentic.

People are saying

"The bao buns are pillow-soft and full of juicy flavor."

"The bottomless porridge and soy milk were piping hot."

"The wonton soup's broth is rich, flavorful, and has just the right touch of spice."

Good to know

1

The congee costs $3.50 per person, and side dishes are $2.50 with unlimited refills.

2

The all-you-can-eat price is around $3, which is very affordable in LA.

3

Buns are priced between $2.5 and $3 each, which is reasonable for the quality.

17
369 Noodle House image 1
Noodle shop

Noodle shop offers a calm, relaxing atmosphere with clean, humble interiors and attentive service. Pork shao bao stands out for its rich flavor and longer prep time, while mushroom bao buns provide a fresh, tasty option.

Pork shao bao stands out with its longer prep time and rich flavor. Mushroom bao buns offer a fresh, tasty option alongside other fresh baos and dumplings.

People are saying

"The ramen broth here is so rich and flavorful."

"The beef udon here is rich, comforting, and packed with flavor."

"The pork shao bao here are so fresh and delicious."

Good to know

1

They now close at 9:30 pm.

2

The prices are affordable; add 6-piece chicken wontons for $2.50.

3

Parking is not a problem at all.

18
Super Dumpling Culver City image 1

Massive restaurant offers a cozy vibe with spacious seating and a private prayer space. Xiao long bao shine with thin skin and rich broth, including a unique chicken version. Pan fried beef buns and a Chocolate Xiao Long Bao dessert add fun variety.

Xiao long bao feature thin skin and flavorful soup, with a unique chicken version that still delivers rich broth. Pan fried beef buns and a Chocolate Xiao Long Bao dessert add variety and fun twists.

People are saying

"The Chinese food here, especially the dumplings, is amazing and fresh."

"I thought the fried rice was a must-try and so tasty."

"These pan-fried beef bao buns are spectacular, crispy outside, juicy inside."

Good to know

1

All the food is halal.

2

A $55 'party charge' is added to the bill for large groups.

3

The lunch special offers great value.

19
Dumpling & Dough image 1
Chinese restaurant

Small dining room with an open kitchen creates a cozy, intimate atmosphere. Xiao long bao features rich soup-filled center and pan-fried bao offers a tasty contrast. Family-friendly space feels lively and sometimes crowded when busy.

Xiao long bao comes with perfect cooking and a rich soup-filled center. Pan-fried bao offers a tasty contrast, paired well with zha jiang mian and fine shreds of ginger.

People are saying

"I thought the food here was delicious and incredible."

"I enjoyed the cucumber salad; it was delicious."

"The Bao Buns here are perfectly cooked and full of stew."

Good to know

1

Dumplings are priced at $11 for four, which is considered a bit pricey.

2

The small bowl of noodles costs around $13 or $14, which may seem expensive.

3

The restaurant includes a cucumber salad and an extra soup as bonus items.

20
JCK Asia Kitchen & Bar image 1
Asian restaurant

Small, cozy space with modern design and soft Asian pop music creates a welcoming vibe. Xiao Long Bao offers authentic steamed dumplings rivaling top spots. Crowded yet comfortable, it balances lively energy with quiet conversation.

Xiao Long Bao here tastes very similar to Din Tai Fung's with delicious bao buns. The texture and flavor satisfy cravings for authentic steamed dumplings.

People are saying

"The soup dumplings here have an outstanding broth inside."

"The beef noodle soup is authentic and flavorful."

"The bao buns here are delicious and packed with flavor."

Good to know

1

Prices are very reasonable, about $35 for two people.

2

The meal is sufficient for two people, and leftovers are common.

3

Authentic Chinese cuisine is prepared by cooks speaking Mandarin and Cantonese.

21
Hinata Ramen image 1
Ramen restaurant

Hole-in-the-wall ramen spot offers authentic ramen with generous portions and reasonable prices. Pork Bao Buns deliver great taste and satisfying texture. Cozy, intimate atmosphere with retro Japanese posters makes it welcoming for all ages.

Pork Bao Buns stand out with their great taste and satisfying texture. The bao buns overall offer a flavorful and enjoyable bite.

People are saying

"The ramen broth here is rich, flavorful, and blew my mind."

"This lunch spot's ramen is so delicious, I'd get it again."

"I found the Bao Buns here to be great tasting."

Good to know

1

Parking can be tricky due to shared spaces with other businesses.

2

Expect a wait list if arriving after 9 PM, as they stop seating at 10.

3

The lunch combo offers great value with one appetizer and two entrees.

22
4SEASONS TEA CAFE image 1
Bubble tea store

Cozy bubble tea shop offers fluffy bao buns with unique fillings like taro and Nutella. Bright, plant-filled space invites casual hangouts with arcade games adding fun energy. Comfortable seating and calm vibe make it perfect for relaxing and enjoying tasty treats.

Bao buns come super warm and fluffy with a gooey taro center. Options include ham with cheese and Nutella with banana, paired well with taiyaki combos.

People are saying

"The tea here feels so welcoming and delicious."

"It's affordable, with a 20oz hurricane smoothie for only $6.75."

"The bao buns are warm and fluffy with a gooey taro center."

Good to know

1

The café tends to get busy during weekends due to fan events.

2

There is plenty of parking available in the plaza.

3

The menu is diverse with many drink and food options.

23
MR DRAGON NOODLE HOUSE image 1
Chinese noodle restaurant

Small space with dim lanterns feels cozy but crowded. Staff rush diners, making it loud and hard to chat. Pan-fried baos shine with crispy bottoms and juicy insides, while colorful menus make ordering easy.

Pan-fried baos stand out with a perfectly crispy bottom and a juicy, soft inside. Steamed pork baos and Xiao Long Bao offer fresh ingredients and a great balance of steamed and fried textures.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious, especially the savory dan dan noodles."

"The beef noodle soup here is so flavorful and tender."

"The pan-fried pork bao buns are soft, juicy, and perfectly crispy."

Good to know

1

Parking in the plaza can be difficult to find.

2

Expect large portions; sharing is recommended.

3

Reservations are not accepted, so arrive early to avoid long waits.

24
Dumpling King image 1
Dumpling restaurant

Open kitchen shows chefs folding dumplings, creating a cozy vibe. Handmade baos like BBQ pork and custard shine alongside fresh noodles. Menu offers four bao special and flavorful dishes at fair prices.

Handmade baos stand out with BBQ pork, custard buns, and a four bao special featuring dried fried chicken and beef roll. Mushu pork and soup dumplings also complement the selection well.

People are saying

"These dumplings are the best I've had in the city."

"I found the pan-fried pork baos to be flavorful and handmade."

"The Thai Tea here is very, very good."

Good to know

1

Dumpling King offers two menus: one for regular Chinese food and one for dumplings.

2

Expect to pay around $25 per person for a meal, including drinks.

3

Dumpling King has a solid selection of vegan and vegetarian options.

25
Dynasty Dumpling image 1
Dumpling restaurant

Bright, modern space with a homey feel offers Sheng jian bao that shines as the star. Casual ambiance with Mandarin ballads suits relaxed dinners. Unique ginger hint in pork bao adds a special touch to the flavorful menu.

Sheng jian bao tastes close to Shanghai style and stands out as the real star. Xiao long bao and pork bao offer fantastic flavors with a hint of ginger in the pork bao that makes it unique.

People are saying

"The soup dumplings here are fantastic and flavorful."

"The dinner spots here serve delicious, flavorful food with generous portions."

"The Xiao Long Bao here are really well prepared."

Good to know

1

Parking may be challenging; street parking is limited.

2

They offer a 10% discount on meals this month for their opening.

3

Reservations are not required but calling ahead for pickup is recommended.

26
M Dumpling image 1
Chinese restaurant

Small, clean space with a window showing dumplings made from scratch offers a casual, family-friendly vibe. Xiao long bao have thin, tender skins and burst with rich broth. Pan-fried buns feature a crispy bottom and juicy crab meat inside.

Xiao long bao have thin, tender skins and burst with rich, flavorful broth. Pan-fried buns offer a crispy bottom with soft, juicy insides, especially the crab meat ones.

People are saying

"The soup dumplings here are heavenly and packed with flavor."

"You have to try the steamed soup dumplings; they're the best."

"The bao buns are bursting with rich, flavorful broth."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not required, but expect wait times during peak hours.

2

Parking is limited, so consider arriving early or using public transport.

3

The menu is primarily focused on dumplings and a few other Chinese dishes.

27
The Whaling Bar image 1
Restaurant

Vintage decor and historic elements create a warm, nostalgic vibe perfect for romantic dinners and casual drinks. Halibut bao shines with generous portions and great flavor, while cocktails and food earn high praise for enhancing the top-tier atmosphere.

Halibut bao stands out with its delicious flavor and generous portions. Lamb Shawarma bao offers a great taste, while the Rioja braised short rib bao is flavorful but less impressive.

People are saying

"The bar staff here is so welcoming and kind."

"The cocktails here are inventive, fun, and perfectly balanced."

"The whipped ricotta on the Bao Buns is so tasty."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-5 p.m. with limited menu options.

2

Valet parking is available at the connected hotel.

3

The kitchen closes at 10 p.m., not 11 p.m.

28
Pho Mai Cali image 1
Vietnamese restaurant

Modern, clean space with a beautiful mural sets a calm mood. Fried bao buns are crispy and delicious, especially the pork option. Authentic Vietnamese flavors mix with creative touches for a relaxing dining experience.

Fried bao buns come out crispy and make a yummy appetizer. The fried pork bao stands out as delicious among the options.

People are saying

"I thought the pho was really good and delicious."

"This is a great dinner spot, a must-stop for dining."

"These bao buns are creative, balancing authenticity with modern options."

Good to know

1

The prices at Pho Mai Cali are reasonable for the quality and quantity of food.

2

The food comes out quickly and is packaged nicely for takeout.

3

The restaurant is extremely clean and well-maintained.

29
Get Sum Dim Sum image 1
Dim sum restaurant

Modern dim sum spot offers authentic fresh dim sum in a warm welcoming setting with great music. Cha siu bao is soft and flavorful, making it a standout. Small space keeps the vibe chill and pleasant for a cozy meal.

Cha siu bao arrives quickly and comes with a soft, flavorful filling. The egg custards and bao offer a rich, satisfying taste that stands out on the menu.

People are saying

"The dim sum here is excellent, with flavorful and fresh dumplings."

"The shrimp and fish dishes here are fragrant and tender."

"I thought the bao buns were literally to die for."

Good to know

1

Expect a wait for a table during peak hours, especially on weekends.

2

Dim sum is served all day, not just in the mornings.

3

Parking is plentiful and convenient for visitors.

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