Atly Logo
New Yorkers 1st Choice
Local picks in California

Bao bun spots

You prefer to find your bao buns off the beaten path.

Based on 604 Opinions
+601
User
User
User
Updated May 2026
01
TeaWich image 1
TeaWich image 2
TeaWich image 3
View all
Asian restaurant

Small, cozy space with an artsy, relaxed vibe and indie rock music. Casual atmosphere fills up during lunch rush with a mix of solo diners and casual eaters. Known for freshly made baos, homemade boba, and affordable prices in a family-owned setting.

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.

Offers a quiet spot that feels tucked away from the usual crowds. Serves unique tea blends and sandwiches that stand out from typical cafe menus.

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."

"I found TeaWich to be the best hidden gem."

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.

02
JCK Asia Kitchen & Bar image 1
Asian restaurant

Small, cozy space with a clean, modern design creates a welcoming atmosphere. Asian pop music plays softly, keeping the vibe casual and quiet enough for conversation. The place often feels crowded, adding to its lively yet comfortable energy.

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.

A local spot offers Asian food that stands out quietly among others. It serves as a hidden gem with flavors that surprise and satisfy.

People are saying

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

"I found a hidden gem with flavorful vegan dishes."

"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.

03
Dumpling & Dough image 1
Chinese restaurant

Small dining room with an open kitchen creates a cozy, intimate atmosphere where kitchen sounds blend with conversation. Interior is clean and modern, featuring tasteful decor and bright lighting. Space feels family-friendly 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.

Offers a quiet spot with great food tucked away from the usual crowds. Stands out as a hidden gem in the area.

People are saying

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

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

"You have to try these hidden gems; the food is so delicious and satisfying."

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.

04
Dynasty Dumpling image 1
Dumpling restaurant

Bright, modern space with a clean, casual ambiance and homey neighborhood feel. Atmosphere stays relaxing with Mandarin ballads at a comfortable volume, making it suitable for casual dinners or gatherings. Crowds peak at lunch and dinner, creating a lively but comfortable environment.

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.

Lunch specials stand out as a great value here, making it a hidden gem for affordable meals.

People are saying

"The soup dumplings here are fantastic and flavorful."

"It's a hidden gem for authentic, fresh, homemade dim sum."

"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.

05
Super Dumpling Culver City image 1

Massive restaurant with spacious seating and a modern-traditional design offers a cozy, inviting atmosphere with great music. Separate areas include a bar for single diners and a private prayer space. The vibe suits large gatherings and casual meals alike.

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.

Offers unexpected delights that stand out in a familiar area. Known for being a quiet spot that surprises with its quality and charm.

People are saying

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

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

"These hidden gems are fresh, flavorful, and perfectly cooked."

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.

06
Tasty China image 1
Chinese restaurant

Simple Asian eatery with authentic colorful decor and a laid-back, cozy atmosphere. The space feels clean and comfortable despite some uncomfortable chairs. It fills with lively conversation, creating a casual and inviting vibe.

Xiao long bao here have handmade skins and pack a lot of juice inside. The pork versions are large and juicy, offering authentic Shanghai flavor that stands out.

Small spots with tasty dumplings and flavorful dishes stand out here. A simple motel also counts as a hidden gem in the mix.

People are saying

"The food here is always amazing and tastes so fresh."

"The salt and pepper fish was seasoned and cooked perfectly."

"These dumplings are a hidden gem: bigger, juicier, and a fraction of the price."

Good to know

1

Lunch specials are available on weekdays, including rice, soup, and a spring roll.

2

Expect long wait times on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evenings.

3

Parking is available at the Ramada next door, which has plenty of spaces.

07
Shanghai Noodle House image 1
Shanghainese restaurant

Small, homey space with family-style seating and walls covered in Chinese newspaper clippings creates a laid-back, authentic vibe. The atmosphere is bustling yet comfortable, attracting those seeking genuine Shanghainese flavors served at reasonable prices.

Pan-fried shenjian bao and steamed xiaolongbao stand out here. Pork bao offers a classic flavor, and the pan-fried bao adds a crispy texture.

Offers authentic Chinese cuisine at a fantastic price point. Stands out as a true hidden gem in the area.

People are saying

"The Shanghai comfort food here is so authentic and flavorful."

"I loved the pork bao buns; they were soupy and tasty."

"I found this place to be a hidden gem."

Good to know

1

The restaurant accepts cash only if the bill is below $25.

2

They offered two free side dishes for dine-in customers.

3

The dishes are served family style, so be prepared to share.

08
Mimi Garden image 1
Chinese restaurant

Open kitchen reveals chefs hand-making dumplings, creating a laid-back atmosphere with modern, elegant décor and bird nest lamps adding unique charm. Space feels clean, spacious, and comfortable, inviting a peaceful yet lively dining experience.

Pan-fried bao have perfectly golden bottoms and pillowy tops with juicy pork filling. The Kurobuta Pork Soup Xiao Long Bao feature delicate wrappers and rich, flavorful broth inside. Handmade dumplings and bao are made fresh right in front of you.

Offers reasonably priced, handmade dumplings that stand out in a small town setting. Known as a hidden gem for its unique charm and quality.

People are saying

"The food here was amazing and bursting with flavor."

"The staff here is so professional and welcoming."

"The Kurobuta pork soup dumplings burst with savory, flavorful broth."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers a free pitcher of beer for July 4th.

2

Reservations are recommended on weekends due to high demand.

3

The restaurant accepts credit cards, but cash is preferred for tips.

09
Prince Dumpling image 1
Restaurant

Spacious restaurant with modern, sleek interior and glassed-in kitchen where dumplings are made fresh. Atmosphere feels upscale yet cozy, lively and friendly, suited for groups and casual meals. Popular spot known for authentic dumplings and a clean, bright setting.

Juicy and perfectly wrapped xiao long bao stand out here, especially the kurobuta variety. Dessert bao buns come in unique flavors like chocolate, taro, and black sesame.

A subtle sign next to a popular Asian supermarket marks this spot as a hidden gem. The outside sign can be misleading, but the place stands out quietly.

People are saying

"The Chinese food here, especially the xiao long bao, has a thin wrapper and rich broth."

"The Xiao Long Bao here are bursting with juicy meat."

"You have to try these hidden gem dumplings; the wrapping is perfect and they don't leak."

Good to know

1

Arrive early to avoid long wait times, especially during peak hours.

2

Reservations are recommended for large groups to ensure seating.

3

Parking is available in the plaza, but it can get crowded.

10
No.5 House image 1
Taiwanese restaurant

Small space with in-house dumpling making and clean, tasteful décor creates a chill, relaxing vibe reminiscent of a Taipei street market. The menu leans toward Northern Chinese flavors despite Taiwanese labeling, featuring standout dishes like pan-fried bao and authentic beef noodle soup. Seating is limited, and ordering happens via QR code at the table.

Pan-fried bao stands out as the highlight here, especially the 生煎包 (sheng jian bao) which is juicy and flavorful. The Xiao Long Bao also offers a tasty, juicy bite that complements the menu well.

Offers a quiet spot that feels like a new discovery in the area. Stands out as a hidden gem worth checking out.

People are saying

"The dumplings here are so tasty and juicy."

"The Taiwanese beef noodle soup here is so authentic and delicious."

"I found this place to be a divine hidden gem."

Good to know

1

Parking may be hard to find during peak dining hours.

2

The restaurant is very small with limited seating.

3

They had to turn away customers because there was no seating.

11
Chào XO Kitchen image 1
Asian restaurant

Small, elegant Asian restaurant with modern design and Asian-influenced art creates a warm, family-friendly atmosphere filled with plants and vibrant decor. The space feels inviting and comfortable, suitable for casual dinners or celebrations. An open bar adds to the relaxed vibe.

Golden Fried Bao stands out with its crispy texture and rich flavor. Spicy birria dumplings and steamed pork belly bao offer bold flavors. Frying the Siu Bao adds a unique twist to a classic.

Offers a quiet spot that feels tucked away from the usual crowds. Serves up unique flavors that stand out in the area.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing and yummy."

"You have to try the golden fried pork Bao Buns; they're genius."

"I found this place to be a hidden gem with a relaxing atmosphere."

Good to know

1

The restaurant's grand opening is on March 21, 2024.

2

A special menu is available for Restaurant Week.

3

Parking is available in a shared lot, but can be limited.

12
Sunny Dumpling House image 1
Chinese restaurant

Small, cozy space with an open kitchen where fresh dumplings are made by hand behind a clear divider. Atmosphere feels a bit cramped and loud, designed for quick table turnover and takeout focus. Digital ordering via QR code streamlines service, while wall art shares stories about dumpling origins, adding a unique touch.

Juicy Xiao Long Bao and pan-fried dumplings stand out here. Every Xiao Long Bao has a hole at the bottom and the soup often leaks out. The setup lacks essentials like ginger, a small plate, and a spoon.

Offers amazing dumplings that stand out in the area. Recognized as a hidden gem for its quality and taste.

People are saying

"These dumplings are so fresh and flavorful, you'll love them."

"The scallion pancakes were thin, crispy, and savory."

"These hidden gems serve heavenly dumplings, handcrafted before your eyes."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not accepted; expect to wait during peak dinner hours.

2

Customers must scan QR codes to place orders at the table.

3

Payment is processed online, and charges may double temporarily before refund.

13
Hong Kong Dim Sum House image 1
Dim sum restaurant

Small mom-and-pop dim sum restaurant with about six tables creates a cozy and intimate atmosphere. Space feels compact and lively, encouraging quick dining and suited for pairs or small groups. Offers self-serve tea and features picture menus with freshly cooked, high-quality dim sum.

Bao buns come with plump baked BBQ filling and have a good texture and taste. They are not made fresh on the spot and sometimes have less egg custard inside than expected.

Offers a quiet spot with authentic dim sum that feels tucked away from the usual crowds. Serves as a low-key find for those seeking traditional flavors without the fuss.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and authentic."

"The plump baked BBQ bao buns have excellent flavor and texture."

"I considered this place a hidden gem."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is extremely small, so arrive early to secure a table.

2

Expect long lines during weekends and holidays, especially around peak hours.

3

Every dim sum dish costs between $6 to $10, perfect for sharing.

14
HalalStreet Hot Pot | Newark image 1

Restaurant divides into hot pot buffet and a la carte sections, keeping steam separate from diners. Atmosphere blends Xinjiang-style decor with automated robot servers delivering meat. Space feels family-friendly with a warm, welcoming vibe and a small prayer room.

Buffet includes bao buns alongside egg rolls and fried rice. The lamb bao stands out as a notable option for first-timers.

Offers a unique dining experience with flavorful hot pot options. Stands out as a lesser-known spot worth exploring for its authentic taste.

People are saying

"The Chinese Food hot pot had so many options and great broths."

"These Bao Buns are fantastic with rich flavors."

"I found this place to be an amazing hidden gem."

Good to know

1

The lunch buffet is an incredible value at $20, offering a variety of options.

2

All ingredients served are halal, catering to dietary restrictions.

3

Parking is plentiful and easily accessible near the restaurant.

Discover more

California

Area guide
Loading Map...