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Bao buns and sandwiches

You want the portability of a sandwich with the specific texture of a bao bun. You know that a handheld meal should never be boring.

Based on 739 Opinions
+736
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Updated June 2026
01
Steamy Piggy Point Loma image 1
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Asian restaurant

Asian restaurant with modern, inviting decor and photo-worthy corners creates a friendly, vibey atmosphere. Loud, chill music and several TVs showing sports and K-pop fill the space. Cocktails like lychee and passionfruit complement soft dumplings and flavorful chicken rolls.

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

Spicy chicken sandwich stands out with its crispy chicken even under sauce. Other options include soy garlic wings and honey mustard wings alongside the sandwich.

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."

"I found the spicy chicken sandwich to be amazing."

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.

02
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.

Spicy chicken sandwiches stand out with options like the Seoul Chick with Korean Hot seasoning and the Thai sweet chicken big bun. Sandwiches come on three different buns, including brioche and bap, offering a lot of flavor and crispy textures.

People are saying

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

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

"This chicken sandwich is mind-blowing, sweet, and spicy."

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.

03
TeaWich image 1
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.

Bao sandwiches come freshly made with a perfect seasoning and a mix of fresh ingredients. Pairing them with a Honey Lavender Iced Tea offers a refreshing and floral complement.

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."

"These sandwiches are a match made in culinary heaven."

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.

04
Smokin D’s BBQ SF image 1
Barbecue restaurant

Small barbecue spot with on-site smoked meat creates a cozy, chill atmosphere reminiscent of Texas. Limited seating encourages takeout, attracting those who appreciate authentic Texas-style BBQ with bold, salty flavors.

Brisket baos feature Texas smoked meats with a big, meaty, and juicy profile. Execution is flawless, making them a satisfying grab-and-go treat.

Brisket sandwiches stand out with tender, abundant chunks of beef and a sweet, moist BBQ sauce. Buns are fresh and tasty, holding a large portion that fills up well.

People are saying

"The American Food here, especially the brisket, is tender and perfectly cooked."

"The brisket bao buns were so tender and flavorful."

"The brisket sandwich is tender, juicy, and moist."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is takeout only, with limited seating available.

2

Pricing is reasonable for the quality, with meals around $200 for a family.

3

Bao buns are available only from Friday to Sunday.

05
Relentless Brewing and Spirits image 1

Small, intimate space with roll-up windows creates an open-air atmosphere that feels cozy and stylish. Background music sets a cool vibe while TVs over the bar offer entertainment. Seating includes a main area and an upstairs section, supporting casual gatherings and relaxed dining.

Bao buns come in steak, pork belly, and Korean BBQ taco styles. Each version offers a distinct flavor profile with rich, savory fillings.

Japanese breakfast sandwich stays flavorful to the last bite. Chicken sandwich options include Nashville hot and one paired with kimchi, both offering bold tastes.

People are saying

"I loved their impressive beer selection and rotating brews."

"I loved their Japanese breakfast sandwich."

"The steak and pork belly Bao Buns were delicious."

Good to know

1

Happy hour is from Monday to Tuesday 5-7 PM and Wednesday to Friday 2-5 PM.

2

Trivia night happens on Wednesday evenings, creating a lively atmosphere.

3

The restaurant offers a variety of vegan options on the menu.

06
Bao Chick image 1
Chicken restaurant

Food hall setting offers shared seating with a modern, casual vibe and lively atmosphere. The spot features high-quality fried chicken and unique dishes like soup dumplings and lamb soup. It attracts diners looking for flavorful comfort food in a relaxed environment.

Fluffy baos come with creative fillings like grilled pork, fried chicken with a crunchy coating, and crispy pork belly with balanced hoisin sauce. The Xiao Long Bao and soup pork bao serve authentic, traditional flavors in steam baskets.

Chicken sandwiches come huge and juicy with a crispy exterior and a perfect mayo-lettuce balance. The fried chicken is packed with flavor and often served with a side of spice powder to adjust heat.

People are saying

"The Chinese food here is so crispy and juicy."

"I thought the chicken sandwich was the best I've ever had."

"I thought the chicken sandwich was the best I've ever had."

Good to know

1

Free 90-minute parking is available near the food hall.

2

Expect a wait time of about 24 minutes during peak hours.

3

Prices for meals range from $8 to $9 for generous portions.

07
Peppermint Indian Restaurant image 1

Modern Indian restaurant occupies a bright, airy space with clean, semi-upscale ambiance and stoneware tableware. Instrumental music plays softly, creating a cozy yet elegant vibe that suits relaxed dining. The menu features unique vegetarian options and updated Indian fare with a twist.

Chili chicken bao buns come fresh and hot with a semi-sweet flavor balanced by pickled onions and cucumber. Bao buns could be thicker to hold the chicken better but remain well made and tasty.

Chicken sandwiches come crispy and juicy with well-seasoned, flavorful meat. Options include a hot chicken sandwich with slaw and hot sauce on a soft bun, similar to a zinger burger.

People are saying

"The food here is so tasty and flavorful."

"The chicken sandwich here is delicious and flavorful."

"The chili chicken bao buns were delicious and served hot."

Good to know

1

The restaurant now offers an all-vegetarian menu since its recent reopening.

2

Expect smaller portion sizes that may not justify the price.

3

The restaurant is exceptionally clean and well-maintained.

08
Bun World image 1
Chinese restaurant

Small space with bright, whimsical decor creates a cozy, casual atmosphere that feels inviting and playful. Seating is ample, and a sauce station adds to the dining experience. The vibe suits relaxed gatherings with a focus on authentic Chinese buns and dumplings.

Xiao long bao here offers a range of flavors including a Rainbow Xiao Long Bao that lets you taste several varieties at once. Options include pork fried buns, pan fried buns, and savory steamed buns with cute designs.

The Pikachu Chicken sandwich offers a healthier alternative to typical fast food chicken sandwiches. It comes with a small side of fries and ketchup, making it a simple, satisfying meal option.

People are saying

"These bao buns are so cute and delicious!"

"The cartoon steam dumplings were fun and delicious for kids."

"The Pikachu Chicken Sandwich is surprisingly good and cute."

Good to know

1

Expect an hour and a half wait on Sundays, plus 20 minutes for food.

2

You must check in using a QR code to place your order.

3

Several popular menu items may be sold out during busy hours.

09
Saigon Beach image 1
Vietnamese restaurant

Tiny storefront with small seating area and takeout focus offers affordable Vietnamese fast food. Atmosphere feels hot and unclean, with limited parking and sticky bar seating. Vegan options and some dishes like spring rolls and bao buns stand out amid mixed food quality.

Bao buns come with beef brisket or pork belly fillings. Chicken with rice pairs well with the buns. Spring rolls often accompany the bao buns.

Baguette sandwiches feature a fusion style that differs from traditional Banh Mi. The pork belly sandwich and beef sandwich with Pho dipping soup stand out, with the latter being a famous choice here.

People are saying

"The food here is so fresh and full of flavor."

"You have to try the beef sandwich with Pho dipping soup."

"I had the best beef brisket bao buns I've ever had."

Good to know

1

The restaurant mainly offers takeout and delivery, not dine-in.

2

Parking in front of the restaurant is very limited and difficult to find.

3

The restaurant can only seat about 8-10 people at maximum.

10
Bonchon Stevenson Ranch - Pico Canyon Rd image 1

Korean fried chicken spot with a hip and comfortable vibe and fast food style interior featuring booths and counters. Two TVs play K-pop videos quietly, creating a lively yet chill atmosphere. The space feels warm and welcoming, perfect for quick meals or casual dining.

Bao buns feature fried chicken with Korean pickled veggies and sauce, making them super light and tasty. Bulgogi bao buns stand out with rich flavor, while original wings and bao buns lack flavor.

Chicken sandwiches come with large chicken strips sticking out, giving a hearty look. The yangmeon sauce adds a balanced spicy and sweet flavor that stands out.

People are saying

"The Korean food here is incredibly delicious and perfectly crispy."

"The chicken sandwich was delicious and perfectly spicy and sweet."

"These bao buns are super light and tasty for a quick lunch."

Good to know

1

This is a quick service restaurant, so expect fast food preparation.

2

Wait times can reach up to 45 minutes for larger orders.

3

Prices are on the higher side for fried chicken.

11
Woon - Pasadena image 1
Chinese restaurant

Beautiful decor and thoughtful design create an inviting space with lots of natural light. The atmosphere is lively and laid-back, often bustling with families and energetic vibes. Outdoor seating mimics a Taiwanese night market, adding a unique cultural touch to the experience.

Generous portions of pork belly fill the bao buns, making them hearty and satisfying. The ice cream bao offers a unique twist, while the homemade pineapple bao bun adds a sweet touch to the pork chop sandwich.

Pork chop sandwich comes on a homemade pineapple bao bun. Small sandwich costs around $16. Five spice wings often ordered alongside.

People are saying

"The Chinese food here, especially the fried rice, is incredible."

"The pork belly bao was so generous and flavorful."

"That pork chop sandwich on a pineapple bao bun was to die for."

Good to know

1

Parking is available in a lot right next to the restaurant.

2

Expect long wait times of around 40 minutes during peak hours.

3

Portions are small, so consider ordering more for larger groups.

12
King Banh Mi - Vua Bánh Mì image 1

Spacious bakery with bright, airy seating and a classy bread display creates a clean, open atmosphere. The energy is calm due to limited tables despite the large space. Known for crispy, light baguettes and savory, well-balanced fillings, it blends Vietnamese roots with French craftsmanship.

Smaller size bao buns let you try different flavors. Banh BAO stands out as very tasty and worth the price. Some flavors like salted egg yolk may not suit everyone.

Sandwiches come with crispy bread and a delicious condiment. Options include pork belly, grilled pork, ribeye, and fish cake sandwiches, all served quickly due to low crowd levels.

People are saying

"The bread here is perfectly crispy and light."

"The sandwich bread here is so crispy and flavorful."

"I wished I had bought more of the Bao Buns; they were worth the price."

Good to know

1

They currently have a promotion: buy 2 and get 1 free, totaling $18 for three sandwiches.

2

Parking is comfortable and plentiful.

3

Everything is very clean, ensuring a pleasant visit.

13
Lime in the Coconut image 1

Restaurant combines tropical and midcentury modern tiki decor with a cozy lounge area and bright, casual setting. Atmosphere stays low key and stylish, suited for relaxed nights with friends. Speakeasy in back adds a secretive, exclusive vibe requiring reservation or password.

The bao flight features kahlua pork and pork belly, with the kalua pork standing out as the best option. Several people praise the bao buns for their flavor.

Korean chicken and Banh Mi pork belly sandwiches offer flavorful options. The breakfast sandwich with spam shines with elevating sauces that boost its taste.

People are saying

"The Speakeasy staff, especially Lily and Natalie, made us feel like family."

"The breakfast sandwich with spam was good, especially with the sauces."

"The pork belly bao buns did not disappoint."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-6 PM with $7 mai tais and aloha margaritas.

2

Reservations are required for the speakeasy located in the back.

3

Parking is available behind the venue.

14
Bao N Baguette image 1
Vietnamese restaurant

Sizable fast-food spot with clean, uncluttered decor and both indoor and outdoor seating. Atmosphere feels modern and inviting despite being primarily take-out focused. Known for affordable prices and well-packaged food, especially distinctive bao with quail egg.

Soft and fluffy dough surrounds the banh bao with perfectly balanced meat fillings. The bao with quail egg stands out as a top-notch option among a variety of flavors like taro, matcha, and BBQ pork.

Sandwiches come with crispy rolls and offer a great selection including an egg omelet option. Prices hover around $5.95, and sandwiches stop being made after 4 pm.

People are saying

"The bao buns here are fluffy and delicious."

"The tiramisu coffee was pretty good, a bit stronger and sweeter."

"The sandwich bread was exquisite and the vegetables were very fresh."

Good to know

1

Bao N Baguette is a take-out only establishment.

2

They stop making sandwiches at 4 pm.

3

They close at 6 pm.

15
Yummy Bakery & Food To Go image 1

Cramped space fills with a long line that sometimes extends outside, reflecting high demand. Energy feels crowded and busy, with many people waiting and limited standing room. Known for small, flavorful Banh Bao and wide dessert selection, it draws those seeking authentic, well-priced snacks.

Small Banh Bao pack a perfect umami flavor and come in a mini size ideal for snacks. Vegetarian options stand out, and the buns are priced very reasonably.

Steamed buns and roasted pork sandwiches offer a satisfying bite with a texture that resembles boiled meat. These sandwiches focus on simple, hearty flavors.

People are saying

"I loved the banh mi and banh bao Vietnamese food here."

"I thought the Bao Buns were the best I had."

"I loved the roast pork sandwich with crispy skin."

Good to know

1

Parking at Yummy Bakery is easy, but can be difficult during peak hours.

2

They sell boxes of 9 dumplings for takeout, perfect for work lunches.

3

Expect long lines during busy times, especially on weekends.

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