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Local picks in Chicago

Bao bun spots

Made for those who have a singular focus on finding the best bao buns in the city.

Based on 653 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
TE'AMO Boba Bar image 1
TE'AMO Boba Bar image 2
TE'AMO Boba Bar image 3
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Restaurant

Small space with a pink interior creates a cozy vibe. Ube cheesecake bao offers a sweet and savory taste. Passion fruit oolong ice tea pairs well, enhancing the calm, welcoming atmosphere.

Ube cheesecake bao offers a perfect balance of sweet and savory. Ube bao and passion fruit oolong ice tea pair well together.

People are saying

"I loved their basic black milk tea and passionfruit jasmine tea."

"It's a small but cozy place with an awesome vibe."

"The ube cheesecake bao buns are the perfect balance of sweet and savory."

Good to know

1

TE'AMO Boba Bar offers a wide variety of boba and food options.

2

Seating is limited, so plan accordingly during busy hours.

3

They use organic and natural ingredients in their drinks.

02
VN Tofu & Fast Food image 1
Tofu restaurant

Small spot serves authentic Vietnamese street food with fresh tofu and affordable prices. Banh bao features hard boiled egg and sausage for a rich, satisfying bite. Nostalgic vibe and cash-only policy keep it simple and genuine.

Banh bao comes packed with hard boiled egg and sausage, offering a solid, flavorful bite. Fillings are generous and include both meat and egg, making the bao rich and satisfying.

People are saying

"The Vietnamese street food here is so authentic and fresh."

"The bao buns are packed with flavorful meat and egg."

Good to know

1

VN Tofu and Street Foods is a cash-only establishment, so bring cash.

2

Expect a variety of vegetarian options on the menu.

3

It's recommended to arrive early for a better selection of food.

03
Chiu Quon Bakery 超群茶餐廳 image 1

Small space offers an authentic Cantonese bakery vibe with homemade dim sum and Portuguese egg tarts. Bao buns arrive piping hot with a soft texture, especially the BBQ Pork Bao with rich filling. Calm atmosphere and cash-only policy keep it simple and local.

Bao buns come out piping hot and fresh with a soft texture. The BBQ Pork Bao stands out with a rich char siu filling and reheats well using a wet paper towel in the microwave.

People are saying

"I found the baked goods to be affordable and of good quality."

"The Portuguese egg tarts from this bakery are light, flaky, and delicious."

"I found the char siu bao buns to be amazing."

Good to know

1

The bakery is cash-only, so bring cash when visiting.

2

Expect long lines during weekends, especially late morning.

3

The bakery is carry-out only with no indoor seating.

04
Chengdu Bistro West Town 蓉小馆 image 1

Cozy space buzzes with loud chatter and dog-friendly patio hosting live music. Pork baos shine with Sichuan spice, while mushroom vermicelli bao offers a vegan option. Perfect for groups eager to share dishes in a lively setting.

Pork baos stand out with Sichuan spice and juicy filling. Mushroom vermicelli bao offers a solid vegan option alongside other bao varieties.

People are saying

"I loved the Chinese food, especially the Dan Dan noodles."

"The cucumber salad was loaded with flavors and added the perfect crunch."

"The pork bao buns were a highlight of the meal."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended, especially for peak dining hours.

2

A small bowl of Dan Dan noodles costs $6.

3

The restaurant offers a variety of vegan options, including Mapo Tofu.

05
Go 4 Food image 1
Chinese restaurant

Small, intimate spot offers spicy taco bao that delights with unique flavor. Cozy, authentic vibe suits those who value fresh, vibrant flavors over fancy decor. BYOB and a large party room make it great for groups.

Spicy taco bao stands out with its fun concept and delicious flavor. It often becomes a favorite dish due to its unique taste.

People are saying

"I've never had Chinese food this good before."

"I thought the seafood here was one of the best I'd ever had."

"The taco bao buns were delicious and a fun concept."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not required but recommended during peak hours.

2

Lunch specials are available daily with great value.

3

Street paid parking is available in the Chinatown area.

06
Picnic Digital Food Court - Avondale image 1

Large space with post-modern industrial design offers a calming, futuristic vibe. Bao buns are fluffy and soft with crisp veggies, featuring a standout crispy spicy Aioli chicken option and rare vegetarian choices. Food pickup is easy with fun lockers and a text link system.

Fluffy, soft bao buns come with a crisp texture from cabbage and cucumbers. The crispy spicy Aioli chicken bao stands out, and vegetarian baos are incredible and rare elsewhere.

People are saying

"I found the food here delicious and amazing."

"I found the Japanese food, especially the sushi, to be really good and fresh."

"I found the crispy spicy Aioli chicken bao to be super good."

Good to know

1

There are approximately 50 restaurants operating within this place.

2

The process of picking up food through a text link and locker combo is efficient.

3

Some restaurants post open hours despite not actually being open.

07
TE'AMO Boba & Desserts - Millennium Park image 1

Bubble tea shop shines with pink color scheme and cozy decor, perfect for casual chats. Bao buns stand out with soft, fluffy texture and unique fillings like ube cheesecake flavor. Playful prizes add a friendly, stylish vibe to the experience.

Soft and fluffy bao buns come with unique fillings like ube and pizza. The ube bao is filled generously and tastes mostly like cheesecake, while the bao buns have a shiny, appealing look.

People are saying

"I found the boba tea here to be refreshing and not too sweet."

"The strawberry lemonade here is so refreshing and tasty."

"The ube bao buns here are unreal."

Good to know

1

You can place an order via app or kiosk and choose toppings and sugar level.

2

The prices at TE'AMO Boba & Desserts - Millennium Park are reasonable.

3

There is limited seating when it gets busy, so plan accordingly.

08
Legend Dumpling + Bao image 1
Chinese restaurant

Small space offers authentic flavors and a cozy vibe with self-order kiosks. Vegan bao come in a set of four for $8 and stand out for their flavor. Pork and cabbage bao score a perfect 10, making the bao buns truly on point.

Vegan bao come in a set of four for $8 before tip and stand out for their flavor. The pork and cabbage bao rates a perfect 10 out of 10, while the bao buns overall are authentic and on point.

People are saying

"The soup dumplings were the best part of the meal."

"I was so happy to find tasty vegan Bao Buns here."

"I found the food here to be cheap and very good."

Good to know

1

Parking costs $2.50 per hour using a mobile app.

2

A bathroom is available for paying customers only.

3

They offer a variety of vegetarian and pescatarian options.

09
Moonflower image 1
Cocktail bar

Cocktail bar offers a dimly lit speakeasy vibe with a lively dance floor and neon lights. Bao buns are very cheap but have mixed flavor opinions. Frequent live music and outdoor seating add to the warm atmosphere.

Bao buns come with a small slice of panko zucchini and are priced very cheaply. The flavor is mixed, with some finding them delicious while others do not recommend them.

People are saying

"The food here was always incredible."

"It's a cool place with a dark, moody speakeasy vibe."

"The bao buns here are delicious and amazing."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-7pm with great drink deals.

2

Moonflower hosts live music events on weekends.

3

Brunch drinks are charged separately from food.

10
Union Dumpling House image 1

Self-serve dumpling spot buzzes with fast kiosk orders and pork and chive bao buns. Indoor seating feels casual and hectic, while a heated back patio offers cozy calm. Unique chocolate bao adds a crunchy, light sweet twist to the menu.

Steamed bao buns come with pork and chive fillings and pair well with various dumplings. The chocolate bao offers a unique crunchy texture and stays light on sweetness.

People are saying

"These dumplings are seriously so good and fresh."

"You have to try the cucumber salad, it's so fresh."

"I found the bao buns and dumplings to be delicious."

Good to know

1

Budget extra time for wait or consider ordering ahead.

2

Street parking is available, but it may be limited.

3

Ordering is done through a kiosk; staff assistance is not available.

11
Slurp Slurp Noodles image 1
Chinese noodle restaurant

Small, cozy spot with peaceful atmosphere and clean decor. Bao buns arrive in a bamboo steamer, fresh and flavorful with sauce inside. Loyal crowd enjoys authentic hand-pulled noodles and rich broths at dinner.

Bao buns come with sauce inside, making them flavorful and fresh. They arrive in a bamboo steamer, looking appealing and tasty.

People are saying

"The hand-pulled noodles in this Chinese food are perfectly chewy and flavorful."

"These dumplings ruined me for all others."

"The bao buns here are amazing and tasty."

Good to know

1

A bowl of noodles and a drink costs around $20.

2

The restaurant does not validate parking despite signs indicating otherwise.

3

The dining room and bathroom are clean, but the entrance is not wheelchair accessible.

12
Hing Kee image 1
Chinese restaurant

Small Chinese spot offers fresh xiao long bao with great quality. Cozy, lively vibe feels like home with family-friendly seating. Loud, quirky music adds a memorable atmosphere that keeps energy high.

Xiao long bao stand out with their freshness and consistent quality. Steamed bao also pair well with dishes like pork belly and preserved vegetables.

People are saying

"The soup dumplings here are amazing."

"I found the seafood soup dumplings to have the best broth."

"I loved their famous and fresh bao buns."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended as the restaurant can get very busy.

2

Expect long wait times during peak hours, especially on weekends.

3

An automatic tip of 18%-20% is added to the bill for all customers.

13
TE'AMO Boba & Desserts - Navy Pier image 1

Bright, clean spot with a casual Go & Grab vibe offers fast kiosk ordering and a friendly atmosphere. Unique ube bao bun dumplings take 15 minutes and come with a dessert that can earn a free tote. Fresh boba and flavorful mochi donuts complete the tasty experience.

Bagel bao offers a delicious twist on traditional bao buns. Ube bao bun dumplings take about 15 minutes to serve and come with a dessert option that can earn a free tote with purchase.

People are saying

"I loved their strawberry milk tea, it was amazing!"

"The Oreo mochi donuts are fluffy, soft, and chewy."

"I found the ube bao bun dumpling to be amazing."

Good to know

1

Expect a 10-minute wait for drinks during peak hours.

2

The ordering process is done entirely through a touchscreen tablet.

3

A promotion offers a free drink or donut after leaving a review.

14
Saint Anna Bakery image 1

Small bakery shines with authentic Hong Kong-style pastries like cha siu bao and pineapple bao. Cozy, family-run vibe welcomes casual visits despite being mainly takeout. Prices stay exceptionally low, making it a great spot for quick, tasty treats.

Bao buns include cha siu bao priced around $1.95. Pineapple bao offers a sweet twist. Egg tarts and a sesame roll add variety to the selection.

People are saying

"I found the bakery's authentic Hong Kong-style pastries delicious."

"You can get authentic, cheap, and amazing baked goods here."

"The cha siu bao here is delicious and only $1.95."

Good to know

1

Saint Anna Bakery accepts cash only for all purchases.

2

There is a $10 minimum for credit card payments with a 3% processing fee.

3

The bakery does not offer dining-in; only takeout is available.

15
MIKAMI IZAKAYA & RAMEN image 1
Japanese restaurant

Japanese restaurant blends industrial-chic design with a quiet, spacious vibe perfect for dates or chats. Fried bao buns like pork bao offer shareable portions with just enough meat. Full bar features Japanese beer on tap and rare ramen, adding to the upscale yet casual feel.

Bao buns come in fried style, which works well for the dish. Options include pork bao and chashu, each with a small amount of meat. Some bao are large enough for two people and can be shared by cutting.

People are saying

"The Japanese food, especially the ramen, is flavorful and comforting."

"The gyoza here are great and crispy."

"These Bao Buns are fantastic comfort food, perfect for takeout."

Good to know

1

Lunch specials are available for $21.95, including a side, main dish, and drink.

2

Happy hour features discounted cocktails and appetizers, making it a great time to visit.

3

The restaurant offers a variety of Japanese dishes beyond ramen, like gyudon.

16
Taipei Cafe image 1
Taiwanese restaurant

Tiny space offers a cozy atmosphere with Japanese background music. Bao buns feature a fried bun blending sweet and savory, with options like popcorn chicken and juicy beef. Clean, minimalistic vibe suits quick meals perfectly.

Bao buns come with a fried bun that blends sweet and savory flavors. Options include popcorn chicken and a juicy beef bao-wich stuffed with meat, onions, and sauce.

People are saying

"The milk teas here are creamy and delicious."

"This food, the braised pork over rice, is one of the best I've tried."

"The beef bao-wich was stuffed with juicy, unmatchable flavor."

Good to know

1

Dine-in seating is limited, making to-go orders common.

2

Expect long wait times during peak hours, especially on weekends.

3

The cafe closes earlier than expected, often before 9:30 PM.

17
Saucy Porka Hyde Park image 1
Fusion restaurant

Fusion spot shines with bao tacos that blend soft buns and crunchy tofu. Vibrant vibe pairs well with flavorful pho featuring thick noodles. Small portions suit varied diets in a clean, lowkey setting with great music.

Soft, light buns hold fillings that melt in your mouth. The tofu bao features crunchy tofu and lightly dilled vegetables with a sweet and vinegar-y snap. The bacos offer a unique twist as bao tacos.

People are saying

"You have to try the shrimp Baco; it's my favorite seafood."

"The Vietnamese food's pho broth is crazy flavorful and revitalizing."

"The chicken mexi-pho bao buns were spicy enough but not too hot."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers many options for people with dietary restrictions.

2

Prices are on the higher side for the portion sizes provided.

3

To-go boxes are provided for leftovers, which is convenient.

18
TE'AMO Boba & Dessert. - Chinatown image 1

Small space blends ordering and seating, creating a cozy setting with bright, cute decor. Cheesecake baos offer a creamy filling but sometimes lack flavor depth. Music mixes English, Spanish, and Kpop, adding lively energy to the vibe.

Cheesecake baos come warm with a creamy filling but sometimes lack enough filling. Variations like the Oreo cheesecake bao have a hint of Oreo flavor but can taste like custard buns, while the Ube cheesebao often has a thick, dry bao with little ube taste.

People are saying

"You have to try the mochi donuts; they're amazing."

"The Dalgona Matcha drinks are really good and creamy."

"I thought the cheesecake Bao Buns were pretty good."

Good to know

1

The shop does not have a bathroom available for customers.

2

They offer a variety of vegan and dairy-free options for drinks.

3

Parking is limited; consider using public transport or rideshare.

19
Take a Bao Eats image 1
Restaurant

Ghost kitchen offers only to-go orders with high-quality packaging and a personal touch via handwritten notes. Bao buns are large and packed with distinct flavors like pork belly and crispy shrimp. Quick service and fresh ingredients make every order satisfying.

Bao buns come in large sizes packed with distinct flavors like pork belly, crispy shrimp, and spicy aioli chicken. Each bao pairs with a unique sauce, enhancing the taste experience.

People are saying

"The spicy chicken bao here is bigger than I expected and super saucy."

"The Chinese food bao and dumplings here are outstanding."

"I picked up my takeout order from a locker."

Good to know

1

Take a Bao Eats is a to-go only restaurant, no dine-in available.

2

Food is packaged well in high-quality containers that can be reused.

3

Prices are reasonable for the quality of food offered.

20
TE'AMO Boba & Dessert - Northbridge Mall image 1

Bubble tea shop offers a quiet, chill atmosphere with plenty of seating and outlets. Bao buns shine with matcha flavor and unique ube cheesecake filling. Drinks come in soda can-style cups that catch the eye, perfect for casual meetups or work.

Ube bao bun features a cheesecake filling and warms well in-store. Matcha bao bun stands out as best flavor. Other bao buns like pizza cheesecake and cookies and cream cheesecake offer faint sweetness but lack strong flavor resemblance.

People are saying

"The mochi donuts are so soft and chewy."

"I thought the boba tea here was one of the best I've tried."

"I loved the cheesecake filling in the ube bao bun."

Good to know

1

TE'AMO Boba & Dessert is located on the 4th floor of the Nordstrom mall.

2

Drinks cost between $7-8, served in unique soda can packaging.

3

There is a deal for a free drink after writing a review post-purchase.

21
Bonchon image 1
Asian fusion restaurant

Asian fusion spot shines with crispy soy garlic wings and pork belly bao buns featuring thick meat and soft buns. Stylish, cozy space shifts from quiet to lively with music. Large portions make it great for sharing and enjoying a vibrant atmosphere.

Pork Belly Bao Buns come with a thick cut of meat and soft buns. Chicken katsu and both boneless and bone-in KFC bao buns are also amazing. Some pork bao buns have too much gummy fat.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious, especially the soy garlic flavor."

"I thought the fried chicken was brilliantly marinated and delicious."

"I found the Bao Buns to be among the best I have ever had."

Good to know

1

Expect long wait times during peak hours, especially on weekends.

2

The kitchen closes at 10 PM, so plan your visit accordingly.

3

Parking can be difficult; expect to drive around to find a spot.

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