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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Local picks in New York

Bao buns and pastry

Made for those who view the world through a lens of dough-based excellence, whether it is a savory steamed bun or a delicate, flaky pastry.

Based on 616 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Tao Hong image 1
Tao Hong image 2
Tao Hong image 3
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Chinese bakery

Small, fluorescent-lit bakery offers Cantonese comfort pastries with no frills or seating. Atmosphere feels like a time capsule in Chinatown, focusing on quick, fresh, warm baked goods. Known for affordable prices and classic pork buns and egg tarts baked in small batches throughout the day.

Char siu bao stands out with its pineapple flavor and is considered among the best in the city. The bao buns come alongside other treats like egg tarts and moon cakes.

A great selection of breads and pastries comes at incredibly reasonable prices. Puff pastry tart shells are buttery, light, and flaky with perfectly laminated layers that avoid greasiness.

People are saying

"The egg tarts here have the flakiest crust."

"You have to try the freshly baked BBQ pork bao buns; they're amazing."

"Their egg tart pastry is buttery, flaky, and a best seller."

Good to know

1

The egg tarts are priced at $1.5 as of September 2024.

2

Tao Hong accepts only cash.

3

There is no space to sit down.

02
Bodhi Kosher Vegetarian Restaurant image 1

Vegetarian restaurant offers authentic dim sum in a cozy, nostalgic setting with close seating arrangements. The atmosphere feels welcoming and unpretentious, suited for both groups and solo diners. Free hot tea is served immediately, enhancing the simple, traditional experience.

Char siu bao features amazingly flavorful BBQ pork that tastes like real meat. A large variety of steamed bao buns come with helpful advice not to eat the paper wrap underneath.

Vegetarian meat pastries stand out with their excellent flavor and texture. Sweet sticky rice treats and fried sticky rice dumplings add variety to the dim sum pastry selection.

People are saying

"The vegetarian dim sum here is amazing and well-priced."

"The puff pastry dim sum options are delicious and authentic."

"The char su bao here are amazingly flavorful, I swore it was real meat."

Good to know

1

The lunch deal is available from Monday to Friday.

2

All dim sum options are vegetarian/vegan.

3

There are no reservations for parties of 2, just walk in.

03
Mei Lai Wah image 1
Chinese restaurant

Small, crowded takeout spot with self-order kiosks inside and outside speeds up ordering. Atmosphere feels chaotic and packed, with no seating available and a tight, compact space. Known for best pineapple BBQ pork buns, it draws a steady, eager crowd despite the busy environment.

Bao buns come fresh and hot with a healthy serving of roast pork. The pineapple pork bao stands out with a sweet topping, while the char siu bao offers a tasty, fluffy bite with barbecue pork flavor.

Pastries come out warm and freshly baked with a crispy, soft shell that holds tender pork filling well. Prices stay affordable while delivering authentic Hong Kong-style flavors like the pineapple pork bun.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing and cheap."

"The pineapple pork bun is famously sweet, but the steamed pork bun is excellent."

"You have to try the pineapple pork bun pastry; it's a perfect sweet and savory balance."

Good to know

1

They donโ€™t have any seating, so you have to take away your order.

2

The bakery only accepts cash, so customers should bring cash.

3

To avoid long lines, come between 8:30-10am on a weekday.

04
Golden Manna Bakery image 1
Chinese bakery

Cramped space fills with lively energy and warmth, offering cash or Venmo payments only. Local workers frequent for freshly baked bread at dawn and Chinese sweet and savory pastries like the best egg tart in Chinatown. Seating is limited, encouraging quick visits or takeout.

Cha siu bao and lai you bao stand out with soft, flavorful fillings. The bo lor bao has a crusted top but tends to be hard and dry.

Traditional Hong Kong pastries offer a mix of sweet and savory flavors. The bakery serves these alongside drinks, making for a classic pastry experience.

People are saying

"The mango mochi here is super soft and chewy."

"The pastries here are always fresh and delicious."

"The roast pork bao buns are the best in NYC."

Good to know

1

Come here at 6:30 am for fresh baked bread.

2

The coffee, tea, egg tart, and raisin walnut bread cost $8.50.

3

Food for two costs less than $10.

05
Win Son Bakery image 1

Bakery combines inviting interiors with lively atmosphere and plentiful seating including bar and outdoor tables. The space attracts many working alone on laptops, creating a steady, focused energy. Decor balances trendy yet authentic vibes without pretension.

Laminated bolo bao stands out with its light, flaky texture and a nice crust on top. Almond Twice-Baked Bo Lo Bao offers a crunchy bite and a surprising layer of red bean paste inside.

Fresh pastries come warm with a chewy mochi crust and fresh fruit. Taiwanese flavors shine in treats like the rhubarb and strawberry Nian gao with cream, blending classic and innovative styles.

People are saying

"I loved the light crisp and moist center of the scallion pancakes."

"The xiaobing and mochi donuts are amazing pastries."

"The turnip cake is nice and crispy, elevated with bacon."

Good to know

1

Expect a long line on weekends.

2

Food takes about 25 minutes to prepare.

3

Sandwiches start being served after 3:30 PM.

06
Maxin Bakery image 1
Chinese bakery

Chinese bakery offers wide variety of buns with freshly baked goods available early in the day. Atmosphere is busy and efficient with limited seating and a preference for cash payments. Prices remain reasonable, especially for roast pork buns known for their generous filling and light, fluffy dough.

Steamed bao buns here are light and fluffy, with the chicken version offering good value. The bakery also serves a variety of traditional Chinese buns like pineapple and coconut cream.

Fresh breads and pastries bake throughout the day, with prices mostly between $1.60 and $1.80. Authentic Chinese flavors shine in egg rolls, durian pastries, and savory options like curry beef and roast pork pastries.

People are saying

"The red bean buns at this bakery are so soft and amazing."

"I thought the food here was generally excellent and great."

"The bao buns here are so light and fluffy."

Good to know

1

Prices for most breads and pastries are only $1.65 to $1.80.

2

Cash is preferred for payment, but they also accept card payments.

3

The freshly baked goods sell out fast, so arrive early.

07
Dim Sum Sam image 1
Cantonese restaurant

Spacious interior and 24-hour service create a lively, cozy spot for dim sum lovers. Try the Char Siu Bao for a perfectly balanced flavor and the shredded duck pastries for flaky, savory delight. A quiet back room offers comfy seating for a relaxed meal.

Char Siu Bao comes with a beautifully filled interior and a flavor that is not too sweet. The menu includes lots of fun options like dumplings, bao, soup, and congee.

Shredded duck pastries stand out with their flaky texture and savory filling. Dim sum pastries come fresh and steaming, including a Portuguese tart with a flaky crust and rich filling.

People are saying

"The dim sum here is amazing and packed with flavor."

"The soup dumplings are juicy with a delightful springy skin."

"I really enjoyed the shredded duck pastries."

Good to know

1

You order at the front and pay first before sitting down.

2

When your food is ready, they call your number.

3

The restaurant is open late until 12:30 am on Friday.

08
The Bakery at Greywind image 1

High-end bakery offers freshly made pastries with world-class croissants and unique cookies in a beautiful space featuring both indoor and outdoor seating. The atmosphere stays quiet and cozy, attracting those seeking quality baked goods and coffee. Staff provide a warm presence, enhancing the calm vibe.

Breakfast bao features a bacon egg and cheese filling with a bun that can be poorly proofed and dry inside. Pricing sits around $12, which some find high for the portion.

Yuzu monkey bread stands out as a unique and delicious pastry. The tomato jam ricotta pastry also offers a distinct flavor, making the pastry selection both amazing and joyful.

People are saying

"The coffee and bread were delicious."

"The pastries here are unique and bursting with flavor."

"The bao egg and cheese was really cool."

Good to know

1

The bakery offers a unique assortment of baked goods with creative flavors.

2

Expect higher prices compared to typical bakeries in the area.

3

There is plenty of outdoor seating available for customers.

09
House of Joy image 1
Dim sum restaurant

Traditional dim sum carts circulate through a bright, spacious dining room with well-spaced tables and a renovated interior. The atmosphere is busy and noisy, filled mostly with local diners, creating an energetic vibe. The experience blends authentic Cantonese dining with a lively, communal setting.

Fluffy bao buns come filled with sweet barbecue pork or creamy liu sha custard. Steamed options include spare ribs and chicken feet alongside various baos.

Baked durian pastry features fluffy, light durian-flavored custard. Quicksand puff pastry bun stands out among the options.

People are saying

"I loved the traditional dim sum carts going down the aisle."

"I ordered the custard pastry and it was fluffy and light."

"The char siu bao here are fluffy and sweet-savory."

Good to know

1

Go early to House of Joy on weekends to avoid long waits.

2

Making reservations for Chinese New Year dinner is highly recommended.

3

Dim sum is served from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM.

10
Nan Xiang Xiao Long Bao image 1
Shanghainese restaurant

Shanghainese restaurant offers clean, modern decor with spacious seating and booths. Atmosphere ranges from electric and lively with camaraderie to occasionally too loud and bright. Guests often enjoy watching chefs prepare soup dumplings, which are highly praised for quality and flavor.

Xiao long bao here have delicate wrappers and are perfectly steamed, bursting with flavorful soup inside. The pork and shrimp versions stand out with their authentic, juicy fillings and thin skins.

Durian pastry stands out with its unique flavor. Pancake beef roll features crispy flaky pastry wrapped around well-portioned meat. This spot offers high-quality pastries consistently.

People are saying

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

"I thought the soup dumplings here were the best I've ever had."

"These soup dumplings are authentic and flavorful, hitting the spot."

Good to know

1

Arrive early or be prepared for a wait during peak dining hours.

2

The restaurant does not allow seating until the entire party has arrived.

3

You have to get your name on a list, as they donโ€™t take reservations.

11
1468 Hylan Cafe image 1
Chinese restaurant

Small space combines Chinese bakery style with authentic Cantonese BBQ offerings. Atmosphere feels cozy but cramped, with limited seating and a bar stool area. Regular crowd fills tables, drawn by traditional dim sum and roasted meats served hot.

Big bao come uncooked and need steaming at home. Grab-and-go options include pre-made bao buns stored in refrigerators.

Housemade buns and pastries sit in a display section where you pick what you want and pay. Pipa duck pairs well with the freshly made buns.

People are saying

"The dim sum here is hot, crispy, and better than Brooklyn's."

"The dim sum here is hot, crispy, and delicious."

"I loved the housemade buns and pastries here."

Good to know

1

Both credit card and cash are accepted, with cash offering a lower price.

2

The restaurant offers both sit down and take out options.

3

The food is ready in about 10-12 minutes.

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