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Best of Washington

Bao bun spots

You are looking for bao buns that prioritize the texture of the dough above all else.

Based on 788 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Facing East Time - Downtown Bellevue image 1
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Small space with cozy vibe offers authentic Taiwanese street food. Pork belly bao stands out with tender, fatty pork and classic flavors. Self-service kiosk adds streamlined ordering in a clean, well-kept spot.

Pork belly bao features tender, fatty pork with every component tasting great. Bread is less soft and pillowy than usual, but the bao includes classic guao bao and pork chops options.

People are saying

"I loved the savory beef noodle soup."

"The pork belly bao had tender, fatty pork and sweet peanut crumbles."

"I found easy and free parking available for 2 hours."

Good to know

1

There is easy and free parking available for 2 hours.

2

The portion sizes are generally small, so consider ordering extra.

3

The restaurant is clean and well-kept, including the bathrooms.

02
urban chops image 1
Restaurant

Family-run spot serves generous portions of fresh banh mi and soft bao buns with bold fillings like crispy chicken. Interior is minimal and a bit dingy, creating a chill vibe. Small seating draws those who focus on food over atmosphere.

Bao buns come soft and sturdy with a homemade feel. Fillings like crispy chicken and bacon pack big flavor and make a full meal on their own.

People are saying

"I thought their banh mi sandwiches were the yummiest around."

"The shrimp banh mi was amazing with fresh ingredients."

"You have to try the chicken and bacon Bao Buns; they're amazing."

Good to know

1

There are about 8 parking spots right outside of the restaurant.

2

The restaurant was super busy at lunch, and it took about 15 minutes to get my sandwich.

3

Prices are average for any lunch in the Puget Sound area.

03
Aberdeen Café image 1
Cantonese restaurant

Small, intimate spot with authentic Cantonese decor and a quiet, cozy atmosphere. Pan-fried baos and steamed creamy custard buns offer tasty, ono flavors. Dim sum made to order draws a steady crowd, adding to the genuine cultural feel.

Pan-fried baos and steamed creamy custard buns stand out with their tasty, ono flavors. Shrimp Har Gow and soup complement the delicious bao buns well.

People are saying

"The dim sum here is fresh, delicious, and worth the wait."

"The seafood here is so fresh, plump, and juicy."

"I found the bao buns and shrimp har gow to be so delicious."

Good to know

1

Dim sum is a highlight, with a large selection available.

2

Prices for small plates range from $7.50 to $9, with some items like sesame balls costing $6.

3

The restaurant is very clean and well-maintained.

04
Pop Up Kitchen image 1
Asian restaurant

Asian food hall offers a lively market vibe with bright seating and a bustling kitchen. Enjoy steamed bao buns filled with bulgogi and ebi croquette. Multiple menus and a dedicated boba shop add variety in a clean, spacious space.

Steamed bao buns come with bulgogi and ebi croquette fillings. They taste excellent and add a great touch to the menu.

People are saying

"The Japanese food, especially the gyoza, is top tier."

"I kept ordering the tonkatsu curry bowl because it was so good."

"The bao buns here are excellent and a great addition."

Good to know

1

You can order online for pickup if needed.

2

There is plenty of parking in the area.

3

You order first and then seat yourself.

05
Menya Musashi Tsukemen & Ramen (Federal Way) image 1

Small, cozy spot with samurai decor and playful claw machines sets a laidback vibe. Broth complements the potato croquette bao, which is tender and rich. Veggie and pork baos add solid, flavorful options to the menu.

Broth pairs well with a veggie bao option. The potato croquette bao stands out as super tender and decadent. Pork bao offers a solid, flavorful choice.

People are saying

"The ramen broth here is hearty, rich, and full-bodied."

"I found the Japanese curry here to be fantastic and a great price."

"The wait staff here is super polite and eager to help with the Bao Buns."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers a special menu during weekdays before 3 PM with only two dishes.

2

There is plenty of free parking in the large lot right out front.

3

Expect smaller portion sizes compared to other ramen places.

06
Beacon B.B.Q. image 1
Barbecue restaurant

Small takeout spot offers affordable BBQ pork bao and fresh, large shumai. Menu focuses on dim sum and BBQ items with quick service. Busy, plain atmosphere suits fast orders and catering.

BBQ pork bao stands out with its fantastically delicious flavor and affordable price. The BBQ ham bao and shu mai also come highly recommended.

People are saying

"This dim sum is perfect for takeout, offering great value and fast service."

"I loved the crispy and juicy BBQ roast pork."

"I highly recommend the BBQ pork Bao Buns; they're fantastically delicious."

Good to know

1

The menu features a small selection of affordable dim sum and BBQ options.

2

Parking is easy and convenient for quick pick-up.

3

Call ahead for larger group orders to ensure availability.

07
Bao Boss image 1
Sandwich shop

Small sandwich shop shines with unique fusion sandwiches and large portions that satisfy bold flavor lovers. Steamed bao buns bring a soft texture and spicy kick, especially the pork belly and char siu options. Bright, clean space with outdoor seating livens up the vibe.

Steamed bao buns offer a soft texture and a slight kick of spice that enhances the fillings. Pork belly and char siu baos stand out as tasty and well-priced options, with the bao bun adding a fun twist to burgers.

People are saying

"These burgers are juicy, flavorful, and cooked perfectly."

"The food here has unique flavors that pack a real punch."

"These bao buns are so tasty with a nice texture."

Good to know

1

Expect a wait of 15-20 minutes due to limited staff.

2

The restaurant offers large portions that can feed multiple people.

3

Prices are considered reasonable for the portion sizes.

08
Q Bakery Sandwiches image 1

Freshly baked baguettes and authentic banh mi draw steady lines in a small, casual spot with no seating. Bánh bao and pâté chaud offer flavorful bao buns, while affordable prices keep customers coming back for Vietnamese cold cuts and Asian baked goods.

Offers bánh bao and pâté chaud with good flavor. Also sells hum bao and unlabeled bánh bao and nem nướng behind glass.

People are saying

"The banh mi here is so tasty, especially the tofu."

"I could eat the tofu Banh Mi here every day."

"Their banh mi's are the best tasting and freshest."

Good to know

1

Q Bakery Sandwiches is a grab-and-go place with no seating available.

2

Expect long lines, especially during peak hours.

3

An 8-inch baguette costs $6.25, which is a great deal.

09
Seattle Dumpling House image 1
Dumpling restaurant

Small cart with soft lanterns offers a cozy vibe and late-night hours. Braised Pork Gua Bao features juicy, tender fillings with balanced flavors. Nearby lounge provides indoor dining and drinks, making it a great spot for flavorful dumplings and relaxed seating.

Soft buns hold juicy, tender fillings with a perfect balance of savory, sweet, and acidity. The Braised Pork Gua Bao melts in your mouth and stands out as a favorite dish.

People are saying

"I thought the dumplings were packed full of meat and flavor."

"You have to try the sauce at this Late Night Spot; it's to die for."

"The braised pork bao buns just melt in your mouth."

Good to know

1

They are open until 3:30am every day, which is much later than typical restaurants.

2

Seattle Dumpling House currently operates as a take away and delivery window, not a sit-down restaurant.

3

The portion sizes are very small despite the high prices.

10
Dumpling World image 1
Restaurant

Bright lighting and tightly packed tables create a cozy, lively space with a family vibe. XiaoLong Bao feature thin wrappers that hold juice perfectly, offering a large, juicy bite. Clear vegan options and quick ordering keep the experience casual and welcoming.

XiaoLong Bao and ShengJian Bao come with thin wrappers that hold a lot of juice without breaking. The xiaolong bao are large and cooked to perfection, balancing softness and firmness well.

People are saying

"These dumplings are fresh, juicy, and full of flavor."

"The fried rice here is well made, not greasy, and properly seasoned."

"These bao buns are so juicy and delicious."

Good to know

1

Expect to wait 20 to 30 minutes for a table during peak hours.

2

Parking is limited, so arrive early if driving.

3

Prices range from $11 to $15 for 6-10 pieces of dumplings.

11
Menya Musashi Tsukemen & Ramen(Kirkland) image 1

Small space with touchscreen kiosk ordering and Japanese-inspired decor offers a cozy yet sometimes crowded vibe. Potato croquette bao delivers a crunchy, flavorful bite, while tsukemen provides an authentic, traditional dining experience. Seating is limited but intimate.

Potato croquette bao offers a lovely crunch and solid flavor. The ramen and potato bao combine for a hybrid experience that goes beyond expectations.

People are saying

"The ramen broth here is rich, heartwarming, and unforgettable."

"The tsukemen broth is creamy, rich, and full of flavor."

"The potato bao buns had a lovely, flavorful crunch."

Good to know

1

You have to place your order on a kiosk at the entrance.

2

There is limited seating available, so arrive early or late to avoid waits.

3

There are many vegan options available on the menu.

12
PAPA BANH BAO image 1
Steamed bun shop

Small steamed bun shop offers authentic Vietnamese baos with fragrant dough and fresh fillings. Cozy, clean space suits take-out with a welcoming vibe. Staff provide helpful reheating tips and cater to dietary needs.

Bao buns here have a fragrant flavor from the dough to the meat filling. They taste very similar to authentic Vietnamese baos and come with fresh, quality ingredients. Staff provide helpful reheating instructions and accommodate dietary preferences.

People are saying

"These bao buns are heavenly delicious, some of the best ever."

"These dumplings are so delicious, soft, and flavorful."

"It's cozy and inviting here."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers a free sixth hambao with purchase.

2

Delivery is reliable and typically takes about 2 days.

3

Parking is easy and plentiful near the location.

13
Xiaolongbao House image 1
Chinese restaurant

Enjoy authentic Northern Chinese flavors with large portions in a clean, quiet space. Bao buns like BBQ pork bun and xiao long bao with thick skin stand out. Bilingual menus and complimentary tea make dining easy and welcoming.

Bao buns include fried bao zi and BBQ pork bun with good flavor. Xiao long bao comes with a thick skin and pairs well with dandan noodles.

People are saying

"I found the Chinese food here to be authentic and tasty."

"The sweet and sour fish and mala fish were packed with flavor."

"These pan-fried pork Bao Buns are delicious with a little crispiness."

Good to know

1

Parking is very convenient at Xiaolongbao House.

2

They are open until 10 pm, with the kitchen closing at 9:30 pm.

3

The menu has a wide variety of items, and most have photos.

14
Dough Zone Dumpling House Woodinville image 1

Chinese spot shines with soft steamed bao and crunchy fried buns offering rich flavors like pork and pumpkin. Minimalist, well-lit space feels homey and casual with light jazz setting a relaxed mood. Seating suits groups of four, making it great for small gatherings.

Steamed bao highlight the kitchen's dough skill with a soft texture. Fried bao buns offer a crunchy bottom and rich flavor. Large pork bao and seasonal pumpkin bao bring tasty variety to the menu.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be super fresh and delicious."

"The soup dumplings here were a big hit."

"The pumpkin bao is a carbohydrate fest, like a light pumpkin pie."

Good to know

1

The wait time is about 25 minutes during peak hours.

2

There is plenty of free parking available nearby.

3

Reservations are not accepted; it's first come, first served.

15
Dough Zone Dumpling House Lynnwood image 1

Roomy Chinese spot buzzes with a loud atmosphere and busy foot traffic near tables. Crispy pan-fried pork bao buns shine as a top choice. Seating splits between noisy front and a quieter back with large windows for a calmer meal.

Pork bao pan-fried buns offer a crispy texture and stand out as the most enjoyable option. Xiao Long Bao comes without the usual freshly ground ginger bowl found at other locations.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious, especially the dumplings."

"The Thai milk teas were amazing, perfect for a hot summer day."

"The Qua Bao here were to die for."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not accepted; join the waitlist in person.

2

Expect long wait times, especially during peak hours.

3

Prices range from $20-30 per person for a variety of dishes.

16
Din Tai Fung 鼎泰豐 image 1
Taiwanese restaurant

Spacious restaurant buzzes with energy and features an open kitchen where staff craft Xiao Long Bao with delicate flavor. Unique chocolate bao and flavorful vegan bao buns stand out. A lively bar adds to the warm, crowded atmosphere.

Xiao Long Bao stand out with their impressive variety and delicate flavor. The chocolate bao offers a unique sweet twist, while the vegan bao buns deliver full flavor and perfect texture.

People are saying

"The food here, especially the vegan options and xiao long bao, is a real treat."

"The soup dumplings here are so good."

"I enjoyed the tasty bao, siu mai, and dumplings."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended to avoid long wait times, especially during peak hours.

2

The restaurant is located on the top floor of a mall, across from the movie theater.

3

The kitchen closes at 9 pm, so plan your visit accordingly.

17
RaajGharana Indian Restaurant & Bar image 1

Vibrant decor and elegant seating create a warm, cozy vibe. Jackfruit bao buns offer a spicy kick with great texture. Indoor and outdoor spaces provide amazing scenery for groups to enjoy.

Jackfruit bao buns deliver a great kick of spice and a convincing texture. The bao jackfruit stands out as a flavorful option.

People are saying

"The food here is authentic and wonderfully flavorful."

"You have to try the freshly made jalebis for dessert."

"The jackfruit Bao Buns had a great kick of spice."

Good to know

1

The buffet is available on Sundays from 11am to 3pm with forty items.

2

Dine-in only; no takeout orders are accepted.

3

Reservations are not required but recommended for the buffet.

18
Dough Zone Dumpling House Harbor Steps image 1

Open layout and bright lighting create a vibrant, noisy atmosphere. Pork and beef bao offer rich flavors, while Xiao Long Bao arrives piping hot. Pair bao with fried rice for a solid meal in a clean, comfortable space.

Pork and beef bao stand out with rich flavors and the Xiao Long Bao arrives piping hot. Steamed bao buns pair well with fried rice for a solid meal.

People are saying

"The food here is flavorful with a great variety."

"I found the food and drinks to be very affordable."

"The soup dumplings were piping hot and exactly what I wanted."

Good to know

1

Expect longer wait times during peak hours, but reservations are not required.

2

The restaurant is very accommodating for large groups, making it a good choice for gatherings.

3

The facility is clean and well-maintained, providing a pleasant dining environment.

19
Dough Zone Dumpling House Tukwila Southcenter image 1

Bright, spacious dining area with open kitchen creates a lively vibe. Bao buns feature juicy pork and crab with pan-fried bottoms for texture. Seating favors large tables, perfect for groups. Noise matches a busy cafe, keeping energy high but welcoming.

Bao buns come with juicy fillings like pork and crab meat, and the pan-fried bottoms add a nice texture. Labels don't clearly show if they're chicken or pork, which can be confusing.

People are saying

"These soup dumplings are juicy, flavorful, and a must-try."

"The bao buns here are so juicy and flavorful."

"The scallion pancakes are warm and crunchy, not greasy."

Good to know

1

Current wait times are very quick even during peak hours.

2

Parking is easy to find near the restaurant.

3

The restaurant is inexpensive, with meals averaging $20 per person.

20
Mount&Bao image 1
Chinese restaurant

Cozy space with handmade dumplings visible at the counter offers a friendly vibe. Bao buns shine with authentic flavor and large, delicious pork fillings. Colorful booths add charm while the atmosphere stays moderately busy and quiet for casual dining.

Bao buns here have an authentic flavor and fresh taste. The pork bao and xiao long bao stand out with large portions and well-made, delicious fillings.

People are saying

"The Chinese food here always tastes fresh and delicious."

"I waited ages for plates and napkins for my dumplings."

"These Bao Buns are so flavorful and juicy."

Good to know

1

The chef leaves at 9:45 pm, so it is best to go earlier.

2

The prices at Mount&Bao are reasonable for the portion sizes.

3

The portions at Mount&Bao are generous, making it great for sharing.

21
Mee Sum Pastry image 1
Chinese bakery

Small window and street-side setup create an authentic, bustling vibe with fast service and a cash-only policy. Bao buns shine with BBQ pork hum bao offering sweet, savory flavors and a crispy outside. Pastries like curry beef bun add to the warm, welcoming atmosphere.

Bao buns here stay consistently delicious with fresh steamed and baked options. The BBQ pork hum bao stands out with its sweet and savory flavors and slightly crispy outside with a soft inside.

People are saying

"The BBQ pork buns have a caramelized crust and tender meat."

"I loved the green tea sesame balls here."

"I thought their hum baos were the best around."

Good to know

1

The place only accepts cash payments.

2

There is a $10 minimum for card payments.

3

There is no seating available at Mee Sum Pastry.

22
Dough Zone Dumpling House Issaquah image 1

Large, dim sum style restaurant buzzes with a loud, casual vibe and many booths. Soft pork bao offers a satisfying bite, though some dishes like Q-Bao may arrive half-frozen. Enjoy fantastic dumplings and great sake choices, but note limited vegetarian options and small portions.

Soft, pork bao stands out with a satisfying bite. The Q-Bao offers a unique twist but can sometimes arrive half-frozen, affecting texture.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be delicious and fresh."

"I thought the dumplings here were great and tasty."

"I loved biting into these warm, amazing bao buns."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for large groups of 15 or more.

2

Expect limited vegetarian options, with only 2-3 available on the menu.

3

Portion sizes may be smaller than expected, especially for noodle plates.

23
Xiao Chi Jie image 1
Chinese restaurant

Food court offers a quiet atmosphere with self-service ordering. Sheng Jian Bao delivers authentic taste with juicy meat and chewy texture. Seating feels uncomfortable and space is unfinished, making dining casual but awkward.

Sheng Jian Bao stands out with its juicy meat and pleasantly chewy texture. The bao and bing are cooked fresh, offering a very authentic taste that is hard to find elsewhere.

People are saying

"The Sheng Jian Bao here are so tasty, with hot juices."

"These soup dumplings are perfectly average and very juicy."

"The Chinese food here is just fine, nothing special."

Good to know

1

Expect to pay around $13 for five dumplings.

2

Portion sizes are small, especially for the noodles.

3

Parking can be problematic; avoid Soma Tower Parking Lot.

24
Mount & Bao潇湘阁 image 1
Chinese restaurant

Small, cozy spot shines with authentic Hunan and Sichuan cuisine and seasonal decorations that create warmth. Bao buns feature juicy xiaolong bao and BBQ pork, pairing perfectly with soup dumplings. Popular for fresh, flavorful dishes during busy hours.

Bao buns come with juicy xiaolong bao and BBQ pork options. Each bao offers excellent flavor and pairs well with soup dumplings.

People are saying

"The Chinese food here is authentic, smoky, and super flavorful."

"The honey walnut shrimp and salt pepper fish were flavorful."

"I found the Bao Buns here to be amazing."

Good to know

1

A reservation may be required during busy hours.

2

The restaurant tends to be quite busy during normal eating hours, so arriving early can help avoid wait times.

3

The food was reasonably priced.

25
Mei WA Bakery image 1
Chinese bakery

Chinese bakery buzzes with a crowded atmosphere but moves fast. Offers char siu bao as a standout bao bun and a variety of savory and sweet pastries under $20. Cakes are light, creamy, and not too sweet, perfect for a quick treat.

A large variety of baos and buns fills the menu, with the char siu bao standing out as a favorite. The pork ham-bao has a notably small filling, about a quarter the size of the bun, and steamed baos come in steam baskets for take-out.

People are saying

"The bakery's sweet and savory buns are fresh and flavorful."

"I loved that their cakes were light and not too sweet."

"I loved the char siu bao and the baked BBQ buns."

Good to know

1

The bakery is inside 99 Ranch Market / Great Wall Shopping Mall.

2

Expect a quick-moving line, even when crowded.

3

They offer a variety of savory and sweet Chinese pastries.

26
Dough Zone Dumpling House Kirkland image 1

Small space with high ceilings and big glass walls feels casual yet cozy. Known for exceptional soup dumplings and budget-friendly prices, it attracts dumpling lovers. Bao buns shine with soft, fluffy dough, especially the flavorful Q-bao.

Bao buns feature exceptional dough with a soft, fluffy texture. The Q-bao stands out as delicious and flavorful, comparable to offerings at Din Tai Fung.

People are saying

"The dumplings here have such thin, fantastic wrappers."

"Parking is convenient with validation provided."

"I found the bao buns to be so delicious."

Good to know

1

Parking is validated, making it easier to visit without worrying about fees.

2

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

3

Vegetarians have limited options, primarily a pancake, a noodle, and a dessert.

27
Kricket Club image 1
Modern Indian restaurant

Modern Indian spot shines with masala bao and unique jackfruit options. Stylish tiles and brass cutlery create a refined atmosphere. Music blends Indian and global beats, setting a great vibe for cozy, close tables.

Masala bao stands out with its rich flavors, alongside jackfruit bao and corn tikki which offer unique tastes. Chicken makhanwala and Pahadi Murg add variety to the bao options.

People are saying

"The food here is inventive, flavorful, and tasted so fresh."

"I experienced amazing Indian fine dining with well-thought-out flavors."

"The jackfruit bao buns were outstanding."

Good to know

1

Kricket Club has a mandatory gratuity of 22% added to the bill.

2

A $25 surcharge applies for cutting a birthday cake.

3

Dinner for two specials are available Tuesday to Thursday and Sunday.

28
Dough Zone Dumpling House image 1
Chinese restaurant

Bright, modern space features an open kitchen where chefs prepare dishes in view. Bao buns strike a perfect balance of bread and filling, with xiao long bao offering standout flavor. Seating feels cramped with uncomfortable chairs, limiting social ease.

Bao buns offer a good balance of bread and filling, avoiding the usual heaviness. The xiao long bao stands out with very good flavor, even better than some well-known spots.

People are saying

"The Chinese food here, especially the dumplings, is fantastic."

"The scallion pancakes were crisp and worth the wait."

"I loved the pan-fried pork bao buns; they were a must-try."

Good to know

1

Expect a wait time of no more than 5 minutes during dinner rush hours.

2

Prices are reasonable, allowing for a good meal without overspending.

3

Bao takes time to prepare; avoid ordering right when they open.

29
Drip Drip coffeehouse image 1

Coffeehouse blends Vietnamese flair with cozy design and soft Studio Ghibli music. Mushroom pork Banh Bao is super yummy with hidden cashews. Seating includes indoor and outdoor spots with free wifi and power outlets for work or chill.

Mushroom pork Banh Bao stands out as super yummy with a notable presence of unlabeled cashews inside. The bao options include a combo bao and other flavors alongside banh mi and meat pies.

People are saying

"Their Vietnamese coffee and creative flights are amazing."

"You have to try the banana latte; it's like a coffee milkshake."

"I planned to come back and try the bao, banh mi, and other flavors."

Good to know

1

The coffee shop specializes in Vietnamese phin and creative coffee flights.

2

There is free parking available on the street.

3

The internet is really fast, making it a good spot for work.

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