Top 13 pork buns in Madison
Looking for pork buns in Madison? From trendy food halls to cozy dim sum spots, pork buns in Madison are popping up all over town. Whether you crave pillowy bao or crisp, pan-seared versions, your search for the best pork buns in Madison definitely promises flavor-packed adventures.
1. Chen’s Dumpling House
Authentic, flavorful dumplings and buns perfect for a satisfying late-night bite.

The pork and chive dumplings stand out for their exquisite flavor and perfect texture, making them a must-try. The steamed buns also impress with their fluffy consistency and savory fillings, serving as an excellent choice for late-night cravings. Each bite delivers a satisfying balance of taste and quality that keeps diners coming back.
The Xiao Long Bao and pork and chive dumplings receive particular praise for their meticulous preparation and rich taste. The entire menu showcases a consistent level of culinary excellence, with every dish crafted to highlight authentic flavors. This establishment offers a memorable dining experience for those seeking expertly executed specialties.
TOPICS
- Chinese Cuisine
- Cheap Eats
- Downtown Spots
- Lunch
2. Dumpling Haus
Authentic Asian flavors served fresh with a focus on perfect, fluffy pork buns.

The BBQ pork bao offers a delightfully soft and fluffy texture, bursting with rich, savory flavors that make it a standout dish. Its balance of tender meat and perfectly steamed dough creates an enjoyable eating experience that leaves a memorable impression.
The pork buns and dumplings complement each other well, showcasing delicious and comforting qualities. The buns arrive warm and pillowy, filled generously with a flavorful pork mixture, while the dumplings provide a satisfying bite with their tender wrappers and savory filling. Together, they highlight the kitchen’s skill in delivering classic favorites with consistency.
TOPICS
- Chinese Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
- Social Gatherings
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Dinner
3. Double 10 Mini Hot Pot
Cozy spot offering refreshing broths and delicious handmade pork buns.

The combo plate provides generous portions, making additional noodles unnecessary, which enhances dining satisfaction. The quality and flavor of the dishes make it clear this spot is worth returning to. The menu features Chinese BBQ Pork Buns (4) and Pork Cabbage Buns (6), offered at $8.00 each. Both items, listed in the 'Buns 包子' section, are praised for their juicy fillings and soft, fluffy wrappers, delivering authentic taste and satisfying textures. This attention to detail elevates the overall experience, combining hearty portions with delicious, well-prepared ingredients. The restaurant's mix of generous offers and flavorful bites promises a memorable meal.
TOPICS
- Personal Celebrations
- Fusion Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Rooftop
- Dinner
4. Zen Ramen Lounge
Experience authentic Japanese ramen with mouthwatering pork belly bao and vibrant flavors.

Kakuni Bao offers a delightful combination of tender pork belly nestled within soft, fluffy steamed buns. The house sauce adds a tangy, savory touch that enhances the rich, juicy meat, making each bite flavorful and satisfying. The balance between the melt-in-your-mouth pork and the pillowy bun makes it a compelling choice for lovers of comfort food with a twist.
This dish stands out for its expertly cooked pork belly and well-crafted bun, blending texture and taste seamlessly. The tangy dressing cuts through the richness, providing a refreshing contrast. At just over $8, it offers great value for a satisfying, flavorful bite that highlights a thoughtful combination of simple ingredients elevated by quality and skill.
TOPICS
- Fusion Cuisine
- Hidden Gems
- Dinner
- Mid-Range
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5. FEAST - Artisan Dumpling and Tea House
Bold flavors and perfect textures in artisan dumplings and tea house fare.

The Berkshire pork and shrimp dumplings delivered an exceptional taste experience, with the delicate wrapper providing a perfect contrast to the juicy filling. The pork buns stood out with their soft, airy exterior and rich, savory interior, bursting with flavor in every bite. The combination of textures and vibrant flavors showcased a well-executed balance, elevating the dish beyond typical expectations. Similarly, the pan-fried dumplings featured a crispy bottom paired with tender filling, offering a delightful contrast that enhanced the overall savoriness. The pork belly buns were seductive in their richness, boasting a crispy caramelized exterior complemented by succulent meat, making each bite memorable.
TOPICS
- Personal Celebrations
- Fusion Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Mid-Range
- Downtown Spots
- Lunch
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6. Asian Sweet Bakery
Authentic Asian bakery with fresh, flavorful Chinese pastries and treats daily

Many patrons praise the restaurant for its expertly prepared congee, tender steamed pork, and flavorful cheese bread, highlighting the satisfying and authentic flavors. The Asian Sweet Bakery also receives commendation for its delightful crepes, fluffy sponge cakes, and rich coconut buns, making it a favorite for those seeking sweet indulgences. Its convenient location encourages frequent visits of nearby workers and locals who indulge in sesame balls, pork buns, and tropical-style buns filled with coconut or taro. The bakery’s tempting display of treats often leads to spontaneous purchases, rarely disappointing with its consistently tasty offerings.
TOPICS
- Asian Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Cheap Eats
- Downtown Spots
- Breakfast
7. Umami Ramen & Dumpling Bar
Savory pork buns paired with authentic ramen and crafted Asian cocktails.

The pork buns at this locale are a standout, characterized by their tender, pillowy texture and rich flavor that complements the savory filling perfectly. They are expertly crafted, offering a delightful balance of softness and taste that elevates the dining experience. Paired with their selection of saketinis, the combination creates a harmonious blend of flavors, making it a must-try for anyone seeking authentic Asian-inspired bites.
Umami Ramen & Dumpling Bar excels in delivering savory pork buns that are both satisfying and flavorful. Their expertly seasoned filling is nestled within delicately steamed buns, creating a comforting and flavorful bite every time. These buns pair exceptionally well with their Asian cocktails, enhancing the overall tasting experience. The menu clearly highlights these pork buns as a standout item, consistently earning praise from patrons.
TOPICS
- Fusion Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Downtown Spots
- Dinner
- Social Gatherings
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8. Dumpling House
Renowned for life-changing, juicy pork buns and authentic Asian flavors.

The soup dumplings stand out as an exceptional culinary experience, boasting an irresistibly juicy, rich, and flavorful filling that elevates the entire dining experience. Each bite reveals a perfect balance of delicate wrapper and savory broth, making them a true highlight for any enthusiast of Chinese cuisine. Complemented by the steamed pork buns, scallion pancakes, and red bean paste buns, the meal showcases a well-rounded selection of traditional favorites prepared with finesse. The BBQ pork buns, often hailed as 'life-changing,' promise a smoky, tender filling encased in soft, fluffy dough, reaffirming the establishment’s reputation for outstanding quality.
TOPICS
- Chinese Cuisine
- Social Gatherings
- Mid-Range
- Downtown Spots
- Dinner
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9. Ruyi Hand Pulled Noodle
Authentic hand-pulled noodles and comforting pork buns in the heart of Madison.

The Hot Pot and Red Bean Buns offer a comforting, seasonal experience, with flavors that resonate well in fall, providing warmth and satisfaction throughout the meal. The aromatic broth and sweet, tender buns shine as highlights, making them ideal choices for cozy evenings. Conversely, the BBQ bao and Xiao long bao fall short in delivering a balanced taste profile, with the fillings appearing sparse and underwhelming. The Xiao long bao, in particular, lacked the rich, savory essence expected, leaving a sense of disappointment in both flavor intensity and portion size.
TOPICS
- Chinese Cuisine
- Cheap Eats
- Downtown Spots
- Lunch
10. Hutong 胡同小酒馆
Authentic Chinese flavors in a clean, welcoming atmosphere with seasonal openings.

The restaurant’s Chinese cuisine draws many visitors, who flock to savor spicy beef, tender lamb skewers, and aromatic beef noodle soup. The vibrant flavors and quality ingredients contribute to a memorable dining experience, complemented by a clean and inviting ambiance. The menu showcases a range of traditional favorites that satisfy cravings for authentic dishes, with the beef noodle soup standing out for its rich broth and tender slices.
In a welcoming environment, Hutong offers a satisfying array of Chinese dishes rooted in flavor and freshness. Signature items like flavorful beef noodle soup and expertly prepared potstickers receive praise, providing authentic tastes that keep patrons returning. Though pork buns aren’t specifically highlighted here, the overall culinary experience emphasizes well-executed classics and a pleasant atmosphere, making it a popular spot for lovers of Chinese cuisine.
TOPICS
- Chinese Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
- Mid-Range
- Dinner
- Social Gatherings
11. Viet Kitchen - pho & bánh mi
Fresh, no-frills Vietnamese sandwiches and flavorful pho with great bubble and milk teas.

Viet Kitchen delivers a straightforward dining experience focused on quality and flavor, highlighted by its exceptional banh mi sandwiches. The grilled chicken banh mi stands out for its well-marinated, tender meat complemented by fresh vegetables and herbs. Patrons frequently commend the freshness of the ingredients, which contributes to the bright flavors, all served at affordable prices.
The menu also features well-prepared chicken pho and savory BBQ pork, each offering authentic and satisfying tastes. Alongside the savory dishes, the selection of bubble tea varieties, including milk tea and Thai tea, provides a refreshing accompaniment. The combination of flavorful meals and enjoyable beverages makes Viet Kitchen a popular choice for casual yet fulfilling Vietnamese cuisine.
TOPICS
- Asian Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Downtown Spots
- Lunch
12. Hot Pot 608
Enjoy authentic hot pot and savory pork buns in a welcoming atmosphere.

The establishment is well-regarded for its diverse menu, featuring popular items such as BBQ pork buns, pork dumplings, and spicy hot pot. The variety ensures there is something to satisfy different tastes, and the attentive service enhances the overall dining experience. Patrons frequently highlight the flavorful dishes and the welcoming atmosphere.
A tasting of pot-stickers, pork egg rolls, fried chicken teriyaki, and shrimp dumplings provided a glimpse into the restaurant’s culinary range. Each dish showcased quality ingredients and balanced flavors, leaving a positive impression. Among the tempting choices, the pork buns stand out as a must-try for future visits, promising a satisfying addition to the menu’s favorites.
TOPICS
- Personal Celebrations
- Fusion Cuisine
- Vegan Options
- Happy Hours
- Downtown Spots
- Dinner
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