Top 15 pork buns in San Francisco
San Francisco is a foodie's paradise, and one dish that stands out is the famous pork buns. These delightful treats feature succulent pork, often seasoned with hoisin sauce and tucked into fluffy, steamed buns. Pork buns in San Francisco are a must-try for anyone seeking a mouthwatering fusion of Chinese and Californian cuisine. Get ready to savor the perfect blend of flavors and textures in every bite.
- 1. Good Mong Kok Bakery
- 2. Wing Lee Bakery
- 3. Hing Wang Bakery
- 4. Golden Gate Bakery
- 5. Eastern Bakery
- 6. Lung Fung Bakery
- 7. New Hollywood
- 8. Chase Luck Bakery
- 9. Cherry Blossom Bakery
- 10. Dick Lee Pastry Shop
- 11. Red A Dim Sum
- 12. Wing Sing Dim Sum
- 13. Yummy Dim Sum & Fast Food
- 14. The Chairman
- 15. Gourmet Dim Sum and Cafe
1. Good Mong Kok Bakery
Family-owned business with a rich history since 1960

The BBQ pork buns and shrimp dumplings at this establishment are standouts, offering a delicious and satisfying meal. The steamed pork buns, also known as shai mai, are another excellent choice for those looking to try more of the menu. The pork buns, in particular, are a must-try, with their mouthwatering and savory flavor.
However, due to limited seating, it's recommended to take your food to-go and enjoy it in a nearby park. Despite the lack of seating, the quality of the food makes it worth a visit. The menu offers a variety of options, but the pork buns and dumplings are not to be missed. So, whether you're looking for a quick bite or a new favorite dish, this place is definitely worth checking out.
TOPICS
- Asian Cuisine
- Cheap Eats
- Downtown Spots
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2. Wing Lee Bakery
Small, family-owned bakery serving authentic Hong Kong-style baked goods since 1980.

The BBQ pork buns are a standout menu item, known for their delicious taste and generous stuffing. They are a must-try for anyone looking to sample the best that the menu has to offer. The restaurant serves these buns on metal trays and in steamers, and they are frisbee-sized, providing a substantial and satisfying portion.
In addition to the BBQ pork buns, the menu also features other delicious options such as extra meaty siu mai and fried sesame balls. These items are also generously proportioned, with the sesame balls being large enough to potentially function as a door stopper. Overall, the menu features a variety of delicious and satisfying options, with the BBQ pork buns being a clear highlight.
TOPICS
- Chinese Cuisine
- Cheap Eats
- Vegetarian Options
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3. Hing Wang Bakery
Family-owned bakery since 1969, local favorite

The pork buns at this location are a standout menu item. Their popularity is well-deserved as they are consistently fresh and deliver a satisfying combination of sweet and savory tastes. The fluffy bun serves as the perfect vessel for the tender, delightfully seasoned BBQ pork filling.
Diners should not miss out on the opportunity to try these exceptional pork buns. The pillowy bun, when combined with the rich, delectable pork filling, creates a harmonious culinary experience. The balance of textures and flavors make these pork buns a memorable menu item.
TOPICS
- Chinese Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Hidden Gems
4. Golden Gate Bakery
Cash only, long lines during peak hours

Golden Gate Bakery is renowned for its exceptional egg custard tarts, surpassing any other competitor in Northern California. The bakery's egg custard tarts have gained a devoted following, with customers raving about their delightful taste. For those who are not fans of eggs or custard, the bakery's pork buns are also a standout option.
However, be prepared to face a lengthy queue before savoring these delectable treats. Despite the long wait, it is definitely worth it, as the bakery's offerings have received high praise. The impeccable quality of their egg custard tarts and pork buns has solidified Golden Gate Bakery's reputation, making it a must-visit destination for food enthusiasts.
TOPICS
- Asian Cuisine
- Cheap Eats
- Downtown Spots
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5. Eastern Bakery
Family-owned business since 1924, uses traditional methods and recipes

The filling for the buns is made in-house, with no artificial food coloring in the pork buns, and all ingredients are sourced and prepared in the US. Among the delicious options on the menu are Custard Tarts, Pineapple Buns, BBQ Pork Buns, and the budget-friendly Steamed Pork Bun, all of which are served hot and fresh to customers.
The buns are a popular choice for those seeking a tasty and convenient meal, as they are cooked and served on the sidewalk for customers to enjoy. The restaurant takes pride in using only fresh, high-quality ingredients in all of its dishes, and customers can taste the difference in every bite. Whether you're in the mood for something sweet, like the Custard Tarts, or something savory, like the BBQ Pork Buns, there's something for everyone to enjoy.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- Chinese Cuisine
- Cheap Eats
6. Lung Fung Bakery
Family-owned bakery since 1984, Specializes in Chinese baked goods

The BBQ pork buns are a popular menu item, praised by many customers for their delicious taste and meaty filling. One of the standout features of these buns is the flavorful BBQ pork filling, which provides a savory and satisfying experience for diners.
During a visit to the restaurant, a kind lady who spoke in Cantonese recommended the BBQ pork buns to me. This interaction not only resulted in a tasty meal but also provided an opportunity to learn some Cantonese. The recommendation from the Cantonese-speaking lady was a valuable experience, as it allowed me to discover a new favorite dish while also expanding my linguistic skills.
TOPICS
- Asian Cuisine
- Cheap Eats
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7. New Hollywood
Features a unique fusion of Asian and Latin American cuisine in a cozy and intimate setting.

The Green Onion Buns and BBQ Pork Buns were tried, and both were impressive. However, the BBQ Pork Bun particularly stood out as recommendable. The quality of the bread served at New Hollywood is exceptional, and it is unlikely that we will find better bread elsewhere.
Our experience with the Green Onion Buns and BBQ Pork Buns at New Hollywood was nothing short of excellent. Although both buns were enjoyable, the BBQ Pork Bun was a clear favorite. The bread served at this establishment is unparalleled, and we don't anticipate finding better bread anywhere else.
TOPICS
- Asian Cuisine
- Cheap Eats
- Downtown Spots
- Lunch
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8. Chase Luck Bakery
Family-owned bakery since 1997, provides fresh and delicious baked goods

The pork buns at this restaurant are a standout menu item. The dough is soft and pillowy, providing a excellent contrast to the savory pork filling. The pork is tender and well-seasoned, making each bite a delight. Overall, the pork buns are a must-try and a great way to experience the restaurant's offerings.
In addition to the pork buns, the restaurant also excels in other dishes such as steamed buns and Dim sum. These offerings showcase the kitchen's ability to create delicate and flavorful dishes that are both traditional and innovative. By trying these dishes, you can get a well-rounded view of the restaurant's culinary capabilities. The steamed buns are tender and light, while the Dim sum is expertly prepared with a variety of fillings and flavors. Both are excellent choices for those looking to sample the best of the restaurant's offerings.
TOPICS
- Italian Cuisine
- Cheap Eats
- Hidden Gems
9. Cherry Blossom Bakery
Features Japanese-style pastries and cakes

A delightful dining experience awaits at this establishment, where the star of the show is the irresistibly soft and pillowy pork bun. This delectable treat is sure to leave a lasting impression, with its cloud-like texture and savory flavor.
For a taste exploration, the mini buns are a must-try. With options like pineapple, red beans, hot dog, and BBQ pork, there's a flavor for every palate. Pair your mini buns with a refreshing coffee for the perfect meal. This spot is a favorite for mix and match mini buns, making it the perfect destination for a unique and delicious dining experience.
TOPICS
- Asian Cuisine
- Vegan Options
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10. Dick Lee Pastry Shop

TOPICS
- Chinese Cuisine
- Hidden Gems
- Cheap Eats
11. Red A Dim Sum

TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- Chinese Cuisine
- Mid-Range
- Downtown Spots
12. Wing Sing Dim Sum
Family-owned business with a rich history, using traditional cooking techniques and fresh ingredients

The pork buns served in this location are truly exceptional. They boast a delicious, robust flavor that is sure to impress. Their freshness is evident in every bite, making them a must-try for any visitor.
These pork buns are a standout dish, known for their exceptional softness and generous filling. They make for a perfect quick snack, providing a satisfying and delicious experience for anyone who tries them.
TOPICS
- Fusion Cuisine
- Asian Cuisine
- Lunch
- Dinner
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13. Yummy Dim Sum & Fast Food
Cash only, No reservations, Family-owned business

The BBQ Pork Bun is a standout menu item, highly regarded for its delicious taste and quality. Its addictive, sweet flavor and soft buns make it a popular choice among customers. The meat to bun ratio is also excellent, providing a satisfying and enjoyable eating experience.
Visitors to this establishment were thrilled with the pork buns they tried. They were praised for being the best ever tasted, with a great price of just $0.50 each. The buns' high quality, combined with their affordability, made them a must-try for anyone visiting the area.
TOPICS
- Chinese Cuisine
- Asian Cuisine
- Cheap Eats
- Lunch
- Dinner
14. The Chairman
Michelin-starred restaurant in a casual setting

The pork buns on offer are truly delicious. They feature tender pork belly and daikon, wrapped in a soft and steamed bun. This dish is a definite must-try for anyone looking for a flavorful and satisfying experience.
I was thoroughly impressed with the pork buns. They offered a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors, with the tender pork belly and daikon complementing the soft bun perfectly. These buns are sure to be a hit with anyone who tries them.
TOPICS
- Fusion Cuisine
- Cheap Eats
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15. Gourmet Dim Sum and Cafe
Extensive menu of dim sum and cafe fare, Friendly service, Casual and comfortable atmosphere

This place is known for its delicious and fresh dumplings, including shrimp dumplings and prawns. They also offer steamed pork buns that are a standout item, highly recommended for their great taste.
If you're looking for something to eat, this establishment's steamed pork buns are a must-try. They are always fresh and packed with flavor, making them a popular choice among customers. The pork dumplings and prawns are also worth trying, with their fresh and tasty ingredients.
TOPICS
- Chinese Cuisine
- Vegan Options
- Budget-Friendly Eats