Top 19 pork buns in Chicago
Pork buns in Chicago are a must-try for any food lover. These delicious buns, filled with flavorful pork and mouth-watering seasonings, can be found in various Chinese restaurants and street food stalls across the city. Whether you're in for a quick bite or a full-course meal, pork buns in Chicago offer a unique and scrumptious culinary experience that blends traditional Chinese flavors with Windy City flair. Don't miss out on the chance to try these delectable treats!
- 1. Chiu Quon Bakery
- 2. Take a Bao Eats
- 3. Chiu Quon Bakery
- 4. Wow Bao – Theater District
- 5. Wow Bao
- 6. Hing Kee
- 7. Sweet Bean
- 8. Legend Dumpling + Bao
- 9. Saint Anna Bakery
- 10. Feida Bakery
- 11. Minghin Cuisine
- 12. Nhu Lan Bakery
- 13. Dim Sum House
- 14. Moon Palace Express
- 15. Shang Noodle & Asian Small Plates
- 16. Baobing Bar
- 17. Dim Dim
- 18. Wow Bao – Lakeview
- 19. Ying Dim Sum 蓝天点心
1. Chiu Quon Bakery
Family-owned bakery since 1900, traditional baked goods

BBQ pork buns are a must-try due to their delightful combination of sweet and savory flavors. These buns are renowned for their fluffy and delicious texture. Specifically, the Char Sui Pork Buns are a popular choice, sold at $1.50 per piece. The bun's light and fluffy structure houses a filling of slightly sweet pork, making it a tasty treat.
In summary, the Char Sui Pork Buns are a standout option for those seeking a flavorful and satisfying meal. These buns offer a perfect balance of sweet and savory tastes, wrapped in a light and fluffy bun. Priced affordably at $1.50, they provide an excellent value for their quality and flavor.
TOPICS
- Chinese Cuisine
- Cheap Eats
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2. Take a Bao Eats
Offers unique Asian fusion dishes with a modern twist

The pork buns I tried were truly exceptional. They featured well-balanced flavors and had perfectly steamed buns. The pork filling was tender and delicious, contributing to an overall amazing taste.
I highly recommend trying the pork buns. They have a remarkably soft bun and an incredibly tasty pork filling. This delectable combination makes it a definite must-try for anyone seeking a delicious dining experience.
TOPICS
- Fusion Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
- Lunch
- Dinner
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3. Chiu Quon Bakery
Family-owned business since 1989, using traditional baking methods

The BBQ pork buns and Portuguese egg tarts are two popular items at many Asian bakeries. The BBQ pork buns are a classic choice, featuring a sweet and savory filling made from slow-cooked pork. The dough is typically light and fluffy, making for a delicious and satisfying treat.
When it comes to the Portuguese egg tarts, freshness is key. These tarts feature a crisp, flaky crust and a creamy egg custard filling. When they are fresh from the oven, the custard is warm and has a slightly caramelized top. Both the BBQ pork buns and Portuguese egg tarts are must-try items for anyone looking to sample the best of Asian baking.
TOPICS
- Chinese Cuisine
- Cheap Eats
- Downtown Spots
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4. Wow Bao – Theater District
Modern, Asian fast-casual concept

The BBQ pork buns are a standout menu item, offering a delightful combination of flavors and textures. The buns are skillfully steamed to achieve a soft and fluffy consistency, providing a satisfying contrast to the savory filling. The pork is tender, generously seasoned, and full of barbecue flavor, making each bite a treat.
These pork buns are a consistent crowd-pleaser, thanks to their freshness and delicious taste. They are an excellent choice for those seeking a quick and satisfying snack. With their reliable quality and enticing flavor profile, these BBQ pork buns are sure to leave a positive impression on anyone who tries them.
TOPICS
- Asian Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
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5. Wow Bao
Modern, fast-casual Asian cuisine with vegetarian and vegan options

The pork buns I ordered were incredible. The dough was steamed to perfection, providing a delicate and airy texture. The pork filling was the star of the dish - it was incredibly tender and full of taste, making each bite a pure delight.
If you're looking for a dish to try, I highly recommend the BBQ Pork Bao. The bun is incredibly soft, while the filling is packed with flavor. This dish is a must-try, and I will definitely be returning for more.
TOPICS
- Asian Cuisine
- Mid-Range
- Downtown Spots
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6. Hing Kee
Offers unique and traditional dishes, open until 3 AM

The pork buns served were a culinary delight, offering a perfect combination of flavors and textures. The filling featured well-seasoned meat, providing a rich and satisfying taste. Surrounding the filling was a softly textured bun, adding a comforting and doughy element to each bite.
These particular pork buns stood out for their freshness and balance. The right proportion of meat and dough made every bun enjoyable, ensuring no single flavor overpowered the other. Overall, the pork buns excelled in their execution, allowing for a highly enjoyable eating experience.
TOPICS
- Chinese Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
- Vegetarian Options
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7. Sweet Bean
Cozy atmosphere, dedicated to Asian-inspired desserts

Sweet Bean is a delightful bakery with an array of delectable pastries and drinks that are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. Their offerings include fruit tarts, unique breads filled with chocolate, custards, and green tea, and artistically designed cakes. The coffee at Sweet Bean is also highly acclaimed. The bakery has a charming decor and a wide variety of treats to choose from. Some of their most popular items include the taro bun, earl grey peach pudding cake, and black sesame hojicha.
I recently stopped by Sweet Bean for a quick bite and tea on my way to the Museum Campus from the train station. If you are a fan of Asian food or drinks, this bakery is a must-visit. However, I would recommend taking some time to educate yourself on the drink menu or asking for explanations/directions. I was surprised by the thick layer of salty miso at the bottom of my drink, but I still enjoyed my lavender hojicha latte, which came with no surprises.
TOPICS
- Fusion Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Downtown Spots
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8. Legend Dumpling + Bao
Creative Asian fusion cuisine in a cozy atmosphere

Pork buns are a popular dish that many people enjoy for their juicy and flavorful taste. These buns have a perfect balance of flavors that make them a must-try for anyone looking for a delicious meal.
The texture of the pork buns is another reason why they are so popular. They are soft and fluffy, which complements the savory taste of the pork filling. Overall, pork buns are an excellent choice for anyone who loves delicious and satisfying food.
TOPICS
- Asian Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Downtown Spots
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9. Saint Anna Bakery
Family-owned business with a rich history and commitment to authenticity.

Upon entering the bakery, I decided to make a purchase and selected two pork buns, one lotus cake, and one winter melon cake. The baked goods were decent, but not exceptionally remarkable. The establishment provides a range of both sweet and savory options, which include buns, sesame balls, and various pastries. Among these, the buns are especially notable, offering a selection of flavors such as BBQ pork and coconut.
My experience included buying a couple of pork buns, a lotus cake, and a winter melon cake. Although the baked goods were satisfactory, they did not stand out as exceptional. This bakery boasts an assortment of delicious choices, including buns, sesame balls, and diverse pastries. More specifically, the buns are a highlight, offering distinct flavors that encompass BBQ pork and coconut.
TOPICS
- Asian Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Downtown Spots
- Breakfast
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10. Feida Bakery
Family-owned bakery with a wide selection of Asian baked goods

Feida Bakery is known for offering a wide variety of delicious and affordable treats, but one option stands out in particular: their BBQ pork buns. These pork buns have gained a reputation for their unbeatable taste and high-quality ingredients.
The BBQ pork buns at Feida Bakery are a must-try for anyone looking for a tasty and affordable snack. Made with tender, flavorful pork and a fluffy, perfectly cooked bun, these pork buns are sure to satisfy. Whether you're a local or just passing through, be sure to give these pork buns a try.
TOPICS
- Asian Cuisine
- Cheap Eats
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11. Minghin Cuisine
Offers a unique modern take on traditional Chinese cuisine

If you're in search of a delicious pastry, look no further than the baked BBQ pork buns. These buns are expertly cooked to achieve a perfect texture - fluffy on the outside with a slightly crispy exterior, and soft on the inside. The filling consists of tender, savory BBQ pork mixed with sweet sauce, creating a delightful balance of flavors.
In summary, the BBQ pork buns are a standout dish that should not be missed. These buns offer a unique combination of sweet and savory, with a satisfyingly soft and fluffy texture. The perfectly cooked exterior provides a nice contrast to the tender filling. If you're looking to try something new and delicious, the BBQ pork buns are an excellent choice.
TOPICS
- Asian Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
- Budget-Friendly Eats
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12. Nhu Lan Bakery
Family-owned business since 1984, Authentic Vietnamese bakery

Nhu Lan Bakery is known for its high-quality baked goods, including their Steamed Pork Bun. Priced at $2.95, this bun is a delicious and affordable option for anyone looking for a tasty snack. The bun contains flavorful ingredients such as pork, quail egg, and Chinese sausage.
Nhu Lan Bakery's Steamed Pork Bun is widely regarded as one of the best in Chicago. The bakery consistently produces fresh and delicious buns, making it a popular spot for locals and visitors alike. The combination of juicy pork, savory Chinese sausage, and a perfectly cooked quail egg make this bun a standout option for anyone in search of a delicious and satisfying snack.
TOPICS
- Mexican Cuisine
- Vegan Options
- Cheap Eats
- Downtown Spots
13. Dim Sum House

TOPICS
- Chinese Cuisine
- Cheap Eats
- Downtown Spots
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14. Moon Palace Express
Offers a variety of Asian dishes, takeout available, dine-in with a casual atmosphere

Moon Palace Express, a Chinese cuisine destination, provides a wide range of dishes, with one standout option being the Pan Fried Pork Buns. These buns are truly a culinary delight, offering a satisfying contrast between their crispy exterior and juicy interior.
The Pan Fried Pork Buns are highly recommended for any dining experience at Moon Palace Express. Crispy on the outside and delightfully juicy on the inside, they offer a perfect blend of textures that will leave you craving more.
TOPICS
- Chinese Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Social Gatherings
15. Shang Noodle & Asian Small Plates
Offers a variety of Asian small plates and noodle dishes with a modern twist

The pork buns at this location are a standout dish. They were cooked to perfection, with a balance of flavors that made them truly enjoyable. I definitely plan on ordering them again.
The pork buns are a must-try item on the menu. They are soft and fluffy, with an abundance of flavorful pork filling. The combination of textures and flavors makes for a truly delicious experience.
TOPICS
- Asian Cuisine
- Vegan Options
- Budget-Friendly Eats
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16. Baobing Bar

TOPICS
- Asian Cuisine
- Mid-Range
- Downtown Spots
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17. Dim Dim
Authentic Taiwanese cuisine, cozy atmosphere, friendly service

Dim Dim's pork buns are a standout in Chicago's food scene. The dough of the buns is incredibly soft, creating a satisfying contrast with the filling. The pork used in the buns is packed with flavor, contributing to an overall delicious taste.
One of the must-try items on Dim Dim's menu is their BBQ pork buns. These buns are fluffy and filled with mouthwatering BBQ pork. The combination of the tender bun and the savory pork is incredibly satisfying, making it easy to see why customers rave about this dish. The reviewer plans to return to Dim Dim to enjoy more of their delicious pork buns in the future.
TOPICS
- Asian Cuisine
- Cheap Eats
- Downtown Spots
- Dinner
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18. Wow Bao – Lakeview
Asian street food, late-night hours, self-serve kiosks

Wow Bao offers a healthier fast food alternative with their steamed buns, dumplings, and potstickers, made from quality sourced meats and fresh vegetables. The company focuses on providing flavorful and nutritious meal options for customers who are looking for something quick and satisfying.
During my visit, I tried the Thai curry and BBQ chicken buns. Taste-wise, they were enjoyable and met my expectations, but I don't think I would return for a second visit. While the food was satisfactory, it did not leave a lasting impression to make me want to come back. Nonetheless, I appreciate the freshness and quality of their ingredients.
TOPICS
- Chinese Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
- Social Gatherings
- Lunch
19. Ying Dim Sum 蓝天点心

TOPICS
- Chinese Cuisine
- Cheap Eats
- Downtown Spots