Important Notice:We have made the tough decision to say goodbye to the Foursquare City Guide mobile app, effective December 15, 2024, with the web version to follow in early 2025. Visit our FAQ for more information or to download our Swarm app.Mei Lai Wah
Bakery and Chinese Restaurant$$$$
Chinatown, New York
"And yes, the pork buns are actually pretty good and filling as well."(102 Tips)
"Steamed (white) or baked (Brown) roast pork buns are delicious."(20 Tips)
"Pork buns & coconut buns are the best in the city"(5 Tips)
"Get the "Famous bun"!!!!! Delicious"(5 Tips)
152 Tips and reviewsFilter:
- pork buns
- good for a quick meal
- Chinese food
- casual
- egg custard
- (15 more)
Sort:
- Popular
- Recent
don’t have anything else to add about the baked buns, they’re that good. but the amoy style rice noodles is also yummy! evrytime we visit nyc it’s a definite thing that we eat here every. single. day.
Untapped CitiesJuly 27, 2012Still hungry after a night out on Bayard Street? Hard to believe, but Mei Li Wah's Big Bun will take care of you. Stuffed with chinese sausage, pork, and salted egg, it's the guiltiest of delights. Read more
YanaBelle WaveJune 23, 2014Baked pork buns are better than steamed, more meat less fat jello. Coconut buns are everything so good I forgot to take a picture so just buy one and be happy. Get in, get out and no hurt feelings.
The baked roast pork bun sold here is definitely the best in Chinatown. The filling is tender and savory-sweet and the outer shell baked to the perfect sheen. Best of all, it's a mere $1.
Latiesha CastonAugust 16, 2014The baked roast pork buns are my favorite. I am obsessed. I discovered them as the result of a happy accident, I meant to get steamed. And now I buy them by the dozen. They are my treat to myself.
Jake DylanAugust 16, 2021GET A PORK BUN HERE IF ITS THE LAST THING YOU DO! Perfect for an early breakfast. $1.50 each and so so good.- Christina C.November 17, 2013Steamed (white) or baked (Brown) roast pork buns are delicious. I prefer the baked because the bread is a little sweet then you get a little salty from the today pork. Perfect combination.
John FrenchSeptember 24, 2015The Baked Roast Pork Bun is the closest I have found to the ones I had in Hong Kong. They are amazing, but the quest continues. The Famous Bun doesn't have anything in it, so don't waste your time.
K WSeptember 27, 2016The best buns in China town. Always hot. Always fresh. Cheap as hell. Pork buns are so filling and tasty. I always stop in and grab one.
jon ferrerFebruary 29, 2016This was my parents go-to spot for Siopao / Char Siu Bao when I was a kid and I loved it. Unfortunately, the bao aren't as good as I remember. Too thick and bready but the price is still right.
Brian BDecember 28, 2018The best pork bun I've ever had - by a mile. I usually go for the steamed buns but Mei Li Wah has converted to to baked!
Joan ParkAugust 17, 2014Make sure to order the baked roast pork bun (not steamed). Sweet glazed skin, savory & ultra juicy pork on the inside for $0.80.
Serious EatsSeptember 26, 2013Pass on the signature pork buns, which have been less impressive of late, but the rice rolls, congee, and steamed lotus paste buns are worth a buy.
the roast pork buns are amazing! make sure to get a fresh one, if you can! and they're less than $1!
NetsirkAugust 30, 201199% Filipinos go here! The owners know what you are talking about if you order siao mai and siao pao!! Cheap and delectable, your money is worth a dozen of the steamed siao pao! Lami kaayo! Sarap! ;)
Try the Baked Pork Buns & Steamed Combo Buns - We always have to bring home a box of freshly made buns! #Yum (via @Foodspotting)
jake furstSeptember 8, 2014stick to the baked pork buns and the fresh shrimp rice noodle roll and you'll leave here happy. don't get too weird though, the rest of the stuff we tried was pretty suspect.
Real Cheap EatsJune 17, 2012Avoid the steamed roast pork buns here and stick with the famous baked version. "These soft, lightly glazed buns don’t skimp on the saucy, sweet and savory roast pork filling." Read more- Michael HowardAugust 16, 2014The baked pork buns are the best. Their fried dumplings were good too but it looks like they were taken off the menu recently.
CompassApril 24, 2014Roast pork buns are huge and deep fried and egg custard is creamy and traditional at the popular bakery.
BeeAugust 12, 2014the pork buns are on the sweeter side, but delicious. The lotus seed buns were not that great. Congee orders take up to 10 minutes.- David DanzigerJune 27, 2013Good coconut buns. Just had unpleasant experience: counter boy wouldn't let me sit down (with drink I just purchased there). Restaurant empty. They need to train staff. (It is a tea house....)
Adam SaiewitzSeptember 26, 2011Cheap, delicious pork buns. Two make a meal, three make a feast. Get one steamed and one baked -- the sweet coating on the baked is awesome!
If you like fatty pork, then their roasted pork buns are for you. I prefer the "Famous" bun. It's a plain bun, but slightly sweet and very chewy!
陳雄暉 弟兄March 15, 2015I love how rude and loud the ladies -- especially the one with the pink cap -- behind the counter are. When she shouts, "Next!" you better step up and place your order.
- Clyde Erwin BarrettoMarch 10, 2014Twelve pork buns for only $10.80, nuff said. And yes, the pork buns are actually pretty good and filling as well.
Gerald SotoSeptember 18, 2011Fastest way to bypass a large line on busy days is to just step all the way in and be seated. Order 2 buns then place the rest to go from your table.
Best fatty baked porkbuns in the city. Can easily make 2 into a quick, cheap dinner. In fact, all their dimsum is amazing!
Simone JungDecember 14, 2015Go here for some delicious pork buns (baked and steamed) and their coconut buns!
Best. Pork. Buns. $0.90. Best price I've found. And they're still warm. And full of meat.
Matthew RechsJanuary 5, 2013No need to bother with anyplace else when it comes to steamed or baked pork buns. Also try "cocktail bun" and "famous bun."
Kaoru K.September 21, 2013The baked pork buns really come correct. The rice rolls take about 10 min but they are worth the wait.
Alyssa B.October 17, 2022Bbq pork rolls. Is it just me, or they taste better than before… plus there are kiosks for credit card now if you don’t have cash.Upvoted 36 minutes ago
- Try the Baked Roast Pork Bun - So good! One of my favorites! (via @Foodspotting)
Amy CummingsJuly 22The pineapple bun with pork lives up to and exceeds all expectations.Upvoted 36 minutes ago
- Baked pork buns - get one, get a dozen, get a couple dozens and make new friends!
Ryan GallagherSeptember 11, 2018Pork buns are the choice here. Grab one and move on. Eat while walking.
Malony StaAnaSeptember 8, 2013Best Tai Pao in Chinatown. And try the coconut bread also it's really good!
SusanSeptember 2, 2015Their rice crepes are a bit pricey but freshly made. Prepare to wait at least 10 minutes. Worth a try.
Chelle 🗽February 24, 2011For the filipinos out there, their combination siopao/big bun hits the spot (delicious pork, shrimp, chinese sausage and boiled egg filling)
What's Good HereAugust 9, 2014Come here for the baked roast pork buns. Order extra so that you can freeze them and savor later.
Alèxia SoléAugust 13Most famous roast pork buns in Chinatown, NYC, according to @workersclubnyc on InstagramUpvoted 36 minutes ago
396 Photos
Foursquare © 2024 Lovingly made in NYC, CHI, SEA & LA
Open until 7:30 PM (Show more)
- Mon–Sun
- 8:30 AM–7:30 PM
(212) 966-7866
Features
Reservations
No
Credit Cards
No
Outdoor Seating
No
Music
No
Food & Drink
Menus
Brunch, Lunch
See More
You might also like
- 8.2
"Very busy. Their delicious tarts run out at around 6pm. Also try the mochi rice balls!"
Winnie - 8.2
"Get the croissants. The rest of the baked goods aren’t worth it."
Jennifer Lee - 8.0
"Korean take on Parisian bakeries, and they do a great job from their drinks to their pastries. Try the cream bread or the milk bread"
JP
Places people like to go after Mei Lai Wah
- 8.6
"Lychee and Mango are great flavors but try it sorbet style! Even better!"
solefulgroover - 7.6
"Although they're known primarily for their bubble tea, make sure you don't miss their delicious savory food items like Popcorn Chicken and Yam Fries."
Mike Winston - 7.6
"Great traditional Chinese music and friendly people. Hen hao!"
marc niola
Appears on 558 lists
Created by Johnny Wirjosandjojo
106 items • 38 followers
Created by Untapped Cities
20 items • 90 followers
Created by Real Cheap Eats
199 items • 2,343 followers