Buying Bao Buns: A Guide to Avoiding Soggy Buns and Skimpy Fillings

By Joybuy Product Recommendation Officer, July 28, 2026

A warm, soft steamed bun in your hands, ready for that first bite. The promise of a delicious filling, savoury or sweet. But the reality can be quite different: a dry, doughy bun with a disappointingly small amount of filling. This happens to many who buy frozen bao buns online or from an Asian market.

The selection of Asian snacks is enormous, but not every product delivers the authentic experience you're looking for. Before you fill your freezer, it's helpful to know what to watch out for. We'll discuss a few common pitfalls:

1. The "Authentic" Disappointment: Many packages claim an authentic taste, but the ingredients list tells a different story. Sometimes the filling consists mainly of fillers and flavour enhancers instead of real meat or fresh vegetables.
2. The Dough-to-Filling Ratio: You're buying a filled bun, not a ball of dough. A common complaint is that the filling is nowhere to be found. A good bao has a generous filling that is well-balanced with the soft dough.
3. The Post-Steaming Texture: A perfectly steamed bun is light and soft. However, some frozen varieties become soggy or tough after cooking, which ruins the entire experience.

What to Look for When Choosing Steamed Buns

To avoid these disappointments, it's useful to know a few basic principles. Pay attention to the following two points the next time you're considering frozen dim sum or Chinese buns.

1. The Filling: The Heart of the Bao

The filling defines the bun's identity. Whether you opt for savoury or sweet, the quality of the ingredients is crucial.

• Savoury Fillings: Classics include pork (as in Bapao), chicken, or a mix of vegetables. Check the ingredients list for the percentage of meat or vegetables. A higher percentage often indicates a richer flavour and better quality. Specialties like xiao long bao are in a category of their own; these are filled with meat and a broth that melts during steaming, creating a juicy "soup" inside the bun.
• Sweet Fillings: Popular sweet fillings include custard buns (nai wong bao), black sesame, or red bean paste. A good custard filling is creamy and not too watery, often made with egg yolk and milk powder. A modern favourite is the salted egg yolk "lava" bun, where the filling flows out when you take a bite.

2. The Dough: Light and Soft

The dough of a bao bun should be soft, light, and slightly springy. It's the perfect vessel for the filling. A bun without a filling is called a mantou and is a good indicator of the dough's quality. If a brand can make a good mantou, chances are their filled buns will also have a pleasant texture. The dough should not feel sticky or dry after steaming.

Our Recommended Product Picks

Based on product specifications and ingredients, we have selected a few options that cater to different preferences.

MATCH FOR: THE SAVOURY & SPEEDY ENTHUSIAST

FRESH ASIA Meat Buns Juicy Pork Buns 450g

Why This Fits Their Persona: Ideal for those seeking a quick, satisfying, and classic savoury meal or snack. The combination of pork and cabbage is a traditional flavour that many appreciate, perfect for a busy day.

How It Avoids the Trap

This product tackles the pitfall of a skimpy filling. According to the specifications, it contains 21% pork, ensuring a good balance between the dough and a juicy, flavourful filling.

Key Advantage & Pros

Classic, juicy pork filling. Quick and easy to prepare by steaming, ideal for breakfast or lunch.

MATCH FOR: THE SWEET DIM SUM EXPERIENCE

FRESHASIA Custard Buns 390g

Why This Fits Their Persona: For the sweet tooth looking to recreate the dim sum experience at home. Perfect as a dessert, with tea, or as a sweet breakfast. A classic that never disappoints.

How It Avoids the Trap

This bun avoids the pitfall of a bland, watery filling. The ingredients list mentions custard powder, egg yolk powder, and milk powder, which indicates a creamy and rich flavour.

Key Advantage & Pros

Rich, creamy custard filling. The dough is soft and light, pairing perfectly with the sweet filling.

MATCH FOR: THE VEGETARIAN FOODIE

Freshasia Noodle House Mushroom & Vegetable Bun 360g

Why This Fits Their Persona: For those looking for a flavourful, vegetarian option. Suitable as a light meal or as part of a larger dim sum selection, without compromising on taste.

How It Avoids the Trap

This product avoids the pitfall of a dull vegetable filling. The combination of mushrooms and various vegetables, seasoned with soy sauce, garlic, and ginger, creates a complex and aromatic flavour.

Key Advantage & Pros

Fully vegetarian filling. The description states the buns are handmade, which can contribute to a superior texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you steam frozen bao buns without a steamer basket?

No steamer basket? No problem. You can use a large pot with a lid. Fill the pot with a shallow layer of water (about 1 inch / 2-3 cm). Place a heatproof colander or a metal rack inside the pot, making sure the water doesn't touch the rack. Place the frozen buns on the rack (on a piece of parchment paper to prevent sticking), bring the water to a boil, and cover the pot with the lid. Steam the buns according to the package directions.

What's the difference between bao, bapao, and mantou?

These terms are often used interchangeably, but there are slight differences.

• Bao (or baozi) is the general Chinese term for a steamed bun, usually filled.
• Bapao is the Indonesian/Dutch name for a specific type of bao, typically filled with seasoned meat.
• Mantou is a steamed bun without any filling. It is eaten as a staple food, similar to bread or rice.

Can you cook bao buns in the microwave?

Some packages indicate that microwave preparation is possible. It's fast and convenient, but the result is often inferior to steaming. The microwave can make the dough tough or soggy. For the softest, fluffiest texture, steaming remains the recommended method.