Chinese Food 9：Stuffed Bun — 包子Bāozi

baozi — bāozi

A baozi (Chinese: 包子, Pinyin: bāozi)  is a type of steamed, filled bun or bread-like (i.e. made with yeast) item in various Chinese cuisines, as there is much variation as to the fillings and the preparations. In its bun-like aspect it is very similar to the traditional Chinese mantou. It can be filled with meat and/or vegetarian fillings.

baozi(left) and mantou(right)

Two types are found in most parts of China: Dabao(literally means big bun), measuring about 10 cm across, served individually, and usually purchased for take-away. The other type, xiaobao(literally means small bun), measure approximately 3 cm wide, and are most commonly eaten in restaurants. Each order consists of a steamer containing about 10 pieces. A small ceramic dish is provided for vinegar or soy sauce, both of which are available in bottles at the table, along with chilli paste.

Big bun(left) and small bun(right)

There're many different tastes of baozi from region to region in China. The following are some common types:

肉包 (ròu bāo)：filled with pork

菜包 (cài bāo)：filled with vegetable

叉烧包 (chā shāo bāo)：filled with barbecue-flavoured char siu pork; typical of Cantonese cuisine

汤包 (tānɡ bāo)：a soup-filled baozi from Yangzhou drunk through a straw

豆沙包 (dòu shā bāo)：filled with sweet bean paste

奶黄包 (nǎi huánɡ bāo)：filled with sweet yellow custard filling