NYC's Big on the Pig: 7 Most Delicious Pork Buns in NYC

Pork buns, one of New York City's tastiest delicacies, are practically the equivalent of hamburgers in Asia.

Here, though? They're much more rare than hamburgers, and they're also so much more of a treat. We go wild over pork buns in NYC. How could we not? 

They're filled with juicy pork belly that's marinated in brine. 

They're packed inside perfect, fluffy, doughy buns. They're sweet and savory all at once, and, at their best, they're tender, juicy, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious. 

We're way into the pork buns in this city, so we've been journeying all around to find out where the best ones are. Read on to find out where to find the tastiest, most succulent pork buns in NYC.


1. Mei Li Wah Bakery (64 Bayard Street)

enicole2301 Just eating my way through Chinatown....the famous baked roast pork bun. Dead. #meiliwahbakery #eats #chinatown #porkbun #foodporn


Everyone born and raised in Chinatown, if surveyed, would probably list Mei Li Wah as the best roast pork buns in Chinatown. 

The baked, barbecued pork buns, at only a dollar a pop, make this the perfect Chinatown hole-in-the-wall we could think of.

Are they the best pork buns in the city? Well, we won't say they're not.

They're small, but they're so high-quality and savory that they're absolutely bursting with flavor. How could that much quality be in that little of a pork bun? These are some of life's toughest questions, so we'd like to replace this question with another: when can we go to Mei Li Wah?


2. Golden Steamer (various locations)

chef_thiago When in Chinatown pork buns are mandatory #porkbun #chinatown #eeeeeats #foodintheair #eatingnyc #foodporn #goldensteamer


Want to talk about delicious? Then we'll talk about Golden Steamer.

They've got pumpkin buns, which, about the size of the palm of your hand, only cost $0.80. They're perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a snack at any time of day.

The buns at Golden Steamer are just so fluffy and soft. They're also the perfect amount sweet. Plus, it's not just the pumpkin buns that are wildly affordable; everything here is affordable.

Okay, we'll get down to it: the pork buns. They're sweet, delicious, and huge. They also have a high dough-to-filling ratio, and since the dough is excellent, the ratio is excellent.

You'll probably leave feeling like you've never had such a tasty pork steam bun (otherwise known as jumbo bao).


3. Rai Rai Ken (various locations)

ad454 I can never say no to a juicy #porkbun especially at the #happyhour special. #rairaiken @rairaikenofficial #asianfood #japanesechinese


Rai Rai Ken is known far and wide for its prowess as a ramen heaven. When you come to Rai Rai Ken, you really know you're in for something special.

The line here is often intense, so come at an off hour if you can. Otherwise, just buckle down for the line. The pork buns here are totally worth the wait. Rai Rai Ken is also entirely affordable.

Their pork buns are way tasty, and made with only the freshest, perfectly prepared ingredients. You might find yourself hitting this place to satisfy your pork bun craving on the regular once you take your first foray into Rai Rai Ken.

They've also got a pretty stellar happy hour here. Pork buns and drinks, anyone?


4. Momofuku Noodle Bar (171 1st Avenue)

truly_scrumptiouss 👌🏼Pork Buns😻 @momolongplay #momofuku #noodlebar #porkbuns #buns #EEEEEats #infatuation #newforkcity #foodporn #foodgasm #foodphotography #foodie #nyfoodie #porkbelly #instafood #feedfeed #f52grams #buzzfeast #classic #amazing #yummy #top #delicious #spoonuniversity #forkyeah #hungrygals #hungrybetches #nyc #nyceats #eastvillage


The pork buns here are completely mind-blowing. You'll savor every single bite, and you'll find yourself desolate when they're over.

We're not just saying that. This place is known far and wide as the most famous place to get pork buns in the city because it was on the Martha Stewart Show, but it completely lives up to its reputation. 

When you get inside, you might notice the pork buns are no longer on the menu, but they still serve them. You just have to ask, and then you'll have hot, steaming, tender pork buns for $6 a pop.

They cook their pork to perfection; it comes out piping hot and falls apart in your mouth in every bite. The pork is rich, braised, and tastes like it's been cooked low and slow. Try these pork buns at least once in your life. We're begging you.

,

5. Momofuku Má Pêche (15 West 56th Street)

andrearene_ Best pork buns ever?? Yes according to @johntdrake #mapeche they were #delicious #foodporn


Go straight for the pork buns at Momofuku Má Pêche. David Chang enacts his brilliance here with every bit of fervor that he does at Momofuku Noodle Bar.

Like, don't pass go before you order the pork buns. Also, it's worth getting the fried crab buns, too, but get the pork buns first.

Momofuku Má Pêche is so delicious, that if you could see us talking about it in person, our eyes would be glazed over with delight. The pork buns here are glorious. Your heart will be humming after your second bite.

Can you tell we're obsessed? If you're going out with friends or a date and you want to impress them with your phenomenal taste in restaurants, bring them here. Trust us. Also, it's attached to the Chambers Hotel, and that space is pretty great too.


6. Ippudo (65 4th Avenue)

marcivansabio The perfect combo Ramen + Pork Bun #foodporn #ramen #porkbun #ippudo


If you're used to authentic Japanese pork buns, Ippudo will not disappoint. They maintain the same flavor and consistency as genuine Japanese pork buns.

Come to Ippudo hungry and order more than one order of pork buns; you'll need it. They're truly the bomb. They come out gleaming with fatty, melt-in-your-mouth deliciousness. We're also way into the kakuni and beef tataki at Ippudo.

Still, our hearts are stolen by the pork buns. The meat is tender and flavorful, the buns are soft, and the sauce complements the whole sandwich perfectly.

Plus, the drinks here are exceptionally well-made and very tasty. We'd recommend either the hakata, samurai, or lychee martinis.


7. Zutto Japanese American Pub (77 Hudson Street)

kristenpaula13 Japanese-American fusion food. #zuttonyc


The pork belly buns at Zutto are entirely on point. You should probably order around five orders of them. Trust us, you'll want them. 

The ambiance at Zutto feels like an American pub with Japanese food, which is an interesting twist, and, we're guessing, the cause for Zutto's name. 

The spicy miso ramen with an egg will wow you, but it won't blow you away with the same intensity as their pork buns that is... if you're anything like us.

It's also spacious and casual, so it's a great spot to hit with a crew. The food is great, the vibes are hot, and the food presentation is on point. The sushi is delightful, the edamame is served with a chili sea salt, and, as we said, those pork buns are fire.

Check out 10 Best Indian Restaurants in NYC

[Feature Image Courtesy Instagram]

get spoiled in your inbox

recent