Generated guide illustration of char siu bao; not a restaurant photograph.

Hong Kong · Guangdong · THE FOOD GUIDE

Barbecue pork buns

Steamed char siu bao

叉燒包

Chāshāo bāo

Fluffy buns filled with sweet-sauced roast pork.

0/5Snacks
Kid-friendly
Order in Chinese

At the table

How to enjoy it

Remove any paper liner, break the bun open and let the filling cool a little before eating.

A useful check

Contains pork and wheat. The filling sauce may contain soy, oyster sauce or sesame oil; check ingredients if you have allergies.

How it may vary

Steamed buns and baked roast-pork pastries have different wrappers.

The soft bun and tender filling are easy to share in small pieces; let it cool and check the filling temperature.

Recipes vary. Ask the restaurant about ingredients and serving before you order.

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How does it taste?

Sweet-savory.

SavorySweet
Chili heat
0/5
Texture
Soft bun; tender filling.

A CONNECTION TO PLACE

Origin & regional roots

Hong Kong · Guangdong

Associated with Hong Kong. Associated with Guangdong.

About this regional connection

Guangdong: Part of Cantonese/Xiguan food traditions.

Ask if they have it first

ASK IF IT'S AVAILABLE

请问你们有叉燒包吗?

Do you have this item?

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A LITTLE SOMETHING TO READ

Story & history

One of Guangzhou’s Four Kings of morning tea

Guangzhou’s morning tea grew from simple street-side tea stalls into teahouses, where people ate, socialized and exchanged business news. In that setting, char siu bao became one of Cantonese morning tea’s “Four Kings,” alongside har gow, siu mai and rice rolls. Its high, split bun and roast-pork filling are part of the classic image, but the wider story is the social ritual: order tea, choose several small plates and share them at the table.

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