Generated guide illustration of mantou; not a restaurant photograph or physical product evidence.

Mantou

馒头Mántou

Plain steamed wheat buns

Unfilled steamed buns made from leavened wheat dough. They accompany savory dishes or make a simple breakfast, especially in northern China.

Heat: Not recorded
Region: —
Type: Staple foods

Kid-friendly

Order in Chinese

A plain steamed wheat bun has a mild flavor and soft crumb, making it a simple option for a family meal.

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

GET TO KNOW THE DISH

What goes into it?

Explore some key ingredients below. Preparations may use additional seasonings and ingredients.

Sugar and baking powder can be added alongside yeast. Other grains and decorative festive shapes are alternatives to plain wheat buns.

Typical ingredients

Illustration of wheat flour

Wheat flour小麦面粉

Generated guide illustration of yeast; not a restaurant photograph or physical product evidence.

Baking yeast酵母

In some versions

Generated guide illustration of baking powder; not physical ingredient or product evidence.

Baking powder泡打粉

Generated guide illustration of sugar; not product evidence.

Recipes vary by restaurant.

How does it taste?

Mild wheat flavor, sometimes lightly sweet

Chili heat: Heat not recorded
Texture: Soft, fine and springy crumb.
How it’s made: Leaven, shape and steam wheat dough.

Sugar and baking powder can be added alongside yeast. Other grains and decorative festive shapes are alternatives to plain wheat buns.

A CONNECTION TO PLACE

Origin & regional roots

Origin not yet established

A specific regional origin has not been established in this guide.

Ask if they have it first

ASK IF IT'S AVAILABLE

请问你们有馒头吗？

Do you have this item?

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