At the table
Remove any paper liner, break the bun open and let the filling cool a little before eating.
Contains pork and wheat. The filling sauce may contain soy, oyster sauce or sesame oil; check ingredients if you have allergies.
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.
GET TO KNOW THE DISH
What goes into it?
Explore some key ingredients below. Preparations may use additional seasonings and ingredients.
Steamed buns and baked roast-pork pastries have different wrappers.
Typical ingredients
In some versions
Recipes vary by restaurant.
How does it taste?
Sweet-savory.
- Chili heat
- Texture
- Soft bun; tender filling.
- How it’s made
- Steam.
Steamed buns and baked roast-pork pastries have different wrappers.
A CONNECTION TO PLACE
Origin & regional roots
Associated with Hong Kong. Associated with Guangdong.
About this regional connection
Guangdong: Part of Cantonese/Xiguan food traditions.
Ask if they have it first
请问你们有叉燒包吗？
Do you have this item?
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.
