Eating in China
Illustration of Dalian haimaxian seaweed buns

Dalian haimaxian seaweed buns

大连海麻线包子Dàlián hǎimáxiàn bāozi

Thin steamed wheat wrappers enclose haimaxian, a local brown seaweed, with pork. These are soft, large-filled buns, not fluffy yeast buns or kelp buns.

Heat
Region
Liaoning
Type
Staple foods
Order in Chinese

At the table

How to enjoy it

Lift gently with chopsticks or a spoon, bite a small opening and let steam escape. Eat the wrapper and filling together.

A useful check

Contains wheat and pork in this version. Do not assume a seaweed filling is vegetarian.

How it may vary

This version uses pork pieces. Radish, starch noodles, Chinese chives or garlic may be added; fillings vary by maker.

GET TO KNOW THE DISH

What goes into it?

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

This version uses pork pieces. Radish, starch noodles, Chinese chives or garlic may be added; fillings vary by maker.

Recipes vary by restaurant.

How does it taste?

Savory seaweed and rich pork.

Chili heat
Texture
Soft thin wrapper; slippery, gently chewy seaweed filling.
How it’s made
Scalded wheat dough is rolled thin, filled with cleaned seaweed and pork, then steamed.

This version uses pork pieces. Radish, starch noodles, Chinese chives or garlic may be added; fillings vary by maker.

A CONNECTION TO PLACE

Origin & regional roots

Explore regional food

Its origins are linked to Liaoning.

About this regional connection

Liaoning: Dalian haimaxian/萱藻 bun; notkelp substituted.

Ask if they have it first

ASK IF IT'S AVAILABLE

请问你们有大连海麻线包子吗?

Do you have this item?

A LITTLE SOMETHING TO READ

Story & history

A taste of Dalian’s coast

Haimaxian is the Dalian name for a tubular brown seaweed used in springtime home cooking. Thin wrappers let its dark filling show through, and pork adds richness to its soft, slippery texture.

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