Bao Buns & Craft Beer

Check out our all-new bao buns & craft beer class! We will take all the mystery out of making these light and fluffy buns. You can book one of our courses via the timetables.

An Ancient Chinese Snack with Modern Popularity: The Story of Bao Buns

Bao buns or steamed buns are a popular Asian delicacy made from sweet white dough, filled with vegetables, meat, or both.

They originated in Northern China in the third century during the Three Kingdoms period, gaining popularity thanks to legendary military strategist Zhuge Liang.

According to the story, Zhuge wanted to cross a river with his army on their way back from a battle but was told he would need to appease the river Deity by throwing human heads in it. He instead threw steamed buns that resembled human heads into the river to avoid sacrificing his soldiers. The Deity was satisfied, and they were able to pass. The buns were named mantou, or "barbarian's head" in honour of Zhuge’s success.

By the tenth century, buns without filling were called mantou, and those with filling were known as bao. Today, bao buns have spread throughout Asia and the world as a convenient and delicious snack or meal.