Iconic Chinatown bakery famed for its addictive, freshly baked roast pork & pineapple buns. A must-try for classic Chinese pastry.
This Chinatown bakery is a local favorite, particularly celebrated for its renowned baked roast pork buns and pineapple buns. While some have noted a decline in quality or an increase in price, many still find the buns to be a worthwhile treat, embodying a classic taste of the neighborhood.
The restaurant is primarily known for its Chinese bakery items, with a strong emphasis on its baked roast pork buns and pineapple buns. While many customers rave about these, with some calling them 'life-changing' and 'addictive,' a portion of recent reviews indicate a decline in filling quality and an increase in perceived fattiness or sweetness. Other mentioned items include red bean buns, shrimp rice noodle rolls, and shumai, with mixed reviews.
"The pineapple roast pork bun is the most frequently recommended and praised item, often described as 'life-changing' and 'addictive.' Other recommended items include the plain baked pork bun, steamed buns, and milk tea."
Customer sentiment is largely positive, with many praising the delicious and affordable buns, especially the pineapple roast pork bun. However, some recent feedback suggests a potential decline in quality or an increase in wait times.
Important Note
Some customers have noted a decline in the quality of the filling in recent times, with complaints about it being too fatty or overly sweet. Additionally, the restaurant can experience long lines due to its popularity.
"This user mentions Mei Lai Wah as a place known for its pork Bolo Bao in Chinatown. They believe the Mei Lai Wah version is much better and half the price compared to another mentioned establishment."
Positive"This commenter stated that the pineapple pork bun from Mei Lai Wah was their absolute favorite."
Positive"This commenter noted that Mei Lai Wah has become very popular, with long lines, and suggested that similar, good quality char siu bao (bbq pork buns) can be found at other Chinatown bakeries like Golden Manna, M&W, and Tai Pan Bakery."
Neutral"The poster mentioned enjoying the pineapple bun from Mei Lai Wah."
Positive"Mei Lai Wah in Chinatown is recommended for delicious and cheap buns."
Positive"The author mentioned trying the Baked Roast Pork Bun at Mei Lai Wah Bakery."
Neutral"The original poster mentioned visiting Mei Lai Wah for Pineapple BBQ pork bun and steamed pork bun."
Neutral"This commenter expresses that Mei Lai Wah is okay and that influencers tend to overhype everything for likes and views."
Neutral"The user feels the filling in Mei Lai Wah's buns is less substantial than before and suspects the sweet buns run out early intentionally, attributing it to scarcity marketing and TikTok."
Negative"The commenter recalls the price of buns slowly increasing over time. They acknowledge Mei Lai Wah is doing well but haven't visited since around 2012."
Neutral"This commenter states that the quality of Mei Lai Wah's cha siu bao declined post-COVID, with the filling being almost 80% fat. They recommend the 'big bun' and coconut bun as authentic options."
Negative"This user agrees with not gatekeeping, stating they would rather deal with lines at their favorite places than see them close down."
Positive"This user mentions that Filipinos also used to buy buns in dozens from Mei Lai Wah, to the point that Mei Lai Wah had a sign stating they sold siopao due to their large Filipino customer base."
Neutral"This user finds Mei Lai Wah's egg yolk buns to be the perfect dessert."
Positive"This commenter feels that Mei Lai Wah's pork buns are now too fatty and asks if there are other places that offer them with more meat."
Negative"This commenter states that since Mei Lai Wah expanded and moved locations, it's not bad anymore, and they were able to get in and out quickly by going at 6 PM."
Positive"The commenter suggests that the 'famous buns' at Mei Lai Wah are slightly sweet and best eaten before trying their sweet offerings."
Positive"This user simply states 'egg yolk buns' as a recommendation from Mei Lai Wah."
Positive"The commenter believes Mei Lai Wah's char siu buns are not as good as they used to be, finding the char siu pieces too fatty and stating they are not worth the wait."
Negative"This commenter asks if Mei Lai Wah still offers crispy youtiao inside soft steamed rolls, which were their favorite 15-20 years ago."
Neutral
