Instagram Posts References
This establishment is recommended as part of the GoCity New York Mini Guide for its casual dining and Chinese buns.
Mei Lai Wah Coffee Shop is featured for its baked roast pork buns, a quintessential item in Chinese bakeries. The shop appears to be a popular destination for warm, freshly baked goods.
Mei Lai Wah is featured for its delectable baked goods, particularly its signature buns. The video showcases both a pineapple bun with its characteristic crispy, sweet topping and a savory bun, likely a BBQ pork bun, revealing its rich, flavorful filling when torn open. These items are highlighted as essential tastes for visitors.
Mei Lai Wah Bakery is highlighted as a recommended stop during a 'perfect Chinatown food crawl,' specifically lauded for its pineapple pork bun. Its inclusion, even though not pictured, indicates its status as a beloved establishment within the NYC food landscape.
Details
This Chinatown bakery has gained significant attention for its pineapple roast pork buns, which many describe as "life-changing" and "absolutely delicious." While the buns are a major draw, some find other offerings like the red bean buns to be less impressive. The establishment has a long history, with some patrons reminiscing about its earlier days before its recent surge in popularity.
Food Overview
The star of the show is undoubtedly the pineapple roast pork bun, praised for its sweet and savory combination and delightful texture. However, experiences vary, with some finding the red bean buns disappointing and others noting inconsistencies in the pork filling, occasionally describing it as too fatty. Despite mixed reviews on specific items, the bakery remains a popular spot for Chinese baked goods and dim sum.
Highlights / Recommended
"The pineapple roast pork bun is overwhelmingly recommended, with many calling it a must-try. Other recommendations include the plain baked pork bun, BBQ bolo buns, and milk tea."
Mentioned Dishes:
- •pineapple pork bun(9)
- •pork bun(8)
- •pork buns(5)
- •buns(4)
- •pineapple roast pork bun(3)
- •pineapple bun(3)
- •roast pork bun(2)
- •baked bbq pork buns(2)
- •baked bbq pork bun(2)
- •baked roast pork bun(2)
Caveats
Some patrons mention long lines, especially due to social media hype. There are also conflicting reports on the quality of the buns, with some finding them to be a bit too fatty or sweet, and some noting a perceived decline in quality over time.
Reddit Opinions & Reviews
Top Reddit Posts About MEI LAI WAH
Recent Reddit Mentions
From post: Lunch Recs
"This user suggested Mei Lah Wah in Chinatown for buns as part of a food crawl, highlighting the availability of Cantonese style cuisine and BBQ in the area."
PositiveFrom post: Any Places In Nyc With Pineapple King Type Bolo
"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."
PositiveFrom post: Best Things I Ate In Ny
"This commenter stated that the pineapple pork bun from Mei Lai Wah was their absolute favorite."
PositiveFrom post: Best Things I Ate In Ny
"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."
NeutralFrom post: Best Things I Ate In Ny
"The poster mentioned enjoying the pineapple bun from Mei Lai Wah."
Positive