Quintessential Chinatown bakery known for its classic Cantonese baked goods [1]. Famous for its sweet, savory, and crunchy pineapple pork buns, a must-try for many [2].
This Chinatown bakery is a beloved institution, particularly famous for its Cantonese baked goods and dim sum [1]. While many praise its classic offerings, the pineapple pork bun has become a major draw, described as delightfully sweet, savory, and crunchy [2]. Despite occasional criticisms about inconsistency or specific flavor profiles, many visitors find the buns addictive and a worthwhile stop in the neighborhood [3].
This establishment is a Chinese bakery celebrated for its Cantonese baked goods, including dim sum and various buns. The pineapple pork bun is frequently highlighted as a must-try, praised for its sweet, savory, and crunchy texture [1]. While many enjoy this signature item, some reviews mention that the filling quality can vary, with some finding it too sweet or too fatty [2]. Other recommended items include milk tea and steamed buns [3].
"The pineapple pork bun is highly recommended for its delightful sweet, savory, and crunchy texture [1]. Other popular choices include milk tea and various steamed buns like the steamed pork bun and egg yolk bun [2]."
Customers generally have a positive view of the bakery, with many praising the quality and taste of their buns, particularly the pineapple pork bun [1]. Some feedback notes occasional inconsistency or a preference for different flavor profiles, but overall sentiment leans positive.
Important Note
Some customers have found the pork filling in the buns to be too fatty, overly sweet, or not substantial enough [1, 2]. There are also mentions of inconsistency in quality and long lines, particularly due to social media popularity [3].
"This commenter suggested the pineapple roast pork bun from Mei Lei Wai, also noting that many other Chinese bakeries offer good versions."
Positive"The pineapple roast pork bun was good, but not something the reviewer would race back for, earning a score of 7."
Neutral"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."
Positive"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
