My Love of Asian Buns
“Come along inside… We’ll see if tea and buns can make the world a better place.”
-Kenneth Grahame, ‘The Wind in the Willows‘
I was introduced to the wonderful world of Asian buns - both steamed and baked – when a new coffeehouse named ‘Honey Cabin’ opened up a few blocks away from my house. I remembering walking in for the first time and being hit in the face with a waft of sweet/savory bread aromas. It smelled amazing. I was already enthralled before I got to the counter to see the array of delicious bready foods on display. It soon became my favorite place on the Island to eat both for its delicious food and insanely cheap prices.
My saliva is increasing just looking at it
I created a list of new favorite snacks. The coconut cream buns were one of their truly irresistible treats. Fluffy sweet dough, baked to perfection, stuffed with a not-too-sweet coconut flaked cream, and then covered in coconut flakes. Sometimes the bun was stuffed with an eggy custard, or a sweet red bean paste, or even a chocolate/peanut butter combo. All for under $1. For $5 I would stuff my bag with goodies and eat them all throughout the day during my classes – needless to say I fully blame Honey Cabin for my increase in mass during my college years.
Then there is the delicious roasted pork bun – my ultimate downfall. Savory moist meat packed into a light and fluffy bun with just the hint of sweetness surrounding it. Never too heavy and always the right price. I could literally eat 5 of them in one sitting. Ever so often I would go for the steamed buns – the best and fluffiest you could ever order.
Honey Cabin closed a few years ago and I have beeen lamenting the loss ever since. Now I have to travel to get my Asian bun fix. Here are a few places I go out of my way for:
Fay Da Bakery – you can also pick up a great bubble tea here
327 Canal Street
Golden Fung Wong Bakery
41 Mott Street
Canal Bakery
242 Canal Street
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Tags: Baking and Confections, Bread, buns, chinatown, Coconut cream, cooking, food, Kenneth Grahame, Manhattan, nyc, pork buns, review, roasted, Roasting, Wind in the Willows
Those buns look soooo delicious! Thanks for putting all the great spots in one place!
They are even better than they look Marianne! Let me know if you make it to one of the above shops anytime soon. Or if you’ve got others to add!
PORK BUNS!!!! I love pork buns and have never found a good bunch ever since I left the East side. West side is the best side my ass….not for pork buns anyway. Any shipping avial?:) More article and delicious pics please!
Pork bun shipping ehh?…I have to look into that…that way I wouldnt have to leave my couch.
I figured this was the best section for my first post. If you like the pork bun (above), I recommend trying the steamed version of the pork bun. You won’t be disappointed. Great website Vicky!
Agreed Kitty – steamed pork buns are a delight. Where is your favorite place to get some?
My favorite place are the bakeries that are close to Grand St.
I’m reading this while eating a delicious coconut creme bun. Probably the best thing on earth!!