Mei Lai Wah Bakery

Who says money can't buy happiness? I think the problem with most people is that they are shopping for happiness in all the wrong places. Boats, cars, houses...you need to get your happiness at a discount, people. Here, $1 here will get you delicious roast pork wrapped in a slightly sweet, tender bun.

If that isn't happiness, I don't know what is.

After one bite I said, "Ohhhh. So THIS is where you get the good roast pork buns." I've tried so many different bakeries in the various Chinatowns across this city, and this is my favorite so far. Not only is the slightly sweet, signature char siu bao flavor better, but the ratio of pork to bun is infinitely higher than a few of the rip-offs I've seen where you're eating all bun and no meat.

Plus, it's a dollar, people. What do you have to lose?

The pork pineapple bun is a MUST GET SO FIREEEE the bun itself was delish. Filling inside was perfect combo of sweet and savory

This place lives up to the hype!

Stopped by on a Wednesday morning and there was no wait! Super tiny spot, I've always seen a line out the door online.

I placed an order on the kiosks (there are 2 and they accept card), you can also order at the front if you're paying with cash.

- Shumai (5/5): Soft, not dry at all like some dim sum places when they're over-steamed. So flavorful I honestly didn't even need to use the soy sauce that came with it.

- Char siu bao (5/5): This was one of the best char siu baos I've ever had. I was recommended the pineapple bun version, but I'm personally a fan of the sweet and sticky baked bun of a regular char siu bao. Perfect amount of bbq pork inside, the chunks of bbq pork were the perfect size for the bun so it was easy to chew and not dry at all.

Life is short. F.....it up! Family, Flavor, Friends.

when in Manhattan Chinatown in your craving for something that's going to be fresh fluffy sweet and savory at the same time. Make sure to stop by this place no doubt that is very popular because she walked down the street. Everyone is either in line to get these handheld delicious buns or has already purchased them and eating them on the street so you know you're at the right place . just be prepared to wait in the line and be crowded in the little small front area where you go in order and pick up your food. There is two lines. The longer one is usually the credit card one and the short one is a cash only..

Food: 5/5
One of the best restaurants in Chinatown. I personally always order the wonton noodles, cheap and SO good with the red vinegar dipping sauce.

Service: 5/5
Very fast service.

Cost for worth: 5/5
I feel these prices are very fair for the portions and in comparison to similar restaurants in Chinatown.

The Pineapple Pork Bun was so good that I ate two within a couple hours of each other during our Chinatown food adventures. There is a cash only line that is typically faster, but kiosks that take card can be used. I believe a minimum of 50 cents tip is required on those kiosks, since I watched someone else try to order on it with 0 tip.

We tried the egg bun or something and it wasn't good. Just stick to the pork buns!

The roast pork buns are still undefeated. I came here 9:30am on a Thursday. No line at all.

If you pay in cash, you can skip the kiosk.

The dim sum wasn't great. I probably wouldn't get that again, but come for the buns.

I can do nothing more than echo all the great reviews. This bakery is so incredibly affordable, delicious, authentic, and worth the hype. There is a long line, but it moves incredibly fast. It was worth waiting in the scorching summer heat!

Wait in the line!!
Get the pineapple pork bun! It was savory with a little sweet. There's no pineapple in it. It's a soft warm bun filled with savory meat. There's a layer of sweet crust on top.
This bun was so delicious. It might be a top 10 things I've eaten.
It's a hearty snack having just one!!

Ive always just preferred steamed pork buns rather than roasted but I do find them very good. Especially for snacking into something savory and filling. Here at Mei Lai Wah they offer both options and more. The buns are done so good! soft and delicious. There could be a lot of fatty pork parts though but I guess thats what gives it flavor.

I did get the pineapple pork this time too and thought that if I'd preferred buns to be less sweet, i'll have to opt for the plain roast pork or just go with the steamed ones. The coconut buns were also good, but again, sweet. They ran out of custard buns unfortunately during this visit. I also dont see indoor seating anymore. And if my memory serves me right, I remember eating here with the family. Anways, this spot is good for a nice grab-and-go as long as the lines aren't ridiculously long. Glad they have both cash and card options for payment btw!

I tried both the regular baked pork bun and the famous pineapple bun. I came on a weekday and there wasn't a line. I preferred the regular pork bun over the pineapple bun. Both the buns were on the sweeter side, but the pineapple was too sweet for me. Good buns, but nothing mind blowing.