Delicious steamed buns to try in Montreal
Do you know steamed buns? Steamed buns are extremely popular street food all across Asia, and they’re steadily gaining popularity in Montreal! Also known as bao, these buns arrived here in part thanks to the famous David Chang (American television personality).
Often considered the “Chinese burger,” these small brioche-like buns, filled like sandwiches, are typically round and smooth. Much like hamburgers, buns are eaten fairly quickly—either as an appetizer or as a main dish in counter-style restaurants. In any case, they’re absolutely delicious!
At their core, buns are small milk breads prepared the day before and steamed. Flour, water, and yeast are usually all you need to make the dough. The dough must rest for several hours in a warm environment, and these little treats are quite delicate to prepare. For cooking, steam baskets or steam ovens are traditionally used. You can fill steamed buns however you like—the varieties and recipes vary depending on the region they come from. Classic buns are often made with pork, but you can make them with all kinds of ingredients: tofu, shrimp, crab, fried chicken, and more. You can also add any condiments or toppings you prefer. They’re a true form of comfort food! Each spot on this list offers its own unique version to enjoy.
Craving more delicious Asian sandwiches? Check out our list of the best banh mi!
Here is our list of places where you can find great bao buns in Montreal.
Special mentions
Satay Brothers
Satay Brothers is all about the delicious food that owners Alex and Mat grew up with—flavourful cuisine from Southeast Asia. Satay Brothers is therefore a joyful mix of pleasures and a whirlwind of flavours in every dish. Since opening in 2011, the Winnicki brothers have enjoyed undeniable success. After first launching a small, unpretentious stall at the Atwater Market—one that quickly drew large crowds—they went on to open a restaurant on Notre-Dame West, where you’ll find some of the best steamed buns in the city. The friendly atmosphere and welcoming staff are an added bonus. Satay Brothers’ buns are made with wheat flour and stuffed with braised pork belly, cilantro, cucumber, hoisin sauce, and scallions. Whether enjoyed at the little market stand or at the restaurant, the experience is always delightful.
Montréal
Grenade - Resto-bar et terrasse
Grenade is an oriental brasserie located in the Village, at the corner of Ontario East and Champlain. With a breathtaking terrace, the restaurant offers a menu of classic Asian dishes. In a dimly lit, warm setting, you’ll find snacks with oriental flavours, dumplings, Vietnamese rolls, and excellent steamed buns. Served with salmon, braised BBQ chicken, or mushrooms, these buns are simply delicious. We highly recommend them!
Montréal
Bar OTTO
The chef at Bar Otto describes his cuisine as “Japanese soul food,” a style of cooking that charms and warms the heart. Hiroshi continues to refine his craft, much to the delight of food lovers who choose to entrust their appetite to him. On the menu, you’ll find the favourites from Otto Yakitori—about thirty varieties of small skewers (chicken, assorted, and vegetarian)—as well as from Kitano Shokodu (ex Bistro Otto), including ramen and mazemen (brothless ramen). Here, our personal favourite is, of course, their wonderful steamed buns filled with soft-shell crab.
Montréal
Mui Mui Montréal
Mui Mui is a lovely spot on Jean-Talon Street showcasing Asian flavours. The menu created by chef-owner Minh Phat doesn’t reflect any one traditional Asian cuisine in particular, but rather a fusion of cuisines from across Asia, resulting in a delicious explosion of flavours. We love everything! Especially their steamed bun stuffed with foie gras, tamarind and condensed milk sauce, and an onion–daikon compote. A true delight!
Montréal
Restaurant Bangluck
Bangluck is a must-visit destination for lovers of authentic Thai cuisine. Led with passion by the duo Chita and Nim, this restaurant offers a delicious immersion into the vibrant flavours of Bangkok street food. A special mention goes to their different varieties of steamed buns: Thai-style five-spice braised pork, fried chicken with sweet chili sauce, and fried tofu (vegan)—all three are absolutely delicious!
Montréal
Momiji Par Otto
A little sister to Otto, Momiji is an establishment located in RoyalMount that offers a hybrid dining experience where sushi, nigiri, and yakitori take center stage in a festive, welcoming atmosphere. Designed by Zébulon Perron, the space is divided between a lively front bar and a more intimate dining room at the back, blending industrial aesthetics with Japanese warmth. We absolutely loved the fried shrimp bao!
Montréal
Motel Ontario
Located in the heart of Hochelaga, Motel Ontario is a warm and laid-back wine bar where people come as much for the vibe as for the good food. You’ll always find homemade steamed buns on the menu, a house specialty that changes with the seasons — always delicious, always surprising.
Montréal
Regashi
Izakaya Regashi is a charming little restaurant that focuses on sharing and a love of quality ingredients. The chef’s creations are meticulous and perfectly executed. Contrary to what some might think, you’ll find very little sushi on the menu. Instead, Regashi offers bao buns, tatakis, nigiri, oysters, and many other dishes, all within a reasonable price range.
Montréal
Bêden Càphê
Opened in 2024 on Laurier East, Bêden Càphê takes us on a journey with its flavourful, homemade Vietnamese cuisine. Behind this charming spot, Bê shares her family’s recipes with a personal touch that makes all the difference. On the menu: absolutely delicious bánh mì, ultra-fresh papaya salads, steaming soups, and comforting bao burgers. They also serve excellent Vietnamese coffees and truly great matchas! It’s beautiful, it’s tasty, and it’s warmly welcoming.
Montréal
{{ name }}
{{ html }} Read more
