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The best bao bun filling ideas

Get creative with our clever bao bun filling ideas including veggie options and thrifty ways to use up leftovers. Try everything from tender pork belly to flaky fish.

Food Editor

Emily Lambe
Three bao buns

What are bao buns?

Having originated in China, light and fluffy steamed bao buns are now loved by diners in the UK thanks to street food markets and on-trend restaurants. Now, you can enjoy them at home, with our new ready-to-fill bao buns, available in store now. They're traditionally filled with rich slow-cooked meat, zingy pickles and a flavour-packed sauce. We've got plenty of pairing options to serve alongside your bao. Simply pop the buns in the microwave to heat through, cook the topping according to the instructions, and load up the buns as you like.

Our top 5 bao bun fillings

Fill your fluffy bao buns with tender meat, crunchy veggies and a drizzle of your favourite sauce. You can get creative with leftovers from a roast or clever meat-free options, like crispy tofu. See our step-by-step recipes and bao bun ideas to find a new twist on a simple dish.

Published 2.10.2025