San Diego's Best Bao [Updated 2024]

San Diego's Best Bao [Updated 2024]

I have plenty of experience with baos, so I've decided to share my experiences and help you find the very best bao in San Diego . I've tasted seven different baos from across the city, so I'm confident that I can help you make an informed decision.

This article is meant to be lighthearted, yet informative. So if you're looking for the best bao in town, stay tuned to hear what I have to say! Let's get started and see which delicious bao comes out on top.


Harumama Noodles + Buns (Little Italy)

Harumama Noodles + Buns (Little Italy)
🗺️ 1901 Columbia St, San Diego, CA 92101
☎️ 619-269-7122
🌐 Website
Sunday: 11 AM–9 PM
Monday: 11 AM–9 PM
Tuesday: 11 AM–9 PM
Wednesday: 11 AM–9 PM
Thursday: 11 AM–9 PM
Friday: 11 AM–9:30 PM
Saturday: 11 AM–9:30 PM

The flavor of the bao is absolutely amazing. The pork, beef and vegetable bao all have that perfect balance of savory and sweet flavors. I can honestly say I've never had a bad one from Harumama.

The texture of the baos is also spot on - they're light, fluffy and soft. You can tell they're made with high-quality ingredients and freshly steamed right before being served.

I'm especially impressed with their variety of offerings; they offer both traditional and vegan options, so everyone can find something to enjoy. Their signature dishes are definitely my favorite though - the fried chicken!

Overall, Harumama Noodles + Buns (Little Italy) offers some of the best bao in San Diego . The flavor, texture and variety are all top notch and you won't be disappointed when you visit!

You might also want to check out the best seafood market in San Diego.

Shanghai Bun

Shanghai Bun
🗺️ 1029 Rosecrans St, San Diego, CA 92106
☎️ 619-795-1700
🌐 Website
Sunday: 11 AM–9 PM
Monday: 11:30 AM–9 PM
Tuesday: 11:30 AM–9 PM
Wednesday: 11:30 AM–9 PM
Thursday: 11:30 AM–9 PM
Friday: 11:30 AM–9 PM
Saturday: 11:30 AM–9 PM

The texture of the bun is incredibly soft and fluffy. The pork filling is incredibly juicy and flavorful. It was nearly perfect in size, not too large but enough to fill me up!

The overall taste experience was balanced with a hint of sweetness coming from the bun and a nice spicy kick from the filling. I would definitely recommend Shanghai Bun as the best bao in San Diego!

You might also want to check out the best seafood market in LA Jolla.

Tasty Noodle House

Tasty Noodle House
🗺️ 4646 Convoy St, San Diego, CA 92111
☎️ 858-430-6876
🌐 Website
Sunday: 11 AM–9:45 PM
Monday: 11 AM–9:45 PM
Tuesday: 11 AM–9:45 PM
Wednesday: 11 AM–9:45 PM
Thursday: 11 AM–9:45 PM
Friday: 11 AM–9:45 PM
Saturday: 11 AM–9:45 PM

The taste was absolutely amazing – I could tell that a lot of care and effort went into creating each bao. The chefs at Tasty Noodle House pay attention to every detail, and it shows in the amazing flavors that they create with fresh ingredients.

The texture was also spot on! The bao were light and fluffy, yet still had a satisfying chewiness to them.

I'd give the presentation an A+! Each bao was presented beautifully, with garnishings placed carefully to make it look as delicious as it tasted.

Overall, I would definitely recommend Tasty Noodle House for anyone looking for the best bao in San Diego !

You might also want to check out the best seafood market in Escondido.

Shan Xi Magic Kitchen

Shan Xi Magic Kitchen
🗺️ 4344 Convoy St, San Diego, CA 92111
☎️ 858-565-2688
🌐 Website
Sunday: 11 AM–8:30 PM
Monday: 11 AM–3:30 PM
Monday: 4:30–8:30 PM
Tuesday: 11 AM–3:30 PM
Tuesday: 4:30–8:30 PM
Wednesday: 11 AM–3:30 PM
Wednesday: 4:30–8:30 PM
Thursday: 11 AM–3:30 PM
Thursday: 4:30–8:30 PM
Friday: 11 AM–8:30 PM
Saturday: 11 AM–8:30 PM

The bao here is simply delightful. Perfectly steamed and packed with flavor, each bao has a unique combination of ingredients that make it truly special. The pork bao in particular is something I've never tasted before - the savory taste of the pork paired with the subtle sweetness of the bun makes for an irresistible combination.

The staff at Shan Xi Magic Kitchen are friendly and accommodating, and they always make sure to explain what each bao contains so you can try to get the best possible experience from your meal.

In addition to their fantastic bao, Shan Xi Magic Kitchen also has other Chinese dishes on their menu including noodles, vegetables, and more. They offer generous portions that are sure to satisfy your hunger!

Overall, I can say without a doubt that Shan Xi Magic Kitchen offers some of the best bao in San Diego. If you love bao like I do, then this is definitely worth a visit!

You might also want to check out the best restaurants in San Diego.

Jasmine Seafood Restaurant & Express

Jasmine Seafood Restaurant & Express
🗺️ 4609 Convoy St Ste. A 1/2, San Diego, CA 92111
☎️ 858-268-0888
🌐 Website
Sunday: 10 AM–4:30 PM
Sunday: 5–8 PM
Monday: 10 AM–3 PM
Tuesday: 10 AM–3 PM
Tuesday: 5–8 PM
Wednesday: 10 AM–3 PM
Wednesday: 5–8 PM
Thursday: 10 AM–3 PM
Thursday: 5–8 PM
Friday: 10 AM–3 PM
Friday: 5–8 PM
Saturday: 10 AM–4:30 PM
Saturday: 5–8 PM

The bao here is simply amazing! It's handmade and filled with a generous portion of flavorful goodness. The texture of the bao is soft with the perfect amount of chewiness. The bun is never dry or greasy - it's just right.

What I love most about this spot is their variety. They have a wide selection of baos to choose from, including traditional pork, beef, lamb, and chicken varieties. You can also get creative and try out some new creations like the spicy honey garlic wings or firecracker shrimp. But no matter which selection you go for, one thing’s for sure—you’ll get the best bao in San Diego!

The staff at Jasmine Seafood Restaurant & Express is always friendly and helpful. They take the time to make sure your order is exactly what you expected it to be. Plus, the wait time has always been minimal in my experience so far.

All in all, if you're looking for a place to get an authentic taste of mouthwatering Chinese baos that are both delicious and affordable, then look no further than Jasmine Seafood Restaurant & Express!

You might also want to check out the best tacos in San Diego.

Sunny Dumpling House小哥包子铺

Sunny Dumpling House小哥包子铺
🗺️ 7330 Clairemont Mesa Blvd a110, San Diego, CA 92111
☎️ 858-598-5144
Sunday: 11 AM–8 PM
Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 11 AM–3 PM
Tuesday: 4–8 PM
Wednesday: 11 AM–3 PM
Wednesday: 4–8 PM
Thursday: 11 AM–3 PM
Thursday: 4–8 PM
Friday: 11 AM–8 PM
Saturday: 11 AM–8 PM

The bao here are incredible! Every time I go, I make sure to order a different selection -- the tastes are always so unique and interesting. From the spiced pork bao to the sweet and savory char siu bao, each bite is filled with flavor. The steamed buns themselves are soft, fluffy and moist.

In addition to their delicious dishes, Sunny Dumpling House小哥包子铺 also provides an amazing atmosphere. With its warm and inviting decor, it always feels like home no matter where I am.

If you're looking for the best bao in San Diego then Sunny Dumpling House小哥包子铺 is definitely the place to go!

You might also want to check out the best sushi in San Diego.

Brad ThomasB
WRITTEN BY

Brad Thomas

With a true passion for exploring all that San Diego has to offer, Brad takes great pleasure in discovering new spots and sharing his experiences with his readers. From hidden gems to tried-and-true favorites, he doesn't miss a beat when it comes to exploring different corners of town. When he's not writing or dining out, Brad can be found soaking up some sunshine at the beach or taking an outdoor adventure around SoCal.Read more

Related posts

featured
2023-03-26

San Diego's Best Seafood Market [Updated 2024]

featured
2023-05-19

LA Jolla's Best Seafood Market [Updated 2024]

featured
2023-05-05

The Absolute Best Seafood Market in Escondido [Updated 2024]

featured
2023-01-20

San Diego's Best Restaurants [Updated 2024]

featured
2023-01-20

San Diego's Best Tacos [Updated 2024]

featured
2023-01-20

San Diego's Best Sushi [Updated 2024]

featured
2023-01-21

LA Jolla's Best Restaurants [Updated 2024]

featured
2023-01-20

San Diego's Best Pizza [Updated 2024]

Never Miss A Post! 🎉
Sign up for free and be the first to get notified about updates.
  • 01Get membership discounts
  • 02Be the first to know about new reviews
subsc