Char Siu Bao
Char Siu Bao is a beloved Cantonese steamed or baked bun filled with sweet and savory barbecued pork (char siu), typically made from marinated pork shoulder or belly. The filling features a glossy, sticky sauce made from hoisin, soy, honey, and five-spice powder, encased in a soft, fluffy wheat-flour dough. It is a staple dim sum item originating from Guangdong province and widely popular across Chinese communities worldwide.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
A typical steamed Char Siu Bao is high in carbohydrates from the bun and contains moderate fat and protein from the pork filling, with a rough calorie count of 250-350 per bun. It provides some B vitamins and iron from the meat, but is also relatively high in sodium and sugar due to the marinade and sauce.
Nutrition breakdown
| Calories | 280 kcal |
| Protein | 10 g |
| Carbs | 38 g |
| Fat | 9 g |
| Fiber | 1.5 g |
| Sugar | 8 g |
| Sodium | 420 mg |
| Iron | 2.5 mg |
| Calcium | 45 mg |
| Potassium | 180 mg |
| Vitamin B1 (Thiamin) | 0.3 mg |
| Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) | 0.2 mg |
| Niacin (B3) | 4 mg |
| Phosphorus | 110 mg |
| Zinc | 1.5 mg |
Per 1 bun (100 g) · estimated, varies by recipe
💡 What's interesting
The bun's dough often uses a leavening agent like yeast or baking powder to achieve its signature pillowy texture, and the filling's glossy sheen comes from a cornstarch-thickened sauce. Nutritionally, it's a classic example of a balanced handheld meal in Cantonese cuisine, combining carbs, protein, and fat in one convenient package.
