Gua Bao
Gua Bao is a beloved Taiwanese street food, often called a 'pork belly bun' or 'lotus leaf bun.' It features a soft, steamed, semi-circular bun folded around a thick slice of tender, braised pork belly, typically garnished with pickled mustard greens, crushed peanuts, cilantro, and a savory sauce.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
This is a rich, balanced bite that provides a good mix of carbohydrates from the bun, protein and fat from the pork belly, and some vitamins from the fresh herbs and pickles. A single serving generally falls in the range of 300-450 calories, depending on the size and specific recipe.
Nutrition breakdown
| Calories | 400 kcal |
| Protein | 20 g |
| Carbs | 35 g |
| Fat | 20 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 5 g |
| Sodium | 700 mg |
| Iron | 2.5 mg |
| Potassium | 300 mg |
| Vitamin B1 (Thiamin) | 0.3 mg |
| Vitamin B6 | 0.4 mg |
| Niacin (B3) | 5 mg |
| Phosphorus | 180 mg |
| Zinc | 3 mg |
| Selenium | 15 mcg |
Per 1 bun (approx. 150 g) · estimated, varies by recipe
💡 What's interesting
The name 'Gua Bao' literally means 'cut bun,' referring to how the steamed bun is sliced open. It's a quintessential example of Taiwanese 'xiaochi' (small eats) culture, where complex, layered flavors and textures are packed into a convenient, handheld format.
🍽️ Related dishes
AI estimate may be inaccurate · Terms