National Bao Day, celebrated annually on August 22nd, is a day dedicated to one of the most beloved and iconic foods in Chinese cuisine—the bao. These soft, fluffy, steamed buns filled with a variety of savory or sweet fillings have been enjoyed for centuries in China and are now adored by food lovers around the world. Whether steamed, baked, or fried, bao buns offer a unique combination of textures and flavors that make them a favorite in street food markets, restaurants, and home kitchens. National Bao Day is the perfect opportunity to appreciate this versatile and delicious treat, explore its origins, and celebrate with your own bao-making adventures.
The Origins of Bao
Bao, also known as baozi or mantou, is a type of steamed bun that has its origins in China, dating back to the Three Kingdoms period (220–280 AD). According to Chinese legend, bao was created by Zhuge Liang, a military strategist and statesman, who invented the bun to provide a portable meal for his soldiers during a military campaign. The buns were originally filled with meat or vegetables and steamed, making them easy to transport and consume on the go.
Over time, bao evolved into different varieties, ranging from the classic savory bao stuffed with pork, beef, or chicken to sweet versions filled with red bean paste or custard. Bao buns became a staple in Chinese cuisine, often enjoyed as a snack, breakfast item, or part of a larger meal. Today, bao has spread beyond China’s borders and is enjoyed globally, with various regional variations and international interpretations of this beloved dish.
Types of Bao
Bao buns come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and flavors, making them a versatile treat for all tastes. Here are some of the most popular types of bao:
1. Steamed Baozi:
The most traditional type of bao is the steamed baozi, which is typically filled with a savory mixture of pork, beef, or chicken, along with vegetables and seasonings. The dough is soft, fluffy, and slightly sweet, providing the perfect contrast to the savory filling inside. These bao are often enjoyed for breakfast or as a snack in China and other East Asian countries.
2. Char Siu Bao (BBQ Pork Bao):
Char siu bao is one of the most popular types of bao and a favorite in dim sum restaurants worldwide. These bao are filled with char siu, or Cantonese-style BBQ pork, which is marinated in a flavorful sauce and then stuffed into the soft bao dough. The combination of sweet, savory pork and fluffy bao dough is a classic that never goes out of style.
3. Soup Dumplings (Xiao Long Bao):
Soup dumplings, or xiao long bao, are a variation of bao that feature a savory filling with hot, flavorful broth inside the bun. The dumplings are steamed and served in a bamboo basket, and when you bite into them, you’re greeted with a burst of broth along with the delicious meat filling. Xiao long bao is a famous dish in Shanghai and has become a favorite in Chinese cuisine around the world.
4. Sweet Bao:
In addition to savory bao, there are also sweet varieties that are filled with ingredients like red bean paste, custard, chocolate, or lotus seed paste. These bao offer a slightly sweet and indulgent treat, perfect for dessert or as a snack. Custard-filled bao, often referred to as “liu sha bao,” are particularly popular, with their creamy filling and golden exterior.
5. Pan-Fried Bao (Sheng Jian Bao):
Pan-fried bao, also known as sheng jian bao, are a popular variation of bao in Shanghai. These buns are fried on the bottom to create a crispy, golden crust while maintaining a soft and fluffy interior. The filling is often similar to that of xiao long bao, with pork and broth inside. The crispy bottom and juicy filling make these bao a unique and satisfying treat.
Why Bao is So Popular
Bao has become a global favorite for many reasons, from its unique combination of textures to its versatility in flavors. Here’s why bao is so beloved:
1. Unique Texture:
One of the standout features of bao is its soft, pillowy texture. The dough is steamed, which makes it fluffy and slightly chewy. This perfect combination of softness and density creates a satisfying bite that pairs beautifully with savory or sweet fillings. Whether you prefer a traditional savory bao or a sweet custard-filled version, the texture of the bao is what makes it so unique.
2. Versatility:
Bao is incredibly versatile, offering endless opportunities for creativity in terms of fillings. From pork and chicken to vegetables and even seafood, there’s a bao filling to suit every taste. Sweet bao filled with red bean paste, chocolate, or custard are also incredibly popular. This versatility means that bao can be enjoyed by people with different dietary preferences, making it perfect for any occasion.
3. Flavorful Fillings:
The fillings inside bao buns are often seasoned with a combination of herbs, spices, and sauces, making them bursting with flavor. Savory fillings like char siu pork or braised beef are rich and savory, while sweet fillings like lotus seed paste or custard offer a delicate sweetness. The contrast between the flavor-packed filling and the fluffy bao dough makes every bite irresistible.
4. Social and Fun:
Bao is a communal dish that is often shared with family and friends. Whether you’re making bao at home or enjoying them at a restaurant, bao encourages social dining. It’s the perfect food for gatherings, where everyone can try different fillings, share their favorites, and enjoy the experience of eating together.
5. Portable and Convenient:
Bao is a convenient food that is easy to carry and eat on the go. Whether you’re having it as a quick breakfast or snack, or taking it with you to a picnic or work, bao is a portable food that is satisfying and filling without being overly heavy.
How to Celebrate National Bao Day
National Bao Day is the perfect occasion to indulge in this delightful food. Here are some fun and delicious ways to celebrate:
1. Make Your Own Bao:
The best way to celebrate National Bao Day is by making bao at home! Whether you’re preparing savory pork bao, sweet custard bao, or experimenting with your own fillings, homemade bao is a fun and rewarding way to enjoy the dish. Making bao from scratch allows you to customize the flavors and fillings, and you can even get creative with different dipping sauces.
Recipe Idea: Char Siu Bao (BBQ Pork Bao)
Ingredients:
- 1 lb pork shoulder or pork belly
- 3 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp rice wine vinegar
- 1 tsp Chinese five-spice powder
- Bao dough (store-bought or homemade)
Instructions:
- Marinate the pork in hoisin sauce, soy sauce, honey, rice wine vinegar, and five-spice powder for 2 hours or overnight.
- Roast the marinated pork at 375°F (190°C) for 45 minutes or until cooked through.
- Shred the cooked pork into small pieces.
- Prepare the bao dough and fill each bao with the shredded char siu pork.
- Steam the bao for about 15 minutes until the dough is fluffy and cooked through.
2. Visit a Dim Sum Restaurant:
Celebrate National Bao Day by visiting a dim sum restaurant or a local bao shop. Many restaurants offer a variety of bao options, from savory to sweet. Enjoy a meal with family and friends while savoring the delicious bao offerings and exploring different types of fillings.
3. Share Bao with Friends and Family:
Bao is meant to be shared. Celebrate by inviting friends or family over and making bao together. Have fun experimenting with different fillings, and host a bao-making party where everyone can make their own creations. You can also try a bao-making kit for an easy, fun, and interactive experience.
4. Share Your Bao Moments on Social Media:
Join the global celebration by sharing your bao moments on social media. Post pictures of your homemade bao, the bao you’ve tried at restaurants, or even creative ways you’ve styled your bao. Use hashtags like #NationalBaoDay and #BaoLovers to connect with fellow food enthusiasts.
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National Bao Day is celebrated annually on AUGUST 22nd
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | August 22 | Tuesday |
| 2024 | August 22 | Thursday |
| 2025 | August 22 | Friday |
| 2026 | August 22 | Saturday |
| 2027 | August 22 | Sunday |
| 2028 | August 22 | Tuesday |
| 2029 | August 22 | Wednesday |
| 2030 | August 22 | Thursday |
| 2031 | August 22 | Friday |
| 2032 | August 22 | Sunday |
| 2033 | August 22 | Monday |
| 2034 | August 22 | Tuesday |
| 2035 | August 22 | Wednesday |
