Best Affordable Bao Buns in New York City | Top 4 Affordable Spots

17 restaurants in Best Affordable Bao Buns in New York City | Top 4 Affordable Spots

• The Horny Ram — thought The Horny Ram is · rated 5/5: This vibrant social hub buzzes with a spirited energy, where the air is thick with the savory scent of sizzling smashed burgers and spice-rubbed wings. The kitchen transforms familiar comforts into artful, shareable feasts, from the satisfying crunch of cornflake-crusted chicken to the melt-in-your-mouth richness of pork belly bao buns and zesty ahi tuna sliders. Every plate is a celebration of bold textures and global inspirations, creating a lively atmosphere where every bite feels like an indulgent discovery.
• Long Island Dumplings — Chinese · rated 5/5: Steaming bamboo baskets arrive at the table filled with translucent crystal shrimp and vibrant, jewel-toned dumplings like the earthy Beets by Jay and the verdant Green Jade. The air hums with energy as diners tear into pillowy steamed buns and shatter the golden, crispy shells of savory spring rolls, creating a modern sanctuary where traditional dim sum is reimagined with a playful, contemporary flair.
• BaoDega — Chinese · rated 4.6/5: Stepping into BaoDega feels like entering a vibrant urban sanctuary where the rhythmic clatter of woks and the sweet, yeasty aroma of steaming dough create an immediate sense of warmth. Hand-pleated bao arrive in delicate clouds of vapor, revealing succulent fillings that burst with ginger and soy, while bowls of silken noodles swim in deeply savory, long-simmered broths. This lively corner brings together the soulful comfort of traditional Chinese street food with a sleek, contemporary energy, making every meal feel like a spirited celebration of flavor.
• Kung Fu Little Steamed Buns — Chinese · rated 4.4/5: The rhythmic thwack of hand-pulled noodles provides a lively soundtrack to this bustling sanctuary, where clouds of fragrant steam billow from stacked bamboo baskets. Each delicate soup dumpling is a masterclass in precision, offering a sudden, savory burst of rich broth encased in translucent, hand-pleated dough. It’s a sensory journey into the heart of Chinese soul food, where the warmth of the kitchen and the bold, ginger-laced aromas create an unforgettable urban escape.
• Mr. Bao — Chinese · rated 4.1/5: Clouds of fragrant steam rise from stacked bamboo baskets at Mr. Bao, where the air hums with the vibrant energy of a modern street-side eatery. Guests are treated to pillowy, hand-folded buns that cradle a symphony of bold spices and tender, slow-cooked fillings, creating a sensory journey that celebrates the soulful warmth of authentic Chinese comfort food.
• Orale Mexican Kitchen — Mexican · rated 4/5: This high-energy destination pulses with a vibrant spirit, blending the bold, smoky essence of traditional Mexican street food with an edgy, modern flair. Sizzling pans of queso flameado and zesty bowls of citrus-bright ceviche lead the way for an eclectic menu where delicate truffle tuna tostadas and rich pork belly bao buns redefine the boundaries of fusion cuisine. It is a place where every plate is a colorful explosion of texture and taste, inviting diners into a lively atmosphere where culinary innovation meets soulful heritage.
• Tampopo Ramen — Japanese · rated 4/5: This lively destination captures the soulful essence of Japanese comfort food, where the air hums with the savory aroma of garlic sesame and the inviting sizzle of pan-fried gyoza. Diners delight in a vibrant spread of textures, from the crunch of golden karaage and purple sweet potato tempura to the soft embrace of pillowy steamed bao buns and savory okonomiyaki pancakes.
• Martha's — American · rated 4/5: Martha’s serves as a spirited culinary crossroads where global inspirations collide, offering a vibrant atmosphere that hums with the energy of shared discovery. The kitchen artfully balances textures and temperatures, pairing the smoky char of Spanish octopus a la plancha with the pillowy softness of short rib bao buns and the golden, aromatic indulgence of truffle parmesan fries. It is a place where the velvety comfort of seasonal squash soup meets the bright zest of Baja shrimp tacos, creating a soulful dining experience that feels both adventurous and intimately familiar.
• Midnight's Bar — American · rated 4/5: Bathed in a moody, late-night glow, this intimate haunt invites guests to lose themselves in the comforting steam of artisanal ramen and the vibrant energy of Japanese street food. The kitchen crafts a sensory journey through savory tonkotsu broths and pillowy bao, where the sizzle of golden gyoza and charred shishito peppers provides a rhythmic backdrop to an evening of shared plates and soulful flavors.
• Madison Bar & Grill — American · rated 4/5: This vibrant neighborhood destination pulses with energy, blending the comfort of a classic grill with a playful, globally-inspired menu designed for spirited sharing. The kitchen reimagines comfort food through a modern lens, where delicate French onion soup dumplings and tuna tartare over crispy rice meet the spicy crunch of bang bang shrimp and pillowy bao buns. It is a place where eclectic flavors and a lively atmosphere converge, inviting guests to linger over creative small plates and effortless conversation.
• Ellington in the park — American · rated 4/5: Perched within the lush greenery of Riverside Park, this vibrant open-air destination offers a breezy escape where the golden glow of the sunset meets the sparkling Hudson River. The kitchen serves up a playful array of global-inspired snacks, from zesty street corn and charred sweet chili sprouts to savory beef teriyaki bao, all designed for effortless sharing under the trees. This spirited neighborhood haunt captures the essence of a New York summer, blending casual park-side lounging with a menu of bold, eclectic flavors.
• Nom Nam — Vietnamese · rated 3/5: Nom Nam invites diners into a vibrant space where the fragrant steam of slow-simmered pho mingles with the irresistible aroma of crispy, caramelized Saigon wings. The experience balances the refreshing crunch of herb-packed summer rolls with the pillowy softness of bao buns stuffed with savory pork belly, offering a playful yet soulful journey through Vietnamese street food. It is a lively destination where traditional broths and modern textures collide, creating a sensory escape defined by bright flavors and comforting warmth.
• Mr. Bao — Chinese · rated 3/5: Steaming bamboo baskets release fragrant clouds of ginger and soy in this vibrant space, where the delicate art of the handmade dumpling is celebrated with every intricate fold of dough. Guests can indulge in the savory burst of traditional soup dumplings and pillowy beef bao buns or craft their own colorful rice bowls paired with springy, house-made noodles. The experience captures the soul of artisanal comfort, rounding out the meal with the satisfying crunch of golden pan-fried jiaozi and the gentle sweetness of red bean paste balls.
• Hudson & Co. — American · rated 3/5: This stylish destination pulses with a modern energy, inviting guests to linger over a sophisticated tapestry of global flavors and artfully plated small bites. The kitchen masterfully balances texture and heat, serving up everything from tender charred octopus and pillowy shrimp bao buns to the rich, savory crunch of oxtail croquettes. It is a vibrant social sanctuary where the hum of conversation meets a menu designed for discovery, making every visit feel like a curated culinary celebration.
• The Tang — Chinese: Steam curls from stacked bamboo baskets in this lively haven, where the delicate art of the dumpling is celebrated through silken skins and soul-warming broths. Bold Sichuan heat ignites the palate with plates of chilled, chili-slicked beef and tender chicken, offering a fiery counterpoint to the pillowy sweetness of honey-glazed cha siu bao. Each bite captures a balance of tradition and modern energy, inviting guests to linger over a vibrant parade of small plates that range from earthy mushroom parcels to the golden crunch of typhoon-style shrimp.
• Ladybird — American: Ladybird invites diners into a chic, high-energy sanctuary where traditional Asian street food undergoes a whimsical transformation into artful, shareable plates. The air hums with conversation as guests tuck into pillowy bao buns and golden kimchi arancini, while vibrant dishes like charred corn ribs and savory tonkatsu sandwiches offer a masterclass in bold textures and inventive, global flavors.
• Roc N Ramen — Japanese: Steaming baskets and the savory aroma of pan-seared gyoza fill this vibrant eatery, where the energy of a modern noodle house meets the soulful comfort of Japanese street food. Guests tuck into pillowy, hand-folded gua bao overflowing with tender oxtail or crispy shrimp, alongside golden-fried karaage that offers a satisfying crunch with every savory bite. It is a lively destination where bold flavors and communal dining create a spirited atmosphere perfect for sharing small plates and savoring the art of the steam.