Every week, I document another dish that impressed and satiated me during my food adventures around New York City
There’s something pretty magical about Chinatown (and most of the city) in the morning before the tourists have fully engaged and most of the city is still waking up.
Later in the day, there is a long line to get some of the baked buns and rice noodle rolls at Mei Lai Wah Bakery. But before 11am, there is a more modest group of locals with their newspapers and morning coffee.
I stopped by before a tour and quickly grabbed three of their speciality buns and experienced a little bit of that local energy.
This place is an institution and has been serving New Yorkers since the 1960’s. It’s recently gained a bit more broad fame on Instagram. I was here years ago and kind of forgot about them until someone on my tour mentioned them and I figured it was time to return.
And I daresay (just like everyone else), that these are probably the best baked pork buns in Chinatown.
For $2 (the prices have inched up over the years), you get a warm freshly baked bun browned with a hint of sweetness.
And inside the fluffy dough are savory chunks of roasted fatty pork slicked with brown sweet sauce (perhaps hoisin?).
I also really loved their sweet Pineapple bun which is stuffed with pineapple custard and dusted with a good amount of sugar. Less impressive (but very interesting) was the Pineapple Bun with Pork which is reminiscent of al pastor but the stewed pineapple’s texture was a bit strange for me.
Regardless of which you pick, these are hearty affordable breakfasts to say the least. And free of charge, is that magical early morning Chinatown experience. Don’t miss it. Price: $2
| MEI LAI WAH |
| 64 Bayard Street (between Mott and Elizabeth Street), Chinatown (212) 966-7866 |
