Bánh bao — Vietnamese steamed buns — are the ultimate grab-and-go comfort food, and Seattle Little Saigon has some of the best outside of Vietnam. From the fluffy dough to the savory filling of seasoned pork, Chinese sausage, and hard-boiled egg, these steamed buns are a perfect breakfast or snack any time of day. Here are the top spots in Seattle for an unforgettable bánh bao experience.
Huong Binh top-pick
Daily 7AM-9PM
Huong Binh is widely considered as a cornerstone of Seattle Vietnamese dining scene. Their dumplings feature a generous, perfectly steamed exterior with a well-balanced filling of seasoned ground pork, Chinese sausage, and hard-boiled egg. The consistency is remarkable — whether you visit at 8 AM or 8 PM, the buns are always fresh and warm.
Tamarind Tree best-value
Mon-Thu 10AM-9PM, Fri-Sat 10AM-10PM, Sun 10AM-9PM
Tamarind Tree offers beautifully crafted dumplings with a slightly thinner, more delicate dough wrapper and premium-quality pork filling seasoned with five-spice and white pepper. Served on a bed of lettuce with pickled vegetables, it elevates the dumplings into an elegant appetizer in a stunning dining room.
Pho Ba hidden-gem
Daily 8AM-8PM
Pho Ba may be known for noodle soups, but their dumplings deserve equal attention. The noticeably fluffier dough comes from proper proofing and steaming technique, while the pork filling is generously seasoned with fish sauce and black pepper for deep umami.