Where is the best buns in Boston?

Based on diner recommendations, the best buns in Boston is at Shōjō (93% recommended). We compared 7 restaurants serving buns.

How much does buns cost in Boston?

Buns prices in Boston range from $3.49 to $14.00 across 7 restaurants.

All Dish Comparisons in Boston

Best Buns in Boston

7 restaurants compared

Price range: $3.49 – $14.00

Avg recommendation: 86%

Top 5 Buns in Boston (Quick Answer)

Based on diner recommendations across 7 restaurants:

Shōjō — 93% recommended, $14.00 (Chinatown)
Hei La Moon — 87% recommended, $3.50 (Chinatown)
China Pearl — 86% recommended, $3.75 (Chinatown)
Empire Garden Restaurant — 86% recommended, $3.50 (Chinatown)
Nan Xiang Express — 83% recommended, $8.95 (Chinatown)

Scroll down for detailed comparisons, prices, and diner tips for each restaurant.

All 7 Restaurants Compared

#193% recommend

Shōjō

Chinatown·$$

Shojonator Bao

$14.00

Steamed bun with wagyu beef, spicy mayo, and pickled vegetables.

Tip: This dish won Boston Magazine's Best Burger award - order it as an introduction to Shojo's style.

#287% recommend

Hei La Moon

Chinatown·$

Char Siu Bao (BBQ Pork Bun)

$3.50

Steamed bun with sweet and savory Cantonese BBQ pork filling.

Tip: These are filling - one bun per person is usually enough unless you're ordering multiple dim sum dishes.

#386% recommend

China Pearl

Chinatown·$$

Char Siu Bao (BBQ Pork Bun)

$3.75

Pillowy steamed bun with Cantonese char siu (roasted pork) filling.

Tip: One bun per person is usually enough - they're filling and pair with lighter items like har gow.

#486% recommend

Empire Garden Restaurant

Chinatown·$$

Char Siu Bao (BBQ Pork Bun)

$3.50

Steamed bun with Cantonese-style BBQ pork filling.

Tip: One bun per person is usually sufficient - they're filling and pair well with lighter dim sum.

#583% recommend

Nan Xiang Express

Chinatown·$

Pan Fried Pork Bun (Sheng Jian Bao)

$8.95

Crispy-bottom bun with pork and broth filling, pan-fried until golden.

Tip: The crispy bottom is key - order these and eat immediately while the contrast between textures is still apparent.

#683% recommend

China Pearl

Chinatown·$$

Egg Custard Bun (Char Siu Bao with Egg)

$3.50

Steamed bun with custard filling instead of pork - sweet and silky.

Tip: Order this toward the end of dim sum service as a sweet finish - it's not heavy like some desserts.

#782% recommend

Winsor Dim Sum Café

Chinatown·$

Char Siu Bao (BBQ Pork Bun)

$3.49

Steamed bun with sweet and savory Cantonese roasted pork filling.

Tip: One bun per person is usually enough - they're filling and pair well with lighter items.