A guide to saying it correctly
How to Pronounce Bao Bun
A soft, steamed bun, often filled with savory or sweet ingredients, popular in Chinese cuisine.
bao bun
BAH-ow
/ˈbɑːʊ/ · BAH · ow
Native US English · Kokoro neural TTS · 0:01
They are also frequently mentioned in food blogs and articles discussing popular global dishes.
Where the word comes from
The word 'bao' comes from Mandarin Chinese, where it refers to a type of steamed bun. It is related to the word for 'bag' or 'wrap'.
Common ways people get it wrong
- BOW The 'bao' sound is like 'bow' in 'bow and arrow', not 'bow' as in 'bow down'.
- BAH-oh The 'ow' sound is a diphthong, blending together smoothly, not two distinct vowel sounds.
Frequently asked
What does bao bun mean?
A bao bun is a type of soft, fluffy, steamed bun originating from Chinese cuisine. They are typically filled with various savory or sweet ingredients.
Is it pronounced 'bow' or 'bao'?
The pronunciation is closer to 'BAH-ow'. The 'bao' sound is like the 'bow' in 'bow and arrow', not the 'bow' in 'bow down'.
What are common bao bun fillings?
Popular fillings include braised pork belly (char siu bao), steamed egg custard, or even vegetarian options like mushrooms and tofu.
