Mei Lai Wah Bakery

14

66

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5 days ago

I feel like I'll never get sick of their pineapple pork buns!!! Every time I finish one, I'm ready to head back in for another. I've also had their other dim sum items and it's p decent. With their popularity, their ordering system is more efficient with kiosks and the orders come out quite fast. It's definitely a place you want to just grab your food and go because there's almost always a long line and the place gets really cramped. p.s. I haven't bought their merch yet, but I'm seriously debating it. Their tote bags and T-shirts look so cute! read more

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Megan L.

131

585

1494

9 days ago

Speedy kiosk ordering. Definitely worth the hype + Char siu pineapple bun! Different from sf in that sf has a softer sweeter crust and Mei had a crunchy more caramelized crust. Well loaded w char siu (7.8/10) read more

Mei Lai Wah Bakery - Pineapple Bun with Roast Pork / 菠蘿叉燒包 - Bakeries Near Me - New York, New York

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Raymond Q.

0

21

80

17 days ago

The baked crispy pork bun here is phenomenal. The exterior is perfectly crispy and golden, while the inside is soft and fluffy. The pork filling is tender, flavorful, and generously portioned. This is comfort food elevated. Every bite hits. Simple dish, executed flawlessly. Highly recommend. read more

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Kelly D.

4

42

85

7 days ago

Its hard to find spots in NYC that I would say this is a must try, but Mei Le Wah is definitely one of them. I find myself going everytime I visit NYC, and I'm never disappointed. Their pineapple pork bun is a game changer with their yummy bbq pork filling and pineapple topping. The buns are also usually fresh and hot from the oven as well, since they are constantly making them throughout the day. There is usually a line at their store, but I would recommend to bring cash since the cash line is usually faster and shorter. read more

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Christopher T.

51

1642

10730

8 days ago

WOW, we went here cause of the hype and cheap eat...soo worth it is all I can say. We came just 5-10mins early and there are about 4-5 people waiting for the opening. Once it's open, there are 2 line, cash or card - we go with cash since we want to try some. The place is clean & nicely organized. Staff are nice and very helpful. Got the pineapple with bbq & regular with bbq meat and sui mai. All for under $15...the sui mai is almost $7...but the buns are soo soo worth it. Nice, juicy, perfect seasoned and very abundant filling for sure. The bread is soft and chewy so perfect paired. The suimai is so so, but got to try since it early in the morning so. Highly recommended. read more

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Ashlee L.

3

295

565

1 month ago

We went around 1pm on a Sunday, and there was a long line out the door. However, since we were paying with cash, we were able to go to a much shorter line since they have a separate line for people paying with cash. So if you're coming, I highly recommend you to bring cash! We had to try the hyped up pineapple pork bun, and it definitely lived up to the hype. The outside was so crispy and flakey, and the pork was very juicy. There were some fatty pieces of pork tho. But I really liked how it was both sweet and savory. It was $3 but it was a bit small. Filling enough tho! One of the best I've had for sure. read more

Mei Lai Wah Bakery - Pineapple Bun with Roast Pork, Baked Roast Pork Bun - Bakeries Near Me - New York, New York

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Selena Y.

253

992

2870

2 months ago

This was my first time at the new location, and the experience is so much better! It used to be so chaotic trying to line up, squeeze, and place your order, but the new location on Mott street is cleaner, more organized, and more spacious. The bakery even has a small counter space near the front if you wanted to have a bite while in the store. If you had to get one thing here, it has to be their famous char siu pineapple bun. The bun is stuffed with juicy, braised, fatty char siu, and the subtle saltiness is nicely balanced with the sweet and crispy pineapple bun exterior. They also sell several other baked buns, dim sum items, drinks, and light dishes like rice rolls and congee. read more

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Belinda T.

159

371

1437

2 months ago

We stopped by Mei Lai Wah specifically to try their famous pineapple charsiu bun and grabbed some har gow and siu mai too cause why not. Ordering is straightforward with self serve kiosks plus separate cash and card lines, although there's a surcharge if you pay by card. Our order was small and everything came out super quickly, probably within a few minutes. My friends and I expected the pineapple bun to be sweet, but honestly it was even sweeter than we anticipated. The bread itself was soft, fluffy, and fresh, but it just wasn't really my thing. I wish there was more of actual meat filling inside. I'd probably come back for the dim sum since it's cheap, quick, and convenient if you're already in Chinatown. read more

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Brina T.

2

108

295

2 months ago

I remember when this place was at its old location and there would be a line stretching down the street. After finally trying it back then, I honestly wasn't impressed and didn't think it lived up to the hype. Fast forward to their "new" location, and we decided to give it another shot. We ordered one regular baked char siu bao and one bo lo char siu bao. The regular baked char siu bao was the clear winner for me. The filling was generous and meaty, and it had a unique smoky flavor that really set it apart from the typical BBQ pork buns you find elsewhere. It was flavorful without being overly sweet. The bo lo char siu bao was good too, but the sweetness of the pineapple bun topping was on another level. While I can see why people love the sweet-and-savory combination, I felt like the sweetness overpowered the smoky flavor of the char siu, which was the best part of the regular version. Overall, I'm glad we gave this place a second chance. The regular baked char siu bao definitely changed my opinion and is what I'd come back for. read more

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Andrew C.

346

844

608

2 months ago

You don't know goodness until you've had a mei lai wah baked pineapple bbq pork bun. Yes, that's a mouthful to say but it's a mouthful to chew too. When you first go in, you'll notice two lines. One to the right where you can order via kiosk and pay by cc or one to the left where you can pay in cash. Hot tip: It seems like the cash line gets their orders first, so if you're in a hurry or you see an extremely long line at the credit card machine, this may be your best bet. Their menu is pretty extensive and each bun is ~$3.25, but it's so worth it. The outside has just enough crisp while the inside bbq pork filling is not too sweet/salty. It's definitely a place you need to stop by and grab if you're in the Manhattan chinatown area. It's also very filling, so be prepared to be full or walk around after! read more

Mei Lai Wah Bakery - Baked bbq pork bun - Bakeries Near Me - New York, New York

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Denise A.

140

737

4109

2 months ago

We love to stop in here to get pork buns whenever we are anywhere near. I prefer the steamed buns, but also do like the baked. Sometimes we make a special trip to stock up. Always tasty, great prices, and lots of selection. Best around in my opinion. This new location is bigger than the previous one, but still short on space. Bring cash and go to the cash line for way quicker service! read more

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Dwayne O.

455

1326

21279

2 months ago

Mei Lai Wah Bakery Char Siu Baois their signature item, baked full of char siu a d good size. This is what Chinatown is all about. Pineapple Char Siu Bao is a different type of char siu bao, but it is nice to try, I prefer the classic Cantonese style which they specialize in. This is the real deal, Cantonese Char Siu Bao what I prefer over the Taiwanese Style. read more

Mei Lai Wah Bakery - Char Siu Baos - Bakeries Near Me - New York, New York

Mei Lai Wah Bakery - Pineapple Bao - Bakeries Near Me - New York, New York

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Megan C.

93

285

614

2 months ago

Was really excited to try this place but unfortunately their pineapple buns fell short for me. They didn't taste freshly made, the bread itself didn't have the texture I was expecting and was a bit stale. We tried the pork bun, bun with butter, and bun with custard. The only one that tasted really good was the one with custard. Definitely don't get the one with butter- the butter they use wasn't even salty so the contrast in flavors wasn't there. I do have higher standards since I bake pineapple buns at home and tried them in Taiwan but I was expecting something better read more

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Sandy L.

64

197

920

2 months ago

Got some pineapple Chao Siu Baka from Mei Lau Wah. So yum! Was great because it was part of the AAPI 5k I participated in so was a much needed fuel after the race. read more

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Tracey P.

37

527

595

22 days ago

Lives up to the hype! Best to eat it fresh and hot out of the oven so ate there and it did not disappoint. read more

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Ari L.

1

26

92

4 days ago

Definitely the BEST ROAST PORK BUN (CHAR SIU BOA) I have ever had and the most scrumptious hands down ! ! ! It was fully loaded all throughout the bun (boa). Walk right up to the counter for cash transactions. I did (speaking cantonese) and it was very fast. There was a short line for credit card kiosk orders at ~12:30 pm on a Friday. Take out only! Did I say it was ABSOLUTELY the BEST char siu boa ! ? read more

Mei Lai Wah Bakery - Char Siu Boa - Bakeries Near Me - New York, New York

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Zev L.

217

204

108

24 days ago

Yes, it's usually a very busy restaurant, but don't let the line scare you off. It moves surprisingly fast, and the wait is absolutely worth it. I always get the pineapple pork bun, and it's super delicious. I can't rave about this place enough. The pineapple pork bun is a must and the most flavorful pork bun you'll find in Chinatown, especially for such a dope price. It feels unique to the neighborhood, it's a spot I'm always happy to return to. read more

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Neel K.

10

55

103

3 months ago

The bun itself is a little dry and tough, I was expecting something more delicate and flaky and "melt in your mouth". The cha siu filling inside was still super good and I understand why this is a staple in Manhattan Chinatown, but I wouldn't say this knocked my socks off. In my humble opinion, Tim Ho Wan's specialty Cha Siu Bao's are much much better texturally and flavor-wise. read more

Mei Lai Wah Bakery - Cha Siu Bao - Bakeries Near Me - New York, New York

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Jeremy S.

155

274

356

3 months ago

So glad that our hotel was right around the corner from this famous spot. We went here for breakfast like 3 times! lol Their pineapple pork bun is really delicious and super worth it for around $3. Really well made and full of flavor. The pork is sweet and has a rich, fatty texture. The bun was crispy too! It can get pretty busy and though some reviewers say the cash only line moves faster, I found both to be about the same. I actually spent a long time in the cash only line because a person in front of me was getting a huge order of 12+ boxes. Overall the service is fast efficient. read more

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Nancy N.

152

64

100

1 month ago

We came here to try the iconic pineapple pork bun! It's pretty good but my partner definitely enjoyed it more than I did. I wish I was in NYC longer to try out everything else on their menu. Everything looked good and reasonably priced. read more

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Travis T.

4

433

1307

1 month ago

The pineapple roast pork bun is a must try since it's the right balance between savory and sweet, and it's not too sweet at all. While there's no seating and there was a quite bit of a line to order since it's super popular, the line moves pretty fast. read more

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Dennis G.

155

369

3490

3 months ago

I became a fan of Mei Lai Wah Bakery back in the late 1980s, and it's one of those rare places that still lives up to the memory. A true Chinatown institution since 1968, it recently moved to 41 Mott Street--but the soul of the place hasn't changed. They offer a full spread--congee, rice noodle rolls, dim sum--but let's be honest: you come here for the buns. That's what made them famous, and that's what keeps people lining up. My go-to is the baked roast pork bun. It's soft, pillowy, and packed with savory BBQ pork without the sugary topping. I usually take a box home, reheat them in the oven, and finish with a little sriracha and soy sauce--simple and perfect. If you're new, there are a few standout options worth trying. The Pineapple Roast Pork Bun (char siu bao) is their most iconic: a sweet, crackly "pineapple" crust (no actual pineapple) wrapped around tender, savory pork. The steamed version is more traditional--fluffy and classic. The Big Bun (tai bao) is a full meal in itself, stuffed with chicken, pork, and salted egg. And the egg yolk bun delivers that rich, molten center that people rave about. A quick tip: there are usually two lines. The cash-only counter tends to move faster, while credit card orders go through kiosks. I stick with cash and order the old-school way--it's quicker and feels more in tune with the place. Just don't expect to linger--this is strictly grab-and-go, with no indoor seating. But these buns are best enjoyed wherever you end up next. read more

Mei Lai Wah Bakery - Baked Roast Pork Bun - Bakeries Near Me - New York, New York

Mei Lai Wah Bakery - Long line on the weekends. - Bakeries Near Me - New York, New York

Mei Lai Wah Bakery - Inside - Bakeries Near Me - New York, New York

Mei Lai Wah Bakery - Outside - Bakeries Near Me - New York, New York

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Doug L.

14

612

2043

1 month ago

I came back to order some pineapple buns during my latest NYC trip but was quite disappointed with the buns. I placed my order at the kiosk so paid the credit card surcharge on my order. Within five minutes my order was finished and I picked up by the cash counter. The pineapple buns were not so great this time around. While the bun itself was soft, everything else was disappointing. The topping was quite sandy and not very sweet at all. The char siu inside was so fatty that it was not very appetizing. Not sure I'd come back again especially given how much I paid per bun for this disaster. read more

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Alex C.

21

164

1240

1 month ago

We were there just before 10 on a Saturday morning and there was already a long line. Many in lines were Social Media types and/ or visitors who took awhile to order. We were the among the few locals. We took the food home and it was still warm and very tasty. The shrimp roll was better than most dimsum places. The dai bao ( big bun) was so big that is more than a meal for one ( a bargain for $4.35). When we first started going there ( in their previous location) the big bun was $2 and the new version was at least 50% bigger. There were a lot of visitors enjoying the food on the street and even sitting on the curb in Chinatown. If some of you are reading this, go a block away to Columbus Park find a bench and enjoy your meal. read more

Mei Lai Wah Bakery - Half of a big bun with chicken, pork and egg and a portion of shrimp rice noodle roll - Bakeries Near Me - New York, New York

Mei Lai Wah Bakery - Exterior - Bakeries Near Me - New York, New York

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Candice F.

57

608

2696

1 month ago

TLDR: come for the pineapple topped bbq bun; skip the self-service kiosk that automatically adds tip. Came in right before closing, so only a handful of people waiting for orders and the service was brisk. Staff had already started shutting down a section for cleaning -- that was understandable, but disappointing because there was nowhere to stand and eat. - 5 stars for the pineapple baked bbq pork bun, cheap at $3.30 each. - 1 star for the inspired siu mai, expensive at $6.88. Perhaps it was dry from being at the end of the day, but the included soy sauce was doing a lot of the heavy lifting. - 3 stars for the big bun with chicken, pork and egg, $4.35. All of that, plus a $3 Ito En green tea came out to $26.88, which felt suspiciousy high. Why? It's because their kiosk automatically added $3.41 in tip. I'm sure there was some small checkbox that I needed to uncheck to avoid the automatic tip. I didn't notice until I looked at the mobile receipt on my phone. Definitely one of the worst aspects of automated kiosks. read more

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Jon T.

23

342

1935

3 months ago

I will say this for anyone that reads my review. BRING CASH. You will have a much better experience plus if you end up visiting other spots in Chinatown, Cash is king. There is a option to pay by card but you'll learn the hard way as many people end up waiting even longer for those who also did paid by card. That being said, I get that there's hype around this place. They are known for their Pineapple BBQ Pork Bun and honestly; after trying it out there is no mistake that this is the one place you have to try out at least once. Yes, there is a long line but I would say 10-15 minutes I was in and out for just paying with cash only. The Pinapple BBQ Pork Bun? I think it's savory more than sweet. It has a fluffy soft exterior to it but after taking a bite it's crunchy and if you even get a bit of the BBQ Pork, it compliments the sweetness of the bun. I could eat maybe 3-4 of these and be content with the whole day. There are no tables or bathrooms, but plenty of room outside to enjoy a nice Pineapple BBQ Pork Bun. Definitely worth the visit. read more

Mei Lai Wah Bakery - Menu - Bakeries Near Me - New York, New York

Mei Lai Wah Bakery - Front of Mei Lai Wah Bakery - Bakeries Near Me - New York, New York

Mei Lai Wah Bakery - Pineapple BBQ Pork Bun - Bakeries Near Me - New York, New York

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Nancy A.

481

875

14831

5 months ago

I came here a couple of times and it is my staple for breakfast, lunch, and dinner when I want to eat out or too lazy to cook. This place is very famous and well known in Chinatown for their dim sum items. I love how their breakfast items are really affordable. My favorite item off their menu is their chicken bun! It is under $5 for a very big chicken bun! It is $3.25 pre tax. The bun is so huge that one can conquer your hunger! I love it so much I always order this for breakfast. The chicken inside tastes so good with the crunchy wood ear mushrooms. I also love their congee a lot. I always order their congee with pork and preserved egg that costs $5.50. It comes in a large size container. It comes with bits of century egg that makes the whole congee taste good. It really brings extra flavor. The pineapple bun is really soft and doughy. The one with roast pork has juicy and sweet roast pork inside. It is kind of fatty for my liking. I prefer the chicken bun instead than the roast pork buns because of the sweet sauce in the roast pork. Their fresh shrimp rice noodle roll is really good and fresh with large shrimps inside the roll. The noodle skin is kind of thick though. It's really thick. Other than it tastes good with soy sauce and it's very fresh. It's also pretty big in size when I see it in the container. Their coffee is very cheap and affordable for people who don't have much. I always order their iced coffee in large size and it costs $2.60 for a standard size of coffee! You can customize it with or without sugar and milk. Very cheap for a coffee that tastes good! This place accepts cash if you don't want to pay a convenience fee. The only thing with the cash purchase is you have to order in person at the counter. There is a convenience fee if you use one of their 3 kiosks standing on the side of the counter. There is no bathroom or chairs to sit in this place. This place is very small and all the orders are to go. There is however a long strip counter that you can eat while standing by the entrance. All the items are bagged really well in this place. They make sure everything is ergonomical and easy to carry your items on your way home. They have tiny bags for your coffee so it does not spill while walking on the street. The ambience is casual and there is canto pop music playing in the background and radio with advertisements playing. Currently they are doing a promotion of some sort with Molly Tea of promoting each other. Mei Lai Wah currently has their Jasmine Milk Tea statue inside their store. Molly Tea has Mei Lai Wah's dim sum statue too in their store. It's so cool how they are promoting each other. read more

Mei Lai Wah Bakery - After ordering through self kiosk - Bakeries Near Me - New York, New York

Mei Lai Wah Bakery - Chicken bun in wrapping paper - Bakeries Near Me - New York, New York

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Rachelle C.

32

156

432

4 months ago

The hype is real- Mei Lai Wah had theee best pineapple bbq pork bun! Such a humble pastry, but made with so much heart! From Generation to generation, the recipe continues to win over the hearts of visitors and they do not need to change a single thing!!! The dough is golden brown, sweet, crispy and fluffy all at the same time. The bbq roasted pork is fresh, plump, so savory! Doesn't have that porky flavor or taste at all. They are hustling from early morning to night! The best time to visit is during the weekday AND don't forget to order ahead! At the bakery there are zero signs about food pick up/online orders- so do NOT waste your time in line and just go to the front at the time your order"should" be ready, bc they are too busy to let you know- and I'm honestly not mad about that! I just need them to open up a spot on the West Coast, California please! read more

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Colton R.

5

36

84

1 month ago

For the most part, Mei Lai Wah lives up to the height. We of course tried the Pork Bun (the regular one). I definitely recommend the cash line. We went afternoon on a Sunday and the credit line was out the door. It was less than 60 seconds from walking in and walking out with our food with cash. The staff is moving quick, so be ready to go when you go in. The bread part of the bun was top tier. Resembles a milk bread, or similar to the rolls you used to get at buffets in the 90s. Buttery and sweet. The filling needs some work. It was sweet but savory, pork was tender, but there was too much fat that was completely not rendered and was unpleasant to eat. But, it was $3 out the door and there's nowhere else you're getting that deal. So I would return just for that price alone. read more

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Emileen Y.

66

209

215

4 months ago

I've always wanted to come here and try their pineapple bun with roast pork! Luckily, the line wasn't too long when we arrived late afternoon on a Friday. The line was out the door but we only waited about 15 minutes total. When you get inside there are two lines for ordering: card/kiosk and cash/register. There are no inside seating or public restrooms available. We got a few of the pineapple buns with roast pork ($3.60/ea) as well as an order of shumai ($7.50 for 4 pcs). The shumai was just okay and I probably won't get them again but the pineapple buns were great. They were piping hot and the combination of soft bread, crunchy top, and sweet/savory pork filling was amazing. I would definitely come back just for those! read more

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Elle T.

0

70

114

2 months ago

the line to pay by cc / order by ipad is to the right, the line to then wait is to the left, & the line to pay cash (shortest) is in the middle. altho the other 2 lines were to the door, they moved fast i didn't realize pineapple buns don't actually have pineapple lol, they're just called that bc of the colored crust, like melonpan or conchas. it wasn't life-changing or anything but it was tasty, interesting to have the sweet contrast to the savory pork. & they were crowd-pleasing souvenirs to take home, still keeping well for a couple days read more

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Mona W.

192

59

170

4 months ago

Been seeing the pineapple bun all over social media and finally had the chance to try it. We grabbed it while waiting for dimsum nearby. I've seen people say the pineapple one is a little too sweet. Since I usually prefer savory, I went with the classic bun and was very happy with my choice. The bun was fluffy and soft and freshly made. The pork is a tender and just the right amount of sweet. The store isn't big with basic decor. It was super packed on the Saturday morning. It's not a sit down place but more of a grab and go. If you pay cash, you go directly to the cashier and they give your order right away if you just want a bun. We didn't know that and ordered on the kiosk. Ended up waiting 10 minutes for the bun, so I definitely recommend going up to order with the cashier if you just want to try the buns. read more

Mei Lai Wah Bakery - Classic pork bun - Bakeries Near Me - New York, New York

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Kirsten C.

4

53

142

4 months ago

I love buns so much. We tried the pineapple roast pork bun and the regular roast pork bun. The pineapple bun was very crumbly and sweet, and the meat was so yummy inside, the regular roast pork bun had a nice sweet glaze on top, and it was more bread not usually the white type of buns that we see for Chinese food, but I really love the regular roast pork bun. The pork inside was so yummy and well seasoned and I would get it every day if I could. Also, if you go try to use the kiosk because it's much faster than ordering face-to-face with the cashier. read more

Mei Lai Wah Bakery - 3. Famous Bun 餐包 - Bakeries Near Me - New York, New York

Mei Lai Wah Bakery - Yum - Bakeries Near Me - New York, New York

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Angelica L.

520

1238

4503

4 months ago

We were in the area and had to make a pit stop. The place was crowded but the line moved fast. Usually paying with cash is quicker but this time ordering on the kiosk was actually faster. I had my buns within 5 minutes. The Pineapple Bun with Roast Pork ($3) was better than I remembered from my last visit. Warm bun with a lightly crisped pineapple top, filled with juicy and flavorful roasted pork. Really hit the spot. The Big Bun with Chicken, Pork, and Egg ($3.95) is a huge white bun filled with chunks of chicken. It just wasn't very flavorful so it wasn't really for me. read more

Mei Lai Wah Bakery - Pineapple Roasted Pork Bun - Bakeries Near Me - New York, New York

Mei Lai Wah Bakery - Menu 03.30.2026 - Bakeries Near Me - New York, New York

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Ming L.

21

141

795

4 months ago

My girlfriend and I were visiting NYC Chinatown for a bit of a food tour, and we made sure to visit Mei Lai Wah since their pineapple pork bun is a must-try. While some places gain popularity through social media hype alone, this spot truly has the food to back it up. We waited about 10-15 minutes to get our order, and after our first bite of the pineapple pork bun, we immediately went back to buy an entire box. Overall Ratings Atmosphere - 5/5 Service - 4/5 Food - 5/5 Parking - Street Parking Atmosphere - The restaurant features eye-catching decorations both inside and out. The giant steamed bun statue outside is a fun and memorable touch. Service - One main issue is the ordering process. If you're visiting for the first time like we were, the long line outside can be misleading. We initially assumed it was the only line, but it turns out most people were waiting to use the self-service kiosks on the right for card payments. If you're paying with cash, you can walk straight inside to the left-side counter and order directly from the staff. What We Ordered - -Pork bun (Very good, especially if you prefer a more traditional style pork bun) -Pineapple pork bun (As mentioned, this is a must-try. It's absolutely delicious, especially when eaten fresh. The hot, flavorful filling makes it hard not to go back for more, which is exactly what we did.) Final Thoughts - I would definitely return. My girlfriend and I already agreed that the next time we visit NYC Chinatown, we'll be getting at least two boxes, which comes out to about 6-8 buns. read more

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Kevin A.

0

66

69

12 days ago

What more can i say that hasn't been said? Busy as can be. Pro tip. Get the pork buns fresh, which they will be. Better than the ones with the pineapple on it I say. Bring cash and cut the line! Beware of everyone on IG for the rizz cuz if you are there to eat they get in the way. Nuff' said. read more

Mei Lai Wah Bakery - Bring cash. Peep the menu beforehand. - Bakeries Near Me - New York, New York

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Maling S.

102

387

2399

2 months ago

If you haven't stood on the sidewalk in Chinatown burning your tongue on a fresh Mei Lai Wah pineapple bun, are you even doing NYC right? This legendary spot is an absolute must-visit. The line moves fast, the buns are served piping hot, and it's worth every single second of the wait. Pro Tips for Your Visit: Get the Roast Pork Pineapple Bun: It is the absolute gold standard. The contrast between the sweet, crunchy cookie-crust exterior and the savory, warm BBQ pork filling is a total core memory. Ate it so fast forgot to take a photo. Do Not Sleep on the Merch: Keep an eye out for their swag! I couldn't resist grabbing the cutest embroidered pineapple bun cap with "Mei Lai Wah" written at the back. At only $10, it's honestly the best (and cheapest) souvenir in Manhattan. Bottom line: Unpretentious, iconic, and delicious. I love they have a kiosk to order (card tap) as I was anticipating they were cash only. read more

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Shrenik P.

0

108

145

4 months ago

Mei La Wah is a very famous place that's known for their pork buns. I got the roast pork, and pineapple pork versions of these Starting with the baked roast pork bun, this was pretty great. The outside was so soft - it felt like pushing down on a pillow the way the top gave way and slowly rose back up. The pork inside was also just great - juicy, plentiful, and immensely satisfying. It's the kind of bun you can tell is hand made rather than mass produced. The pineapple bun might be my favorite though. It takes all the great flavors of the original and adds a super crunchy texture to the outside and a sweetness that makes it absolutely delicious. The crunch is just crazy good on this one. Combining the sweetness, fattiness, and juiciness of the dish all in each bite makes this a truly special experience. The price is pretty ridiculously low. At a total of $5.50 for both of these combined, they were pretty filling and each bun was decently sized. It's some of the cheapest meals that you can have. Overall, amazing food at an incredible price leaves me wishing a place like this was in every neighborhood. 9.25/10 read more

Mei Lai Wah Bakery - pork buns - Bakeries Near Me - New York, New York

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Amity H.

131

184

745

5 months ago

This is a MUST TRY when you come to New York!!! Hands down the best BBQ pork pineapple bun I've had in my life! I'm from the bay area so definitely had my fair share in BBQ pork bun and pineapple buns, but Mei Lah Wah combined the two and nailed the recipe. The bun was so soft yet had a crispy pineapple topping and inside was filled with bbq pork (cha shiu). I bought some back on the plane for my family to try and even after a day, after reheating the texture was still incredibly soft. I definitely recommend and will be coming back next time I'm in New York! read more

Mei Lai Wah Bakery - BBQ pork pineapple bun - Bakeries Near Me - New York, New York

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More info about Mei Lai Wah Bakery

41 Mott St
New York, NY 10013
Chinatown, Civic Center
Directions
(212) 966-7866
Call Now
Visit Website
https://meilaiwahnyc.com

Full menu

Hours

What time does Mei Lai Wah Bakery open?

Mei Lai Wah Bakery opens at 8:30 AM on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

What time does Mei Lai Wah Bakery close?

Mei Lai Wah Bakery closes at 7:30 PM on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Mon-Sun 8:30 AM - 7:30 PM

Payment methods

Does Mei Lai Wah Bakery take credit cards?

Yes, Mei Lai Wah Bakery takes credit cards.

Food & Alcohol

Does Mei Lai Wah Bakery have catering options?

No, Mei Lai Wah Bakery does not have catering options.

Does Mei Lai Wah Bakery serve alcohol?

No, Mei Lai Wah Bakery does not serve alcohol.

Indoor Amenities

Does Mei Lai Wah Bakery allow dogs?

Yes, Mei Lai Wah Bakery allows dogs.

Does Mei Lai Wah Bakery have TVs?

No, Mei Lai Wah Bakery does not have TVs.

Outdoor Amenities

Does Mei Lai Wah Bakery have bike parking?

Yes, Mei Lai Wah Bakery has bike parking.

Does Mei Lai Wah Bakery have parking?

Yes, Mei Lai Wah Bakery has parking options. Street Parking, Validated Parking

Other Amenities

Does Mei Lai Wah Bakery have free WiFi?

No, Mei Lai Wah Bakery does not have free WiFi.

More Info

Health Score

Mei Lai Wah Bakery Reviews in Other Languages

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Explore benefits

Dim Sum Palace

I spend a lot of time in this area and am often looking for good places for lunch. A friend…read moresuggested Dim Sum Palace and we had 5 or 6 dim sum dishes and the food, reminiscent of Hongkong many years ago, was absolutely delicious. Dim sum is a great way to eat just the amount of food you want, not overstuffing yourself at lunch so that you feel heavy and sleepy all afternoon.... and for me, having roast duck was a real plus, I love duck. The service was attentive and the prices good. I am absolutely going to go back soon.

I've been to several Dim Sum Palace locations throughout the city, and unfortunately this one has…read morebeen the most disappointing. I've visited a few times hoping for a better experience, but the food has been inconsistent. Several dishes have arrived either undercooked or overcooked. The service is fast and efficient, but if you're looking for the best food quality, I'd recommend visiting the W 56th Street location instead.

Some decor.

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Dec 2025 menu

Nan Xiang Soup Dumplings - Koreatown

First off: Best soup dumplings we've had since we had some in Shanghai. If you're considering…read moregoing, I hope this is the gentle push you need. We wandered over here after visiting the Empire State Building; it was only a five minute walk away! We went after watching the sunset, so around 8-ish, and were pleasantly surprised we didn't have to wait for a table. The atmosphere was bright and lively, but not too much to bring our seven-year-old. We ordered: PORK DUMPLINGS-- best thing we ordered. My. Goodness. The broth was perfectly seasoned and silky. Was always a little sad after the last bit of soup from each dumpling was slurped. ;) Meat inside was tender and flavorful and the wrapper wasn't too thin or thick. Just the right thickness to keep the soup inside until you were ready, but not so thick that it was too chewy or distracting from the contents. Also ordered, the SPICY BEEF DUMPLINGS as recommended by our server. They were yummy. Tasty soup and beef had a deeper flavor. Not too spicy. Next time, we will probably just order extra pork dumplings or try something new. We ordered the SCALLION PANCAKES. I prefer my scallion pancakes thinner. These were a lot like the thickness of a dense pita. Still enjoyed them-- still a nice texture that was both soft and crispy, perfectly greasy, and flavorful. CRISPY CHILI CHICKEN (or something like that) was good but nothing special. Had some heat but not too spicy. CUCUMBER SALAD-- was a nice cold addition to the meal. Loved the sesame oil, just wish there was more, as well as more flavor. We ended up pouring a little soy sauce on top and that helped. I thought it was nice to chase a bite of crispy chili chicken with a bite of cucumber. WHITE RICE-- we ordered three orders of rice that was perfectly prepared, but way too much for three adults. Not complaining, but each bowl would have probably been enough for two adults. Can't wait to return!

The Lucky Six Soup Dumplings at Nan Xiang in Koreatown are absolutely amazing! It's the perfect way…read moreto sample six different soup dumpling flavors, and every one was delicious. The wrappers were thin and delicate, the broth was rich and full of flavor, and you can really taste the quality of the all-natural ingredients. One thing that really stood out is that this is the only place I know that offers both the savory and the sweet version of Fantuan. If you've only had the traditional savory Fantuan, do yourself a favor and try the sweet one too--it's a unique treat that's hard to find. Whether you're a longtime fan of soup dumplings or trying Nan Xiang for the first time, this place is definitely worth a visit. I'll be back again soon!

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Dao DimSum

4.1

(84 reviews)

2.4 mi

I'd say the food earns them 4 stars on its own, and you can find more of a variety at the dim sum…read morehalls of Flushing, Chinatown, and Bensonhurst, but the food here is still quite food for midtown and worth a visit for. Dish highlights include the shrimp and chive dumplings, beef chow fun, and my personal favorite, the stuffed eggplant. Other items were a little bland, like the turnip cakes and har gow, and the pan fried shrimp noodles were awkwardly plated and made them difficult to eat. I also wish they had rice noodle rolls, which I didnt see on the menu. Really what pushed it to 5 stars to me was the service. We came as a huge group of 20, with a baby and stroller in tow, and they handled everything without so much as a grimace, just an outpouring of helpfulness. They sat half our group at a round table and the other half at a rectangular long table and also helped us navigate dietary restrictions, asking specifically who in the group had those restrictions. The menu is labeled too, so you know which items are vegetarian or gluten free. At one point our helpful server noticed we hadn't really touched that awkwardly plated noodle dish and offered to replace it with another. We didn't take him up on that as I'd find that wasteful but I thought that was so attentive and earned them a generous tip. The space is nice looking, and the food came out very quickly. We also didn't break the bank, even with plenty of drink orders. Dao's is an easy recommendation, especially when you factor in how seamlessly they handled our chaos.

I've been meaning to try this! Walked by, saw a lunch sign, so ordered shrimp and garlic sauce (has…read morebroccoli); +4 shiumai, lunch special $14 takeout, and was really excited about it! Shiumai exceptional! Other food, not so much. Will not return for lunch special, perhaps only dumplings, presumably. Even the WHITE RICE is crunchy/overcooked/completely a disaster! Truly remarkable. Soup terrible, didn't even resume after first few cornstarchy bites. Perhaps it's on me for not pretty in the correct things, but if the rest of the offerings are this awful, please just don't even offer them. So very disappointing. (I mean, how can you possibly be an ASIAN RESTAURANT and under/overcook WHITE RICE?!???!!! Don't you eat it? Obviously not!!!)

Shanghai Pork Soup Dumpling

Inside

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Everyone's favorite, the pan-fried pork dumpling!

Awesum Dimsum

Came by for breakfast the other day and it was a fantastic experience. Awesum Dimsum was open a few…read moreminutes before their scheduled opening time of 8 am during a week day. Ordered via the kiosk and my order was ready within 5-10 minutes. The pan fried chive dumplings were tasty as they were pan fried to perfection and skillfully put together. Flavor was excellent. There are plenty of seats available for dining on premise as well!

Appreciate the canto authenticity to this place. The items we ordered tasted fresh and a good rep…read morefor traditional dim sum with the rolling carts. The only thing is the ha gow wasn't the best when we came for dinner time since the skin was too soft/loose but that's the case for ha gow at night at most places I feel. Would come back again if in the area!

S11. Soup Dumpling

Inside of Awesum.

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CHILI

I thought this place would be more trendy than tasty but I was wrong! We ordered a ton of items and…read moreeverything was delicious. Portions are also massive, and we had tons of leftovers. Service was friendly throughout, though they did forget our drink order and we had to follow up. Ambiance is great, prices are reasonable given quality, and food is delicious.

Had a pretty good meal here with a group of co-workers. I tried the cucumber salad, mapo tofu,…read moreeggplant in garlic chili sauce, and scallion pancakes. I really liked the scallion pancake and eggplant. The pancake wasn't crispy/dry, but rather the exterior was crisp and the inside was still a little soft/fluffy. It's the first time I had a scallion pancake that wasn't just straight dough inside/outside, or so thin that it got crisped out. I really liked this texture profile though. The eggplant was 10/10; the eggplant was cooked well, so tender but not soggy. The sauce was really good too such that it was sufficient spice but not flaming. Would recommended. I enjoyed the cucumber salad and tofu as well, but have had better. Seasoning and prep were good though -- although the tofu was cooked so tender (or maybe was silken tofu to begin with) that the whole table was struggling with carrying it from plate to mouth -- heh. Food came out very quickly; staff were friendly, efficient, and helpful. Decent amount of seating with a cozy vibe. It was a good meal, not my favorite Szechuan spot, but definitely hit the spot.

Red style Chungking braised fish stew pairing with red wine

Shrimp dumplings

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Spicy truffle beef steak

Awesum Dimsum

I just wanted a place that wasn't too loud or too quiet to read my book at that wasn't a library…read more This was it. I've seen a few on their laptops getting to work. The dim sum is delicious and the service was quick. You simply just tell them your order or do it over a kiosk and it's done.

This was not a great meal for me. The place was very clean and I do love the format but the food…read morewasn't great. The short ribs had such a rubber texture and the marinade was a funky taste. The pork buns were a bit lackluster as well. I did enjoy the soup dumplings. I found this meal really disappointing. The service was fast though.

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Dimsum Garden

4.2

(197 reviews)

2.6 mi

Beautiful staff, delicious food and of course the ambiance is terrific …read more We had a large party and they accommodated us for every request. The food is absolutely wonderful.

The Good: Great tasting authentic dim sum. Also, chow fun and fried rice. Wait was not too bad…read moreduring lunch. The Bad: On a busy street, so you walk there during lunch fighting with everyone for space! The Ugly: Waiter needs to learn to have some etiquette. He dumped one of our dim sum items onto another container without asking or knowing that we had similar looking items with a different ingredient for a reason.

Steamed Pork Ribs (Pai Gu)

Seating area

Fried Shrimp Ball

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Hey Yuet

Sesame Chicken More beautiful than heaven…read moreVery yummy soup (Definitely worthy of a visit, good pricing and quality on the lunch specials)

Surprisingly to find good Chinese food in a spot of Manhattan I did not expect good Chinese food…read more Pei dan sau yuk jook was pretty good, eggplant clay pot, green beans, all equally good. Har gow were the one decidedly average dish, and even they they were certainly acceptable enough. Service was solid, interior is super cliche, but, well, it was pretty good all around. Not sure I'd rave like crazy about it, but definitely a solid spot for any locals.

Shrimp Dumplings / Har-Gau

Steamed Veggie Dumplings

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Steamed Char Siu Bao

Dim Sum Sam

A great place to grab some dinner before the show or after since they open until late. You order on…read morethe kiosk and then pick a seat in the back. You can pick any available space to sit. It's quite spacious back there. They will call your number to pick up the food. They have a screen in the back with the order number being called. They have a condiment station with chili oil, soy sauce, sriracha. The chopsticks, forks, spoons are in the drawers. You clean up after yourself when you finish eating since it's self-serve. I like their wonton and beef stew noodle soups. It comes with fresh green vegetables. Very tasty. They have rice rolls. I got the shrimp rice roll. That was very good. It came with fresh green vegetables also, a plus. They also have congee. It has small bits of meat in it, but it's still very good congee base and satisfies cravings. You have to ask for white pepper at the front register. I didn't see it at the condiment station. As a snack or part of the combo, they have egg tarts. That was just ok. I'm too full to also eat that with the meal anyways. For drinks, the HK milk tea, especially the hot one, is very good. I got it without sugar. Their soy milk and iced lemon tea is also very good. Congee or rice roll with a drink is great for breakfast or late meal since they open early 8am and close late midnight in the W40th theater area. Very solid place to grab some food.

Nice and clean inside with plenty of seating in the back…read more They have dim sum as well as your standard Chinese bbq items like roast duck, roast pork, and cha siu. I guess the prices are normal for NYC... meaning high vs most other places. Having grown up in LA around good dim sum and being lucky enough to try dim sum across Asia I'd say the food here is average.

Seatings

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Hutaoli Music Restaurant & Bar

This place is so cool! I wasn't expecting to find this awesome Chinese restaurant in the middle of…read moreKtown in NYC. I was browsing for places with scallion pancakes and I came across this restaurant. I saw they had a scallion pancake beef rook which I'd never seen before. It was fried and crispy on the inside with tender beef on the inside, that was slightly savory slightly sweet. I had the roll on its own, which made for a light meal, but it can also be enjoyed as a large snack. It was a little greasy, which can be expected, but not sure if I'd get it again. I did think it was innovative though. The most impressive thing about the restaurant was actually the space. I came to pick up my food and was surprised to see this beautiful place. The outside is unassuming and nothing special but inside has the aesthetic of an old Shanghai restaurant. It's ornate and slightly quirky. It's also really big, bigger than I expected. Even the bathrooms had traditional Chinese flare with the sliding doors. Definitely worth checking out,

I came here for a birthday dinner, which fits the vibe check. Upon entering, you're blasted with…read moremusic and live singing throughout the restaurant. It's also nicely decorated, which makes you feel like you're in China. It's definitely for a younger crowd with how loud this place gets. We had a huge party, so we ordered an array of dishes to share family style. Some of the most memorable dishes were the Mapo Tofu ($13.99), Hutaoli Roast Chicken ($43 for whole), Spicy Pot Potato ($19), Roasted Green Beans ($22), etc. All of the food is good, but definitely pricey. While the food also came out quickly, our drinks came out towards the end of our meal. It's a good spot for big parties as it never got too busy even on a Saturday night. They also have private rooms. The live music was fun, but also made it hard to have conversation.

Lobby

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Table light

Caffe Paradiso

4.4

(210 reviews)

0.5 mi

Best iced coffee I have ever had!! Line moves fast! I ordered the signature coffee with the sweet…read morefoam on top! So so good!

#50 in my NEW ENGLAND & NY COFFEE SHOP SERIES…read more This place went viral for a reason!! I am not lying when I say this is one of the BEST lattes I have ever had! Definitely the best latte I have had in NYC. I will forever be dreaming of the brown sugar oat milk latte. So rich and creamy with the perfect amount of sweetness.

It was busy, so after paying, you get a cute ticket--hand it to the barista for the viral latte!

Salted Brown Butter & Oat Latte

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Salted Brown Butter & Oat Latte

Ess-a-Bagel

Delicious bagels, long lines but worth the wait. Came here on the first day of my most recent trip…read more I ordered a Morning Classic (bacon, egg and cheese) on an everything bagel. Super fresh and so so good. Service was good and not confusing even though it looks a bit intimidating as you walk in since the place is so full.

I mean it doesn't get more classic than Ess a bagel, the place is iconic for sure and the ideal…read morespot for a New York bagel. I'm super biased and love my Jersey bagels over newyork but that's another story. Ess a bagel hits the mark on every level, they have the culture, atmosphere and the bagels are great. My bagel was slightly stale but hardly noticeable. I just maybe question the freshness bc they are pumping out a lot of bagels. Super packed and you'll wait in line. The cream cheese spreads are impressive.

Plain Bagel w Chocolate Chip Cream Cheese

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Signature favorite (lox, tomato, capers and lettuce) with less cream cheese) on pumpernickel

Hamburger America

If you're looking for a perfect, no-nonsense smash burger, this is the place. It's exactly what a…read moreburger should be. They don't rely on a laundry list of fancy toppings to hide behind; it's just the basics, executed flawlessly. I really appreciated that they keep it simple, giving you the choice of onion or no onion, letting the quality of the beef and the perfect sear speak for itself. Logistically, it's first-come, first-served seating where you're given a number. It wasn't too busy when I stopped by, so the process was seamless and quick. It's hard to imagine how they could make this any better without fundamentally changing what a smash burger is supposed to be. If you appreciate the classics done right, this is an absolute must-visit in NYC.

Went to Hamburger America on a weekend in the early afternoon. It's located at the corner of West…read moreHouston Street/Sixth Ave, between SoHo and the West Village. It was busy but not overcrowded, and we found a table outside. When you arrive, you order at the counter inside, receive a number, and then find a seat while your meal is prepared fresh. A server brings your food to your table once it is ready, it only took about 5-7 minutes for our food to arrive. I ordered the "All the Way" burger, their classic smash burger with mustard, diced onions, dill pickles, and cheese, along with fries and a gluten-free bun. The total came to about $17, including tax and tip. The burger was delicious. Smash burgers are my favorite, and this one was cooked perfectly with crispy edges while still moist. I also really appreciate that they offer a gluten-free bun. The burger and fries were a satisfying portion without feeling overly heavy. This is a casual spot, but it consistently delivers delicious food at a reasonable price. If you are looking for a classic smash burger in the neighborhood, I would recommend. I will certainly be back!

Lunch Counter and kitchen

Double George Motz's Fried Onion Burger.

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Fried Onion Double Cheeseburger

Crispy Heaven Bakery

Bookmarked this place for a while and so so glad I finally made it here! Ordered the Turkish eggs,…read morewhich came with a side of their bakery bread and butter. Was given 2 types - the baguette and one of the rustic loafs. Was also told I could request more bread if I wanted to. The eggs were poached perfectly, and paired so well with everything else on the plate. The bread tasted very good on its own, with butter, or to soak up all that yogurt, egg and spices on the plate. This ended up being a very substantive breakfast. I ended up taking 2 half loaves home with me after the meal!

Really good bread here! Scrambled eggs were nice and fluffy. My only criticism is the short amount…read moreof time we had at our table. We had made a reservation for 9.30 am and they asked us to leave at 10.05 am because they had another reservation waiting. Kind of weird to only give 30mins to sit down, look at the menu, order and eat your food. I had just finished my last bite and the plates were taken away and we were given the cheque. The waitress was friendly, just wish we weren't rushed out.

Scrambled eggs plate including butter and jam. Ate it all!

Beet salad

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Parla

10/10 Mafaldine Alla Vodka - This pasta is insanely delicious and so creamy. My mouth is watering…read morejust thinking about it. I absolutely love the pasta it comes with too. The shape is unique, which makes it even better. My only complaint is... why doesn't it come with any protein? Cost - $22.87

{Overall: 4; Food: 4} Ambiance: 4; Service: 4…read more Parla is a great Italian restaurant on the Upper West Side very close to the American Museum of Natural History. The menu is focused on Italian American comfort food, with an emphasis on pizza and pasta. *Mafaldine Alla Vodka: Really good. The pasta was cooked perfectly, with plenty of rich vodka sauce. The chili flakes added a nice little kick. *Angry Roni: A really satisfying pizza with lots of melty cheese and toppings. Service was very friendly and attentive throughout the meal. The ambiance is also nice. There is bar seating, communal tables, and a windowed area at the front of the restaurant that feels like a sunroom.

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Pura Vida Miami

4.3

(209 reviews)

2.1 mi

Amazing food and outstanding service! Everything we ordered was absolutely delicious--10/10. The…read moreservice was fast, friendly, and attentive. Special thanks to Pablo for being so kind and making our experience even better. I'll definitely be back!

Pablo was so attentive and food was amazing!! Thank you!! Salmon bowl was fantasic ans bites were…read morea treat!!

Handcrafted coffee with latte art and a hazelnut crunch acai bowl, served in a warm and welcoming all day café atmosphere.

Fresh and healthy table spread featuring vibrant salads, nutritious bowls and wraps, all-day breakfast favorites, superfood s...

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68 reviews that are not currently recommended

The reviews below are not factored into the business's overall star rating.

Mel F.

0

1

0

12 years ago

Believe it or not? I always come here just to buy their spring roll because it tastes sooo good. However, today my fiancé, my brother, and I decided to eat here for the first time. We were planning to eat some dim sum. My brother ended up ordering congee with chicken and the rest of us just ordered some spring rolls, fried rice, and egg yolk buns. We had to wait kinda long. Finally my brother's congee came and he was excited trying it. Nom..nom..nom.. surprise! He found a "ring" inside his congee and he was like, "What??" I pulled that ring out of his congee and it was a KEY!! A key inside his congee and the people behind my brother that were waiting to be seated saw it, too and I can tell from their faces that they were surprised as well. Good thing my fiancé speaks Cantonese and told one of the staff. She had no idea why the key was in there. She took away the bowl and explained to us that she didn't know why the key was there and asked us to cancel the congee and get something else, but we still HAD to pay for the new order she said. My fiancé was like okay. We tried to understand of course. At the end when we asked for the bill, the amount was so something that made me counted it again. It was supposed to be only $21.75 in total, but they put $6.50 under the total. I was like thinking to myself if that was the amount of tip plus tax. I counted it again and I found out that tip plus tax together was only $5.50. For real?! Imagine we had to pay that without counting it again. Though it was only $1 difference, still.. We can't come there and order something that cost $1 for free.. I guess if it's not for their spring roll, we won't come back there anymore. The staff weren't that nice either. They were kinda dishonest and reckless. read more

John C.

Elite 25

0

256

378

3 years ago

Without fail, every time I find myself in New York, I make it a point to visit the bustling neighborhood of Chinatown, which boasts an endless array of mouth-watering and delectable food options. The Chinese-style steamed buns are always a standout for me. The texture of the buns is unfailingly always perfectly soft and fluffy, and the fillings burst with flavor. I always try several different varieties, including pork, chicken, and vegetables, and each one is delicious in its own right. Of course, their famous pineapple buns were also a perfect balance of sweet and savory. One thing that stood out about Mei Lai Wah was their use of Snackpass to expedite the ordering process. A fellow Yale student created Snackpass, and to see Mei Lai Wah utilize such a concept is impressive for both Snackpass and Mei Lai Wah. I opted to use Snackpass during my visit, and I was pleasantly surprised by how quickly I received my order. While it was a bit more expensive to order through Snackpass than collect at the cashier front, the convenience of the app made it well worth it, and I was in and out of there within three minutes. read more

Andres V.

Elite 23

11

174

182

2 years ago

Mei Lai Wah is a hidden gem tucked away in the bustling streets of Chinatown. Stepping into this charming eatery, I was greeted by the enticing aroma of authentic flavors and warm hospitality. During my recent visit, I had the pleasure of indulging in their steamed roast pork bun and the pineapple roast pork bun, they were nothing short of extraordinary, tasteful and quick to order. The steamed roast pork bun was a savory delight, with tender, succulent pork encased in a fluffy, steamed bun. The pineapple roast pork bun was a delightful twist on a classic favorite. The sweetness of the pineapple on the outer bun complemented the savory roast pork beautifully, creating a flavor profile that was both unique and utterly delicious. What truly sets Mei Lai Wah apart is their commitment to being quick, and providing high quality food for really good prices allowing you to get multiple buns or other foods. Whether you're craving a comforting classic or looking to explore new culinary delights, Mei Lai Wah is a must-visit destination for authentic Chinese cuisine. read more

Abbi K.

8

26

42

3 years ago

In the rhythmic heartbeat of Chinatown, NYC, you might stumble upon Mei Lai Wah. Ah, how its neon lights and bustling front may beckon. But here's the rub - the vegetables surrender too easily under the fork, massacred by overcooking. The Ma Po Tofu? It's an audacious parody. A dish that promises minced pork but delivers awkward, amputated pieces of what seemed like yesterday's BBQ pork. The dollar-to-plate ratio might seem generous at first glance, but let's not kid ourselves - it's a siren's song luring the unwitting traveler into the depths of culinary despair. What's worse, an 18% service charge, slyly slipped onto the bill post-tax, a sneaky ruse, hoping you're too distracted or too polite to notice. And in a world yearning for sustainability, they serve their fare on disposable plastic, a blatant middle finger to our beautiful planet. I've seen a lot in my travels, but this place? It's a melancholy tune of indifference, a dirge for authenticity. A place that should reconsider its place in the tapestry of NYC's culinary scene. Shame. read more

Rain S.

129

96

0

2 years ago

If you find yourself in New York City, a visit to Mei Lai Wah Bakery is an absolute must, especially if you're a fan of authentic Chinese cuisine. One dish that stands out is their BBQ pork rice noodle roll. The texture of the rice noodle is silky smooth, perfectly steamed, and practically melts in your mouth. The savory BBQ pork filling is tender, flavorful, and seasoned to perfection, creating a harmony of flavors that will leave you craving more. To elevate your meal, I highly recommend pairing it with a cup of their traditional milk tea. The rich, creamy tea is expertly brewed, offering just the right balance of sweetness and a robust tea flavor, making it the perfect complement to the savory noodle roll. Whether you're stopping by for a quick bite or sitting down to enjoy a relaxed meal, the combination of these two items is simply delightful. Mei Lai Wah delivers a taste of comfort and tradition that you won't want to miss, and it's no wonder it's such a beloved spot among locals and visitors alike. read more

Yennhu N.

Elite 23

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488

534

3 years ago

Mei Lai Wah Bakery is a hidden gem in the hustle and bustle of the city, and despite the intimidating line, the experience was surprisingly smooth. The line may seem daunting, but don't be discouraged - it moves fast, especially if you're paying with cash, allowing you to skip the credit card kiosk queue. Once you've placed your order and paid, there's no need to wait for a text notification. Instead, you can head straight inside to claim your food. This streamlined process ensures that you get your hands on those delectable buns promptly. Speaking of buns, they are the real stars here. Freshness is key, and Mei Lai Wah delivers. The pineapple BBQ bun, in particular, stood out with its perfect balance of sweetness and savory flavors. Each bite was a delightful experience, making the wait in line well worth it. read more

Tiger M.

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144

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10 years ago

My favorite place to get buns for the office... always, always hits the spot. Highlights: The pork buns... the baked ones. The pork BBQ filling is always juicy, balanced nicely, with the perfect sized chunks of pork. They bake 'em golden brown and that adds to the palette experience. The egg yolk bun: you have to wait a bit to get them. They make 'em to order. They ooze perfectly with a bite and are sweet. The beef navel/stomach over noodles are yummy. The sauce just gets into the noodles and flavors them. The shumai is pretty good here as well. The sticky rice in lotus leaf is standard and never disappoints. Lowlights: It's a small space... sometimes you have to wait a tad to grab a small table/booth. Overall: If you are dropping in to get a box of buns... you are in and out fast! A+ for them! read more

Jessica L.

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2 years ago

Mei Lai Wah is a must-visit bakery that lives up to its reputation. Their pork buns are simply outstanding - flaky, fresh, hot, and soft. They're easily some of the best I've had, even compared to those in San Francisco or Los Angeles. The pineapple bun with BBQ is a standout item that you absolutely have to try if you're in the area. Despite the line, the ordering process is efficient with two self-service screens. We waited about 20 minutes from ordering to receiving our food, which wasn't bad considering how busy they were. The only disappointment was that they were already out of the pineapple bun with custard by 2 PM, so you might want to come earlier for a full selection. The ambiance is typical of a busy Chinatown bakery - nothing fancy, but the delicious treats more than make up for it. read more

Juan P.

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2 years ago

I surprised my fiancé with a food tour through Chinatown and Little Italy, and one of our stops was Mei Lai Wah. Let me just say, this place stole the show. We tried the Pineapple Pork Bun, and wow, I've had my fair share of pork buns, but nothing compares to how good these were. In fact, Mei Lai Wah was my favorite spot on the entire tour. We loved it so much that after the tour ended, we came back for more. This time, we got additional Pineapple Pork Buns, a Baked Roast Pork Bun, and a Steamed Pork Bun. All three were delicious, but the Pineapple Pork Bun was the clear standout. The prices are incredibly affordable, especially considering the generous size of the buns. Mei Lai Wah is an absolute gem, and we'll definitely be returning on our next visit. Highly recommend! read more

Charles G.

70

34

0

1 year ago

I happened to come across Mei Lai Wah during my stroll through Chinatown, and I was absolutely amazed by their incredible selection of authentic Chinese pastries. The moment I stepped in, the aroma of freshly baked goods hit me, and I knew I was in for a treat. I decided to try their Coconut Buns, and they were simply outstanding -- light, fluffy, and bursting with rich, coconut flavor. The texture was perfect, with just the right amount of sweetness that made every bite a delight. It's clear they put genuine effort into crafting these pastries to perfection. My experience at Mei Lai Wah was truly memorable, and I can't recommend this place enough to anyone visiting the city. It's a gem you absolutely have to try if you appreciate quality pastries with authentic flavors. read more

Vaibhav M.

45

304

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2 years ago

Meinlai Wah may be a hidden gem in Chinatown, but I didn't quite understand all the hype. Despite waiting in line for a total of 30 minutes, the experience felt rushed in the bustling, unassuming atmosphere. Ordering was a straightforward process using machines, with little interaction with the hardworking staff. However, the food, particularly the pork and chicken buns, delivered a satisfying sweet and salty combination. Sadly, we were too full from our meal to try the sesame balls, which looked enticing. While the staff remained friendly amidst the chaos, their busy schedule left little room for interaction. Overall, Meinlai Wah is worth a visit for its tasty offerings, but be prepared for the fast-paced environment and long wait times. read more

Jiamei L.