How to Choose the Perfect Chinese Custard Bun for Homemade Dim Sum

Craving the sweet, pillowy goodness of a Chinese custard bun right in your own kitchen? Whether you're a sweet dim sum aficionado or simply curious to try something new, the frozen food aisle is packed with options to enjoy this classic at home. But with a maze of different names and fillings, it's not always easy to know which one to pick.

At Joybuy?, our mission is to guide you through this delicious world. This article reveals our top picks for the best frozen Asian desserts and provides practical tips to help you find the perfect product for an authentic Chinese breakfast or an impromptu snack.

How to Choose the Right Chinese Custard Bun

Before we dive into our top picks, here are a few key criteria to help you make an informed choice.

1. The Filling: A Matter of Taste (and Texture!)

The term "custard bun" actually covers two main types, each offering a unique experience:

• The Classic Nai Wong Bao: This is the most traditional version and a tea house staple. The filling is a firm, smooth custard made from egg and milk. Its melt-in-your-mouth texture and delicately sweet flavor make it a reliable choice, perfect for your first time trying a custard bao.
• The Surprising Liu Sha Bao: Also known as a molten lava bun, this version features a rich, liquid center. The filling is a mixture of salted egg yolk, butter, and sugar, creating a divine sweet-and-savory contrast. The center flows out with the first bite, which is how it gets its name, meaning "quicksand bun."

2. Ease of Preparation

The key advantage of a frozen Chinese steamed bun? Its effortless simplicity. Most products are designed to be steamed directly from the freezer, with no thawing required. Just ten minutes in a steamer or a steamer basket over a pot of boiling water is all it takes for a hot, fluffy bun that's ready to enjoy.

Our Recommended Custard Bun Picks

To help you find the perfect match, we've selected three products with very distinct profiles.

FRESHASIA Bakery Egg Custard Buns 360g

The Traditional Choice

This bun is a faithful interpretation of the traditional Nai Wong Bao. It focuses on the simplicity and authenticity of Cantonese flavors, with a light, fluffy white dough that encases a smooth and perfectly balanced custard filling.

Key Features

• Classic Filling: A smooth custard with a rich egg and milk flavor, sweetened to perfection.
• Fluffy Dough: The bun's texture is soft and light, characteristic of high-quality dim sum.
• Easy to Prepare: Ready in minutes by steaming, they let you recreate a restaurant-quality experience at home.

Who is it for?

Ideal for purists of Cantonese flavors and anyone new to sweet dim sum. It's a reliable choice that the whole family will enjoy.

GuanHua Flowing Sand Phoenix Bag 360g

For the Adventurous Eater

This product takes things in a different direction with its bold Liu Sha Bao-style filling. Its molten center, which blends the sweetness of butter with the umami flavor of salted egg yolk, delivers a more complex taste experience and an unforgettable texture.

Key Features

• Molten Center: The rich, liquid filling creates a spectacular "lava" effect that connoisseurs love.
• Sweet & Savory Balance: The salted egg yolk adds a depth of flavor that breaks the mold, contrasting beautifully with the sweetness of the bun.
• Airy Dough: The expertly fermented dough remains light to better showcase the rich filling.

Who is it for?

Perfect for foodies seeking a more intense and textural experience. If you love Liu Sha Bao at restaurants, you'll get that same great experience at home.

Sanquan Egg Yolk Bun 360g

The Perfect Balance

Sanquan's bun strikes the perfect balance between tradition and convenience. It offers a very smooth egg custard filling and an exceptionally fluffy dough, making it a highly accessible option for a quick Chinese breakfast or a last-minute dessert.

Key Features

• Ultra-Fluffy Texture: The dough is renowned for its unparalleled softness and lightness after steaming.
• Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: The sweet egg custard filling appeals to a wide audience, without the savory note of a Liu Sha Bao.
• Maximum Convenience: Designed for quick steaming, these buns are the perfect partner for on-the-go meals.

Who is it for?

Recommended for families and anyone looking for a simple, quick option for breakfast or dessert. It's a reliable product for a gentle introduction to the world of Chinese steamed buns.

Ready to Explore Other Flavors?

Our selection doesn't stop here. From meat and vegetable buns to other delicious varieties, we invite you to browse our full category to expand your culinary horizons.

Discover Our Full Range of 360g Buns

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you cook a frozen Chinese bun?

Steaming is undoubtedly the best method. Place the frozen buns in a steamer basket over a pot of simmering water. Cover and steam for 8 to 12 minutes, according to the package directions. The bun is ready when it's hot all the way through, fully puffed up, and irresistibly fluffy.

What's the difference between a Nai Wong Bao and a Liu Sha Bao?

It's all in the filling?! The Nai Wong Bao contains a firm, sweet custard. The Liu Sha Bao (or molten lava bun) has a liquid center made from salted egg yolk, butter, and sugar, for a result that is both sweet and savory.

Is a Chinese custard bun a good choice for breakfast?

Absolutely?! The Chinese steamed bun is a staple of Chinese breakfast and dim sum meals. Served warm, it's a delicious and comforting choice to start your day right. As with any treat, they are best enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.