Bao: meaning, definitions and examples

 steamed_bun

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bao

[bao ]

Definition

^{Context #1 | Noun}

food item

Bao refers to a type of Chinese steamed bun that is typically filled with various ingredients such as meat, vegetables, or sweet fillings. It is a popular dish in Chinese cuisine and comes in many regional variations, often served as a snack or part of a meal.

Synonyms

bun, dumpling, steamed bun.

Examples of usage

I ordered pork bao from the restaurant.
The bao is fluffy and delicious.
She made homemade bao for her friends.
We're going to try dim sum with bao this weekend.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word 'bao' comes from Mandarin Chinese, where it means 'wrap' or 'to hold'.
In Cantonese, it is pronounced 'bao', which is also used to describe the same type of buns.
The term has been used for centuries, with references in Chinese literature dating back to the Ming Dynasty.

Culinary Traditions

Buns can be filled with various ingredients, ranging from meats to sweet pastes like red bean.
In Chinese culture, bao is often served during festivals and celebrations, symbolizing good fortune.
There are different types of bao, including steamed, fried, and baked versions, each with unique flavors and textures.

Cultural Impact

Bao has gained global popularity, leading to innovative variations like 'bao burgers' in modern cuisine.
Famous food festivals celebrate bao, attracting chefs from around the world to showcase their own recipes.
Street food vendors in many Asian countries serve bao as a popular snack, showing its accessibility and love among locals.

Health and Nutrition

Traditionally made from simple ingredients like flour, water, and yeast, making them suitable for many diets.
Buns can be filled with healthy ingredients such as vegetables and lean meats, providing balanced meals.
They are often steamed, which makes them a lower-fat choice compared to fried options.

Global Variations

Different countries have their versions of bao; for instance, 'nikuman' in Japan and 'mantou' in northern China.
In Indonesia, a similar dish called 'bakpao' is often consumed, typically with sweet or savory fillings.
Korean cuisine features 'jjinppang', which are steamed buns similar to bao, illustrating cultural exchanges in food.