Bao: meaning, definitions and examples
steamed_bun
bao
[ bao ]
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
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.
Etymology
The word 'bao' (包) comes from the Chinese language, where it literally means 'to wrap' or 'to hold'. This reflects the preparation method where filling is wrapped inside dough. The concept of bao has been present in Chinese culinary traditions for centuries, originally evolving from the necessity of creating portable meals for workers. The earliest records of buns date back to the 3rd century during the Three Kingdoms period, when they were known as 'mantou' (馒头), a simple steamed dough without filling. Over time, as trade and culinary practices spread, regional variations of bao emerged with different ingredients and preparation styles across China and beyond. Today, bao is enjoyed not only in China but also in various parts of the world, where it has been adapted into different cuisines and is often associated with dim sum eateries.