Where to find the best baos in Edinburgh

Mirin is a Japanese restaurant located in Edinburgh, offering a modern take on traditional Japanese cuisine. Known for its fresh sushi, sashimi, and small plates, Mirin is all about staying true to authentic flavours while using contemporary culinary techniques.

On the menu, you’ll find their Smash Bao – a double smash beef patty, American cheese, streaky bacon, gherkin, onion, and burger sauce, all layered on a perfectly fluffy steamed bao. Unreal!

Formerly known as Bundits of Leith, this hip eatery has moved its operations to Leith Street now, at Edinburgh Street Food in the heart of the New Town. It’s one of ten vendors selling their edible wares at the hottest new haunt for foodies. Order the house Bundit bun, with umami flavours ofpork, prawn, shiitake mushrooms and… gravy. It’s bao, but not as you know it (but you will love it). There’s a revolving door of specials, as well as the regulars; we’ve spotted varieties including Szechuan lamb and black garlic mayo with pickled sesame cabbage, and pork chashu croquette with hoisin mayo, gochugaru cucumber and black garlic glaze.

Formerly known as Bundits of Leith, this hip eatery has moved its operations to Leith Street now, at Edinburgh Street Food in the heart of the New Town. It’s one of ten vendors selling their edible wares at the hottest new haunt for foodies. Order the house Bundit bun, with umami flavours ofpork, prawn, shiitake mushrooms and… gravy. It’s bao, but not as you know it (but you will love it). There’s a revolving door of specials, as well as the regulars; we’ve spotted varieties including Szechuan lamb and black garlic mayo with pickled sesame cabbage, and pork chashu croquette with hoisin mayo, gochugaru cucumber and black garlic glaze.

One of the newer places to get bao in the city, this venue serves the Chinese variety. Each is handmade from scratch using high grade flour and free range eggs, before being steamed in traditional-style bamboo steamers, for the authentic taste, minus the MSG and heavy oil. Buns can also be fried according to your preference. You can order these healthy treats right through the day; whether for breakfast with your morning cuppa, or for a hearty lunch alongside some freshly roasted artisan coffee and perhaps a bowl of soup. Try a rose red bean bun, a coconut pumpkin bun, or for a real indulgence, get the mini golden buns with condensed milk. In addition to the main shop in Newington, there’s a Sister Bao Express in Portobello.

The sushi and noodle joint that’s been slowly spreading its way across Edinburgh, includes bao buns in its selection. Choose from prawn, savoury pumpkin, juicy pork and a vegan option made from both savoury and sweet plant-based ingredients. All come with fresh veggies and a slathering of sauce. Order one as a side to your main, as a lunch, or a snack to keep you going. Maki and Ramen is owned by chef patron Teddy Lee and now has a whopping five branches in Edinburgh, two in Glasgow and another in Manchester. Visit the original in West Richmond Street, the one on Nicolson Street, the Fountainbridge venue, the Leith eatery, or Maki and Ramen at the St James Centre.