Costco’s Laoban Chinese Style BBQ Pork Bao Buns offer a surprisingly authentic taste of Hong Kong’s beloved char siu bao, a steamed or baked bun filled with savory-sweet Chinese barbecue pork. For those familiar with the dim sum experience, these frozen buns deliver a quality that often surpasses what’s found in many restaurants.
The Pursuit of Authentic Flavor
Many commercial char siu bao fall short of the real deal, using inferior flour blends that create dense textures or relying on artificial coloring and overly processed sauces. The result is a disappointing imitation of the soft, fluffy buns and complex, balanced flavors that define the Cantonese classic.
Laoban’s Frozen Advantage
Laoban buns stand out by using Berkshire pork—a heritage breed known for its marbling and tenderness—combined with a traditional Chinese BBQ sauce featuring five spice, hoisin, soy sauce, and molasses. The flavor profile is satisfyingly savory with just the right touch of sweetness, avoiding the cloying sugariness common in lesser versions.
Versatile and Convenient
These buns come frozen in packs of a dozen, individually wrapped for easy portioning. They can be heated in the microwave (one minute), steamed (ten minutes), or air-fried (four minutes at 400°F). The convenience makes them ideal for breakfast, lunch, or a quick snack. They pair well with sides like carrot-cucumber slaw, pickled vegetables, or steamed Chinese broccoli.
Price and Availability
A 30-ounce bag of Laoban Chinese Style BBQ Pork Bao Buns costs $15.99 at Costco. Smaller boxes are also available at grocery retailers and on Amazon.
The key to enjoyment is the quality of both the bun’s texture and the pork filling. Laoban delivers on both, providing a genuine taste of Hong Kong dim sum in a convenient, frozen format.
These buns are not just a meal; they’re a shortcut to an authentic cultural experience, proving that sometimes, the best flavors can be found in the freezer aisle.
