Mei Lai Wah Bakery is a family-owned bakery known for its juicy char siu baos (Cantonese for roast pork buns). It was opened in 1968 by Taishan natives, Mr. and Mrs. Chan. After arriving in the US in 1943, Mr. Chan had a hard time finding employment as a Chinese immigrant. He worked at Gum Moon bakery, where he received culinary training and learned how to make various baked goods. After saving up some money, he opened Mei Li Wah with a Taishanese friend using what he learned at his former job.

For four decades, this old-school coffee shop was a popular hangout spot for locals to debate politics and trade gossip over cheap dim sum, freshly baked buns, and strong coffee. In 2008, the original owners retired, and it was renamed Mei Lai Wah Bakery.

Every day, from dusk till dawn, long lines of hungry patrons wait in line to get their hands on the famous baked roast pork buns and pineapple buns with roast pork. They’re so good that many buy boxes of their treats to go! So if you want to try one for yourself, make sure to come early.

P.S. Skip the lines by placing your order at the self-serving kiosks. A cash discount is available.

📍 Mei Lai Wah Bakery
64 Bayard Street, New York, NY 10013