Frozen Bao Buns: Top Recommendations for UK Shoppers

Craving the warm, fluffy comfort of authentic Chinese steamed buns but short on time? Recreating that perfect dim sum experience at home can feel like a challenge, especially when you're trying to find high-quality options that taste just like they do in a restaurant. The good news is that the selection of frozen bao buns available online in the UK has never been better, offering a convenient way to enjoy this beloved treat.

As the Joybuy Product Recommendation Officer, my role is to help you navigate the choices. This guide cuts through the clutter, focusing on what truly matters: flavour, texture and convenience. We'll walk through what to look for when you buy bao buns online and share some standout options that bring the taste of a Cantonese dessert straight to your kitchen.

A Quick Guide to Choosing Frozen Bao Buns

Before you fill your basket, here are a few practical tips to help you select the right pack of ready to steam buns for your tastes.

1. Know Your Fillings: From Classic Custard to Nutty Sesame

The heart of any bao bun is its filling, and there's a wonderful variety to explore. Sweet buns are a staple of frozen dim sum.

• Salted Egg Custard Buns (Liu Sha Bao): This is the one for foodies seeking an indulgent experience. The name liu sha bao translates to "flowing sand bun," and a good one should have a rich, molten centre made from salted duck egg yolks that oozes out when you break it open. It strikes a beautiful balance between sweet and savoury.
• Black Sesame Bao: For those who enjoy a nutty, aromatic flavour, black sesame bao is a classic choice. The filling is a smooth, dark paste made from ground black sesame seeds, offering a deep, toasty taste that is less sweet than custard.
• Standard Custard Buns: These are a timeless, family-friendly option with a firm, sweet and milky egg custard filling. They are consistently delicious and a great introduction to the world of Chinese steamed buns.

2. Check the Ingredients and Allergens

Always take a moment to review the ingredient list, especially if you have dietary requirements. Common allergens in bao buns include WHEAT (gluten), EGG, SOYBEANS and MILK. Some buns may use dairy-free alternatives like coconut milk, which can add a unique flavour twist, while others might use different flours for the dough, affecting the final texture and taste.

3. Consider the Preparation

The vast majority of frozen bao buns are designed to be steamed from frozen, which is the best way to achieve a light, fluffy texture. Typically, this involves steaming them over boiling water for around 8-10 minutes. While some packaging may suggest microwaving for a quicker option, steaming almost always yields a superior result, preventing the buns from becoming tough or dry.

Top Frozen Bao Bun Picks

Here are a few excellent options available for delivery across the UK, each offering a distinct and satisfying experience.

Synear Black Sesame Bun 300g

Why It Stands Out: This bun from Synear is a wonderful example of a classic black sesame bao. The filling is the star, made with a minimum of 15% black sesame seeds to create a paste that is deeply nutty, aromatic and not overly sweet. It’s a traditional flavour executed well, wrapped in a soft, pillowy bun.

Pros:

• Authentic, rich black sesame flavour.
• Soft and fluffy bun texture after steaming.
• Individually quick-frozen for convenience.

Who is it for? This is an ideal choice for anyone who loves traditional Chinese desserts and prefers a nutty, earthy flavour profile over a very sweet one. It’s a perfect Cantonese dessert for a quiet afternoon or a satisfying breakfast.

ANJOY Golden Wheat Custard Bun 300g

Why It Stands Out: ANJOY puts a subtle twist on the classic custard bun by using golden wheat flour in the dough. This gives the bun a natural, warm yellow hue and a gentle, wheaty aroma that complements the sweet filling. The custard itself is a classic, creamy and milky preparation made with salted egg yolk for depth.

Pros:

• Unique golden wheat bun with a pleasant aroma.
• Classic, creamy custard filling suitable for all ages.
• Steams perfectly from frozen in under 10 minutes.

Who is it for? A great all-rounder for families or anyone looking for a comforting and familiar flavour. If you enjoy a classic custard bun but are open to a small, pleasant twist in the dough, this is an excellent pick.

FRESHASIA Bun Salted Egg Custard 360g

Why It Stands Out: For those specifically chasing the liu sha bao experience, this bun from Freshasia delivers. It is designed to have a "flowing sand" centre, with a rich and savoury-sweet filling made from salted duck egg yolk (5.6%). It also incorporates a dairy-free coconut milk base, adding a subtle tropical note and making it an option for those avoiding dairy.

Pros:

• Features a deliciously runny, molten custard filling.
• Well-balanced savoury and sweet flavour from salted duck egg yolk.
• Uses a dairy-free coconut milk base for the custard.

Who is it for? This is for the dim sum aficionado who wants to replicate that indulgent, runny-yolk moment at home. It's also a great choice for individuals with dairy sensitivities who don't want to miss out on a creamy custard bun.

Looking for More Options?

These three selections represent some of the most popular sweet bao flavours, but the world of steamed buns is vast. If you're interested in exploring other fillings or different types of buns, you can explore our full range of sweet rolls to find your next favourite.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you cook frozen bao buns?

The recommended method is steaming. Place the frozen buns in a steamer basket lined with parchment paper over boiling water. Steam on medium heat for 8-10 minutes, or until the buns are soft and the filling is piping hot. Thawing is not necessary. While you can microwave them, steaming provides a much fluffier and more pleasant texture.

What is the difference between a custard bun and a liu sha bao?

A standard custard bun contains a firm, sweet, egg-based filling. A liu sha bao, or salted egg custard bun, is made with salted duck egg yolks, which creates a richer, more complex flavour that is both sweet and savoury. When heated correctly, the filling becomes molten and runny, giving it the "flowing sand" name.

Can I buy authentic frozen dim sum online in the UK?

Yes, absolutely. It is now very convenient to buy bao buns online UK and have them delivered. Online Asian supermarkets offer a wide variety of high-quality frozen dim sum, including many types of Chinese steamed buns, allowing you to enjoy authentic flavours without leaving your home.