When asking yourself about something to do near me in New York with a group of friends or family, consider
Mei Lai Wah
Why Mei Lai Wah is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Mei Lai Wah Bakery, located in NYC's Chinatown, is a beloved family-owned bakery famous for its juicy char siu baos, or baked roast pork buns. Established in 1968 by immigrants from Taishan, Guangdong, it has remained a nostalgic and reliable fixture in the community for over five decades. Its unassuming storefront welcomes a daily stream of visitors drawn by the bakery's signature pork buns and pineapple buns with roast pork, both known for their perfectly soft dough and savory, tender fillings. Besides the superb buns, Mei Lai Wah maintains a casual, no-frills atmosphere reminiscent of an old-school coffee shop where locals gathered to socialize over strong coffee and dim sum treats for years. This bakery’s affordability, with most items costing under $3, makes it a great spot for friends to meet up and enjoy authentic Cantonese flavors without breaking the bank. The bakery offers a fast self-service ordering kiosk and even a small cash discount, encouraging convenience alongside tradition. Located at 64 Bayard Street, Mei Lai Wah continues to be a must-visit destination for those seeking genuine, classic Chinatown baked goods.
Here's what people think of Mei Lai Wah
As of recent, Mei Lai Wah holds a 4.4-star rating based on 3283 reviews.
Mei Lai Wah Bakery enjoys strong praise for the quality and flavor of its iconic char siu baos and other baked dim sum. Reviewers frequently highlight the buns’ perfect balance of subtly sweet, fluffy dough with savory, melt-in-your-mouth roast pork filling, describing them as some of the best in New York City. Positive reviews often commend the bakery’s longtime consistency, reasonable prices, and nostalgic vibe, with many customers returning regularly to savor their favorite treats and appreciate the unpretentious yet dependable environment. Long lines are common, a testament to its popularity and reputation. However, some negative feedback mentions that the bakery is quite casual and may lack the warmth or ambiance found at more elaborate dim sum halls, suggesting that customers should know exactly what they want before ordering to avoid delays. Some also note the limited seating and small space as minor drawbacks. Overall, the reviews reflect that Mei Lai Wah remains a cherished and dependable institution in Chinatown, valued especially for its authentic flavors, affordability, and enduring legacy in the community.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Angelica Le
Rating: 4.4/5 I've been wanting to try their Pineapple Bun with Roasted Pork ($3.10) for the longest time, but there's usually a long line whenever we pass by. This time, we came on a Tuesday around 10 AM and luckily, there was no wait. We ordered through the kiosk since we paid with credit card. The estimated wait was 20-30 minutes, but our order came out in about 5 minutes. If you pay with cash, it seems you get your food even faster. The price is amazing for the value. We ate the bun right away, and it was so good! The pineapple crust had that nice textured crisp, while the inside was soft and airy. It wasn't as sweet as I expected, which I liked. The pork filling was flavorful and generously portioned. While I really enjoyed it, I wouldn't wait more than 20-30 minutes for it.
Linet P. (Lily)
I first heard about this place through my boyfriend and his sister. She came on vacation and came back from NY with 2 bags of these delicious pork buns!!! I tell you one of the BEST flavors I’ve tried in my life! The buns are soft and fresh, and the pork is deliciously flavored! 🤤 BRING CASH!!! Because it’s faster to pay at the end; line for cards is usually slower. (If you are in a hurry that is) PS: The buns are only $2.50 each !!!!! 🫨
ReedH
This place is always a great stop for easy and delicious lunch. It is popular though so expect a line pretty much any time but if you have cash you can often go right up to the counter. The pineapple roast pork buns are famous for a reason - nice crust on the bun and the sweet and savory flavor combo is awesome and took me back to Shanghai. But as good as those were, I tried the fried sticky rice with chicken and that blew me away with how good it was. So definitely get a pineapple bun but it’s worth trying some of their other items too! It’s a great spot!
Kristina Kelley
If you’re visiting or live here, you have to visit Mei Lai Wah. The pineapple pork bun is the best in the city. The bun is slightly sweet, crispy on the outside, soft and steamy in the center, and topped with a crispy, sugary, caramelized top (that only resembles pineapple skin in look, it has no pineapple, in case you’re allergic). It is filled with savory, tender pork and sauce that creates a well-balanced flavor profile. Everything is delicious and reasonably priced. You can easily grab things to walk around Chinatown with and eat or meet friends at a park for a picnic. Depending on the time of day, you may have to wait in line. Note that many people ignore the kiosk outside and the one right when you walk in. Use those to order and pay even faster. It is worth the wait if you have to. It’s always a highlight to people who are looking for something amazing while they walk through Chinatown. Please go and please tell your friends.
Hamza Elsayed
I highly recommend this place. I got the pineapple roast pork bun ($3) and it was delicious. I also tried the egg yolk buns (3 buns for $5) which tasted good and sweet but the sugar was not 100% dissolved in the custard filling so you could still crush the sugar which was a little annoying. Other than that I highly recommend this place for a quick snack without breaking the bank.
How to reach Mei Lai Wah
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Why Mei Lai Wah may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Mei Lai Wah with your friends?
When planning a meetup with friends or family, choosing a venue that offers more than just food can elevate the entire experience. Mei Lai Wah, a celebrated Chinatown eatery boasting a solid 4.4-star rating from over 3,200 reviews, is exactly that kind of place. The charm of Mei Lai Wah lies in its authentic Hong Kong-style dim sum and its legendary pork buns, which food lovers across New York City rave about. It isn’t just about the taste—though that alone could be a compelling reason to gather here—but also about the unique, casual atmosphere that invites socializing and shared enjoyment. Friends can bond over the buzz of the bustling bakery, sharing crispy, sweet, and savory buns fresh from the oven, an experience that feels communal and warmly nostalgic. The buzz outside with waiting lines quickly moving, the choice between steamed or baked buns, and the opportunity to explore a range of Chinese dim sum dishes make this spot ideal for a relaxed yet memorable outing. Whether you’re a group of food enthusiasts or simply looking for a lively atmosphere to catch up, Mei Lai Wah offers a unique way to dine and connect, making it an outstanding rallying point for group meetups.
What makes Mei Lai Wah perfect for group meetups?
Mei Lai Wah’s appeal for groups revolves around its authentic culinary offerings combined with an inviting setting where sharing food naturally encourages interaction. The menu’s star items, particularly the baked roast pork buns, are perfectly sized for sharing, allowing everyone in the group to try a few different flavors without feeling overly full. The bakery’s layout—though modest and compact—creates an intimate environment where friends can chat easily while enjoying their food. Because of the high demand and popularity, there is a dynamic flow with lines moving swiftly, which adds to the anticipation and makes the experience more immersive. Groups often find it rewarding to order a mix of dishes and sample everything from pineapple pork buns, which blend sweet and savory perfectly, to rice rolls and fried rice dishes filled with eggs, vegetables, and sausage. The variety available means Mei Lai Wah caters well to diverse tastes, making it a hassle-free choice for groups with different preferences or dietary needs. Plus, the tradition of sharing dim sum is in itself a social activity, fostering warmth and connection as everyone passes plates around and enjoys a communal meal.
What activities can you enjoy at Mei Lai Wah with your group?
Mei Lai Wah goes beyond just eating; it offers several informal activities that elevate a group gathering. First, the line experience can be part of the outing’s charm—friends can chat and anticipate while waiting, making it a social warm-up before the meal. The bakery’s quick turnover means despite busy times, wait times rarely become tedious, keeping energy high and conversation flowing. Once inside, deciding which delicacies to try together can become a fun group activity, as members debate and recommend buns and dishes. Sharing dishes like the iconic baked pork buns or the flaky pineapple buns also turns the meal into a tasting adventure. If your group enjoys culinary exploration, trying Mei Lai Wah’s lesser-known rice rolls and fried rice dishes can spark dialogue about food culture and flavor combinations, enriching the dining experience. While Mei Lai Wah is primarily a food spot rather than an events venue, the overall vibe and food-sharing customs make it a natural place for celebrations, casual meetups, or even pre- or post-dinner snacks in Chinatown, where the lively neighborhood enhances the social atmosphere.
Why are Mei Lai Wah’s pork buns a must-try for your friends?
The reputation of Mei Lai Wah’s pork buns is legendary, frequently cited as among the best Hong Kong-style pork buns in New York City. These buns come in multiple varieties including steamed and baked, with the baked version especially celebrated for its perfectly soft, golden brown exterior and the sweet, flavorful barbecue pork within. This combination of textures and flavors creates a unique balance of crispy, sweet, and savory that keeps customers coming back. For groups, the pork buns provide a perfect casual finger food that sparks conversation about the quality of ingredients and skillful preparation. Sharing these buns is a gastronomic experience that can turn a simple meal into something special, especially when friends compare their preferences for different flavors like the pineapple pork bun, which balances fat and sweetness in a way that delights many palates. Eating these buns not only satisfies hunger but also offers a moment to appreciate authentic craftsmanship in a humble, no-frills setting, which is part of the overall charm for group dining.
How does Mei Lai Wah accommodate different group preferences and dietary needs?
Mei Lai Wah’s menu caters to a variety of preferences, which is essential when organizing group meetups where everyone’s tastes vary. While the pork buns are the star attractions, the bakery also serves other dim sum classics such as chicken and egg buns, rice rolls, and fried rice with eggs, vegetables, and sausage. These options provide choices for those who might prefer less fatty or meat-based items. The availability of both steamed and baked buns allows guests to opt for lighter or richer versions. Despite its focus on traditional fare, Mei Lai Wah’s offerings include dishes with vegetables and eggs, making it easier for groups with some members seeking milder or vegetarian-friendly options to find something enjoyable. The manageable portion sizes help groups order a variety of items to share without waste, encouraging tasting rather than committing to a single dish. Additionally, the bustling Chinatown location means groups can easily combine a Mei Lai Wah visit with other nearby activities or eateries to accommodate larger or more diverse gatherings.
What is the experience like lining up and ordering at Mei Lai Wah for a group?
Mei Lai Wah is known for its popularity, which means lines are common, but for groups, this is rarely a deterrent. The establishment has streamlined the ordering process by separating lines for credit card and cash payments, speeding things up and making it more efficient for multiple people purchasing at once. Credit card orders can even be made via tablet, with a text notification when the order is ready—ideal for groups who might want to place orders simultaneously and then find a spot outside to eat together. This method minimizes wait times and chaos, allowing groups to enjoy their time rather than feel rushed or stressed. Usually, only two people at a time enter to select items, but groups can spread out and socialize outside while waiting, turning the queue into part of the shared adventure. The fast-moving line means that even on busy days, the wait is manageable, reinforcing Mei Lai Wah’s reputation as a customer-friendly spot where quality and efficiency meet.
How does the location of Mei Lai Wah enhance a group meetup experience?
Nestled in the heart of New York City’s vibrant Chinatown, Mei Lai Wah offers more than just great food; it provides an immersive cultural experience perfect for groups looking to combine dining with exploration. Chinatown’s bustling streets, colorful shops, and nearby attractions like Columbus Park and the Eastern States Buddhist Temple create a lively backdrop that encourages walking, sightseeing, and spontaneous adventures before or after your meal. This dynamic neighborhood environment encourages groups to linger, take photos, or pop into nearby stores and markets, turning a simple meal into an outing. The convenience of Mei Lai Wah’s central location means groups can easily coordinate arrival, parking, and access via public transit. Its proximity to other notable eateries also allows for extended food tours, where groups can sample other Chinatown delights alongside Mei Lai Wah’s offerings. The buzz and energy of the neighborhood complement the convivial atmosphere inside the bakery, making it a perfect hub for socializing and celebrating in an authentically New York setting.
What feedback do customers give about Mei Lai Wah that makes it a reliable meetup location?
Consistently high ratings and thousands of reviews support Mei Lai Wah’s status as an excellent place for group meetups. Customers frequently praise the bakery’s iconic pork buns, describing them as moist, flavorful, and well worth any wait. Many mention the efficient service and the swift line movement, which is crucial for groups looking to avoid long delays. Reviewers also note the authenticity of the Hong Kong flavors, the variety on the menu, and the ability to cater to different tastes, contributing to a universally positive experience. The humble, no-frills decor is often described as part of its charm, providing a cozy, informal setting that encourages relaxed socializing rather than formal dining. Some customers highlight the bakery’s consistent quality and the fact that it remains an “icon” in NYC’s Chinatown food scene, making it a dependable choice when organizing outings. While a minority have noted changes in some recipes over time, the overall consensus affirms Mei Lai Wah as a beloved spot for memorable group experiences centered on sharing great food and conviviality.