National Bao Day
By Sharon Schweitzer
National Bao Day is celebrated on August 22nd every year. It’s a day to savor the deliciousness of the famed dumpling. It’s also a day dedicated to learn more about the bao, also known as ‘baozi’ or ‘hot Asian buns,’ and the culture that surrounds them. Do you know that baos come in a variety of tastes and fillings, such as pork, veggies, sweet custard, chocolate, Chinese sausage, and more?
The bao or ‘baozi’ is a kind of dumpling that originated in China. It is safe to say that baozi evolved from the word ‘mantou,’ which was used as an all-inclusive expression for buns.
The beginnings of ‘mantou’ are largely tied to the military leader Zhuge Liang, who is believed to have invented the buns. Bao later came to become the word used for filled buns, while ‘mantou’ remained the word for unfilled buns.
Bao takes root in Asia first, then spreads to other regions of the globe. Since 2003, when Wow Boa established their first restaurant in Chicago, baozi has grown in prominence in the United States. Since then, bao has captivated a large number of people. It has a wide range of filling options, making it appealing to a wide range of people.
Wow Bao has over 200 locations across the United States. They provide both physical and virtual services, allowing them to reach a wider audience. The celebration is not only about indulging in delicious food but also a way to recognize the rich tapestry of culinary traditions that immigrants have brought to the country.
Some of the popular filings for other countries in SouthEast Asia include:
- Indonesia: meat fillings, chocolate, sweet potato, and marmalade
- Japan: red bean paste and minced meat-vegetable
- Malaysia: potato curry, chicken curry, and beef curry
- Philippines: meatballs, adobo, flaked tuna, pork, and cheese
Chefs and home cooks alike experiment with different fillings, shapes, and cooking techniques, infusing the classic bao with a modern twist. This fusion of tradition and innovation speaks to the way culinary cultures evolve and adapt over time. Even vegetarians who prefer not to consume meat can enjoy the variety of fillings. Similarly, when it comes to bao, you have a plethora of healthful options.
While bao buns are commonly associated with savory fillings, there are also sweet versions that are worth a try. Fillings like Lotus Seed Paste, Chocolate, Coconut Custard, and Black Sesame Paste provide a delightful and unexpected twist to the traditional bao bun.
In 2010, The Taiwanese version of bao, called Gua bao, gained popularity in Western food scene. This was also the year when bao was mentioned in the movie Kung Fu Panda.
Photo by https://nationaltoday.com/national-bao-day/
Sharon Schweitzer JD, is a diversity and inclusion consultant, cross-cultural trainer, etiquette expert, and the founder of Access to Culture. In addition to her accreditation in intercultural management from the HOFSTEDE Centre, she is an attorney and mediator. Sharon served as a Chinese Ceremonial Dining Etiquette Specialist in the documentary series Confucius was a Foodie, on Nat Geo People. Her Amazon #1 Best Selling book in International Business, Access to Asia: Your Multicultural Business Guide, won a coveted Kirkus Star, and was named to Kirkus Reviews’ Best Books. She’s a winner of numerous awards, including the British Airways International Trade Award at the Greater Austin Business Awards.
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