Mei Lai Wah

Mei Lai Wah is a historic, iconic Chinatown bakery celebrated as a top destination for traditional Cantonese pastries and dim sum classics. It is most famous for its signature baked pineapple roast pork buns, which feature a sweet, sugary crispy crust paired with savory barbecue pork filling. Renowned for its extreme affordability, the bakery remains a beloved New York City staple despite drawing significant crowds.

Commenters consistently express deep affection for Mei Lai Wah, frequently naming its pineapple pork buns as an essential NYC cheap bite and top food crawl highlight. While sentiment is overwhelmingly enthusiastic, some long-time patrons express frustration over swelling crowds, viral fame, and rising prices driven by inflation. Despite the long waits, viewers consider it well worth visiting for its quality and nostalgic value.