Steamed Buns
bao.gif (282 bytes)
(bao zi)

Steamed buns, generically called
"bao", are as common in  China
as sandwiches are in the U.S.

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They have a universal shape -- a topknot twist with a hole in the center to let steam escape -- and the dough is very tender and light.  "Bao" are stuffed with a sweetened bean paste, ground pork or a vegetable mixture.   One medium-sized "bao", about the size of a fist, sells for RMB 0.5 -  0.6 (US$ 0.06 - 0.07).  Two "bao" make an ample breakfast.