CRISPY, JUICY, UNHINGED: My Obsession with Mom’s Pan-Fried Buns in Toronto’s Chinatown

By Anne Wong

Look, there’s this sizzle I can’t get outta my head. It’s like the soundtrack to my cravings. I’m talking about that glorious, golden crackle from Mom’s Pan Fried Bun on Spadina. The place is tiny, but honestly, it’s where dough gets a PhD in delicious. Every bite? Like being bear-hugged by your grandma, if your grandma was a pan-fry wizard.

Ever drooled over that perfect combo—crispy but squishy, salty but a little sweet, steaming hot but you burn your mouth anyway because who waits? Meet the pan-fried buns (生煎包, shēngjiān bāo). Seriously, try ‘em once and you’ll need a support group.

First Bite: The Pork Bun That Changed My Life
You step inside, and boom, the air just body-slams you with roasty sesame, sweet caramelized dough, and that “I’ve been simmering all day” pork. I went straight for their OG pork buns. The plate lands—bottoms browned to actual perfection, tops soft and puffy like a steamed cloud. At that point… yeah, I was done for.

That first bite? Absolute mayhem. The best kind.
CRUNCH—bottom’s brittle like a cracker you dropped but still wanna eat.
JUICE EXPLOSION—scalding pork broth everywhere, send napkins.
CUDDLE LEVEL DOUGH—fluffy, pillowy, basically cradling that juicy pork like a treasure.

No shame. Zero regrets. Would ruin my shirt again.

Beyond Buns: Dumpling Dungeon & Noodle Nirvana
Buns are just the opening act. The menu’s a full-on carb rave:
Pork Soup Dumplings – Tender, a little funky, punched up with warm spices.
Pork Chop Tomato Soup Noodles – Noodles with bounce, broth with soul.
Veggie Spring Rolls – Basically veggie cigars, crunchy and gone in sixty seconds.

The Real Deal: Why This Spot Slaps
1. TEXTURE FLEX – That half-crisp, half-steamed bun? Chefs wish.
2. FLAVOR UPGRADE – Juicy insides, actual seasoning, not that sad bland mystery meat.
3. SOUL FOOD VIBES – This is the edible version of a weighted blanket. For your feelings.

Final Word: Come Starving, Leave Stuffed
If you’re in Toronto and you haven’t crushed a plate at Mom’s Pan Fried Bun, you’re playing yourself. Bring backup, double your order, and get ready to brawl over the last one.

Wanna drool on your phone?

Watch the chaos here