Laoban, an Asian frozen food brand known for its high-quality dumplings, is expanding its product line to include bao buns. These new offerings will be available exclusively at select Whole Foods Market locations nationwide starting this June. Laoban aims to provide consumers with quick, convenient, and elevated meal options.
Laoban’s bao buns are crafted with top-quality ingredients, including free-range chicken, Berkshire pork, grass-fed beef, and shiitake mushrooms. The flavors are complex yet approachable, designed to deliver a rich taste experience. The buns are microwave-ready in just one minute, making them a convenient option for a quick snack or a complement to a larger meal.
The company began as a dumpling shop in Washington, DC, in 2017, and has since expanded its frozen dumpling line nationally through retailers such as Whole Foods Market, Costco, Sprouts, and Erewhon. With the success of its chef-driven frozen dumplings, Laoban is continuing its mission to bring accessible and high-quality Asian frozen foods to a broader market.
Bao buns, a Chinese specialty made from fluffy dough filled with savory or sweet stuffing, are the latest addition to Laoban’s product lineup. Developed by co-founder and culinary director Chef Tim Ma, a Michelin-recognized chef, these bao buns feature layered seasoning and premium ingredients. Flavors include Chinese Style BBQ Pork, Spicy Beef, and Sesame Chicken.
Co-Founder Patrick Coyne highlighted the dual appeal of Laoban’s products: high-quality convenience and delectable flavor. Coyne emphasized the company’s goal to change consumer perceptions of frozen food, aiming to make products like their bao buns a regular part of consumers’ weekly or daily routines.
Laoban’s bao buns come in packs of four, with the following flavors:
- Chinese Style BBQ Pork: Berkshire pork seasoned with Chinese BBQ spices.
- Spicy Beef: Grass-fed beef spiced with chili and cumin.
- Sesame Chicken: Free-range chicken with shiitake mushrooms and sesame.