Chinese Traditional Buns

Reviews

• Tina C.

  star star star star star_border 8 June 2026

  Hole-in-the-wall restaurants like Traditional Chinese Buns have a special place in my heart. Located down a set of steps (unfortunately not accessible), your first sight stepping in are the folks busy making the namesake items of the restaurant---buns!
  
  While posher folks might find some characteristics of Traditional a little rickety, i.e. an entrance door that sticks and some bins stacked on tables in an adjoining dining space, I find it unassuming, familiar and comfy--probably partially also because staff speak Mandarin and worry aloud about the marital status of the next generation while working.
  
  In terms of food, as a vegetarian, I was happy to find a handful of decent options (4 for buns) on the menu at a fair price. I was especially excited for vegetarian Shao Mai and decided on 6 for $9. Freshly made to order, the buns are satisfying and the service is fast.
  
  During my meal, I also saw some folks coming in to get takeout orders, and on the way out, I could see sizeable baskets of buns being churned out--mental note for future catering ideas.
  
  Overall, I liked the experience of dining here and would bring my friends to try more of their menu!

• Flora Z.

  star star star star star_border 7 June 2026

  Went back this time to try the buns in restaurant this time!! Still tastes amazing
  
  Food (4/5) we ordered the Tian Jing Baos, which tasted delicious. My only complaint is that some of the buns got a little but soggy. We also got the steamed fried buns, which were SO GOOD. Crispy and juicy.
  
  Ambiance (3/5) I mean, I don't expect much from Chinatown ambiance haha it's a little messy inside but I like the design of this restaurant!
  
  Price (3.5/5) not the cheapest buns you'll find around, but it tastes great and is hand made!

• Phuong P.

  star star star star star_border 3 June 2026

  The beef pancake is delicious!
  
  A sort of hidden gem tucked downstairs on the quieter side of Dundas (chinatown), definitely a place worth checking out when you crazeChinese foods: soupy dumplings, greasy pancakes rolled with beef, and other delicious options.
  
  Be warn, the table are sticky (lacks proper cleaning solution) but an overall great find!
  
  Recommendation to owners: great foods! Clean yourtable with "fantastik".

• Sarah L.

  star star star star star 22 May 2026

  Do not let the grimy, sketchy entrance deter you from descenting those stairs into a quite nice looking restaurant inside. Space is quite small but it is a hidden gem of the city. The kitchen is upfront so you can watch the two chefs do their work. I believe the woman does the buns and appetizers and the guy does the noodles and main dishes. Anyways, we ordered an onion beef pancake, Dan Dan noodles and a beef brisket soup with Bok Choy.
  
  Onion beef pancake:
  - Outer shell was crispy but not oily (big plus! Hate super oily pancake), they used hoisin sauce to piece everything together, laid down one whole stem of green onion that flatten and lightly charred on the stove/grill. The beef was super tender, literally just melting away in my mouth.
  
  Dan Dan noodles:
  - Noodles were cooked to slightly higher than a al dente, toppings were minced pork, wood ear mushroom and something else...burdock root I think then all of that was nicely drowned in chili oil with extra chili chunks added. Super spicy but I loved it!
  
  Beef brisket soup with bok choy:
  - Broth was delicious, no MSG taste, it was pure beef broth, noodles were more softer almost soggy in texture but still good. Beef brisket chunks were also quite tender and had plenty of cartilage.
  
  Total came to about $34 for two people which to be honest is pretty good. I was gonna go to Swatow but they were packed and I'm glad we took the right path eating here. Definitely hit up this place if you want amazing Northern Chinese style food. Kudos to Uncle and Aunt cooking in the kitchen.

• Rosey L.

  star star star_border star_border star_border 18 May 2026

  I like to give hole-in-the-wall places the benefit of the doubt for being authentic, from past experiences elsewhere. This place was sub par...but at least it was cheap?
  
  Food: I ordered chive and pork boiled dumplings, tianjin style buns, Dan Dan noodles, and pickled cucumbers (from the Yelp check in offer of 1 appetizer under $4.50). Dumplings and buns were good, they are made in house. Pickled cucumbers were okay but came last. Dan Dan noodles were okay, good spice level!
  
  Service/atmosphere: there is a pile of random stuff when you walk in, so the restaurant does not look professional. On the way to the bathroom, I also passed another pile of stuff including a suitcase(?!). The bathrooms were out of toilet paper and one even has a broken toilet seat. The inside is freezing too.