5. Pan-Fried Buns Pan-fried buns are hulatang's most loyal bodyguard. There's a story that they were once awa…
5. Pan-Fried Buns
Pan-fried buns are hulatang's most loyal bodyguard. There's a story that they were once awarded the title "Second-Rank Buns" in Kaifeng, though nobody knows whether it came from the court or just started as palace gossip.
Buns aren't rare. What makes these special is the seared bottom, that thin, browned crust.
That little patch of crisp is what gives a soft, pillowy bun its bite and that satisfying crunch. It's also why pan-fried buns are best eaten right at the stall. Take them home and the crust turns soft, and most of the fun is gone.