Mei Lai Wah Reviews Summary

Category: Chinese restaurant New York

Address: 62 Bayard St, New York, NY 10013, USA

Phone: +12129667866

Rating: 4.4
based on 287 reviews.

Price

Pros:

  • "And to top it off, so cheap!!!"
  • "I paid approx $3 for the huge bun and it was deff a filling snack!"
  • "Plus the food is really cheap. Each bun costs between $1.5 and $1.8."
  • "Not only were the prices very fair, but the flavors were incredible."
  • "They are so affordable too at around $2 a pop."
  • "The prices here are wallet-friendly. the buns are like $1.50."
  • "They were pretty cheap at about $2.5 per bun."

Cons:

  • "They say paying with cash would give you a discount, but from what I see, the items are priced higher in store (compared to on the kiosk), so I don't think you really save."
  • "$20 for awful breads & 1 lousy sticky rice wrap in leaf is outrageous. Definitely a tourist trap."
  • "Worth every penny. With a couple of them down you will get full at a very cheap way."
  • "Prices well below 3$ per lovely bun."
  • "It’s to die for and only costs $2.50."
  • "Pretty cheap for each bun too!"
  • "Yeah the roasted pork buns are excellent and a steal at $1.50"

Service

Pros:

  • "Service is super quick."
  • "Highly recommend visiting Mei Lai Wah the next time you're in Chinatown.. or go to Chinatown because of this spot."
  • "Service was quick even though there's a line."
  • "The line moves fast and it’s much quicker if you have cash."
  • "It's always crowded but the staff is very efficient."
  • "Service was quick and polite."
  • "Don't worry about the long line outside, it moves fast and the staff is friendly and efficient."

Cons:

  • "The line setup and service left much to be desired."
  • "Super rude staff."
  • "Quality control very poor. I’ve had OK buns here but sometimes they are inedible."
  • "I had the worst service experience ever."
  • "The staff appeared rude, unenthusiastic, and disorganized."
  • "Workers here at purposefully insult customers right into their face."
  • "Someone ended up taking my order and they blamed me for not hearing them calling my order."

Food Quality

Pros:

  • "The subtly sweet, crunchy cookie pineapple crust pairs perfectly with the tender, juicy, hot pork filling inside."
  • "Pineapple Bun with pork is amazing."
  • "Came here for the roasted pork buns - we heard they were the best and we were not disappointed."
  • "The buns are sweet and crispy on the outside while the inside is stuffed with roasted bbq pork."
  • "WRITE HOME ABOUT IT! These freshly baked roast pork buns are to write home about, over and over again."
  • "The pork bun here is really a masterpiece in savory baking."
  • "The pineapple pork bun 菠萝叉烧包 has a delightful blend of sweet and savory flavors."

Cons:

  • "I didn't take any photos of it as it was too disappointing."
  • "I'm not happy about receiving burnt buns."
  • "It's a pity that they don't sell plain pineapple bun, otherwise I will definitely come back for the bun."
  • "I am so disappointed in their BBQ pork buns."
  • "Quality control very poor. I’ve had OK buns here but sometimes they are inedible."
  • "The baked bun was surprisingly disappointing. There wasn’t much filling, and it was really dry despite being a fresh batch."
  • "The taste of the sauce does not taste like Cha Siu either."

Atmosphere

Pros:

  • "This is a great place to get a quick breakfast if you have jury duty, or if you are visiting and exploring downtown."
  • "The atmosphere is exactly what I want from a high-volume counter restaurant: packed with people moving efficiently & automated order kiosks."
  • "Don't judge this gem by its exterior – the flavors inside are a true representation of Chinatown's delicious food scene."
  • "Hands down one of the best bakeries in Chinatown (even in NYC) to get baked roast pork buns or pineapple roast pork buns."
  • "Absolute must go in Chinatown."
  • "A yummy traditional pork bun that was fast and efficient."
  • "Was lucky enough to visit on the night they had a Lion dance right out front."

Cons:

  • "Inside was tiny and chaotic..people literally walking all over each other."
  • "It’s a super tiny place... no seats … you ask and you leave and eat it somewhere."
  • "Also not sure how this place blew up so much with the long lines… it’s unorganized."
  • "The decor was humble, outmoded and narrow-spaced."
  • "It can fit around 6 people at a time so the line could be long all the way outside."
  • "Extremely crowded."
  • "It's always so crowded so it loses points for service."

Thanks! Your review is awaiting moderation.