Mee Sum Pastry

"If you’re at Pike Place Market chances are you’re on some version of a big day out and spending a bunch of money on concert tickets or museum passes or ferry rides, plus if that busker who plays a violin in a huge cat mask is there you gotta throw them a couple bucks. So if you want to avoid splurging on lunch, line up at this unassuming window where the hum bao — hot, meaty, and satisfying — are around $5." - Meg van Huygen, Eater Staff

"Whether you’re showing off Pike Place to out-of-towners or just passing through on your once-a-year visit Downtown, do not leave without a quick stop at Mee Sum Pastry counter. The BBQ pork hombow (get it baked or steamed, both are great) at this walk-up window is excellent, while their curry beef puff and green tea sesame ball with black sesame filling come in at a close second. Get here before 11am to avoid sellout and hoards of tourists. " - kayla sager riley, carlo mantuano

"Show up to this dim sum spot at around 11 when the rest of the market is still waking up, and you’ll catch the staff at Mee Sum pinching shumai, skewering meat, and folding potsticker dough. Order a medley, and enjoy them as you walk around the rest of the market. Everything is delicious here, but a steamed BBQ pork hum bao is a non-negotiable." - aimee rizzo

"Usually, we’re stopping by this Pike Place dim sum stand to snack on delicious BBQ hum bao buns and wave hello to the staff as they spoon pork filling into dumpling wrappers. Mee Sum also serves some of the best siu mai in town, plump with well-seasoned shrimp, wood ear, and roe." - Aimee Rizzo

"An essential Pike Place Market stop, Mee Sum is known for its fluffy, sweet hom bow selections (the barbecue pork is the most popular offering), pineapple bread, and other pastries and buns baked fresh daily. The green tea black sesame mochi ball has an emerald green exterior coated in black and white sesame seeds, fried, with sweet and savory black sesame paste at the center. Grab either (or both!) for a perfect, on-the-move snack at the market. Mee Sum also has a cafe in the University District." - Leonardo David Raymundo, Ryan Lee