Boston is a sister city to China’s Hangzhou, the birthplace and headquarters of handmade steamed bun giant Tom’s BaoBao, so when owner Tom Tong decided to open his first U.S. location in July, he set up shop just over the bridge in Harvard Square. The recipes made the move as well, so there are treats like the curry beef bao stuffed with diced beef, carrots and potatoes and a mild curry. But with a dough made with part-whole wheat flour steaming to thick and fluffy perfection in authentic Chinese bamboo baskets, it’s the signature bun that steals the show.

Curry beef bao, $3.75 at Tom’s BaoBao, 84 Winthrop St., Cambridge (617-945-0067) tomsbaobao.com