Nikuman
Nikuman is the Japanese name for the Chinese
baozi made from flour dough, and filled with cooked ground pork or other ingredients. It is a kind of
chuka man also known in English as
pork buns.
Nikuman are steamed and often sold as street food. During festivals, they are frequently sold and eaten. From about August or September, through the winter months until roughly the beginning of April, Nikuman are available at convenience stores, where they are kept hot.
Other varieties
Butaman — essentially an equivalent to nikuman, this name is more common in the Kansai region.
Anman — the ingredients consist of azuki beans (koshian or tsubuan). Lard and sesame oil are typically added to increase flavor and taste. Similar to Chinese Doushabao.
Kare-man — turmeric or food coloring is added to the skin to make it yellow. The ingredients are the same as meat buns or pork buns with curry-style flavoring. There is also curry man similar to curry bread or dry curry.
