Buns in Bun

Esther Yip | Creative Founder of Q Bun Fun & Buns in BunHong Kong–born · Brisbane–basedEnglish · Cantonese · MandarinWhat I do

• I design and handcraft playful character bao, from my signature koala to festive favourites, and share them through the Q Bun Fun food trailer.
• I’m writing a character bao cookbook so home cooks can make their own creations, one little character at a time.

Why I love teaching

• My favourite moment in class is hearing someone say, “I can’t believe I made that!” It’s especially fun when kids and parents show each other what they’ve made.
• In my hands-on workshops, I teach children and adults how to shape dough, add facial expressions and turn simple ingredients into character bao, mantou and tangyuan.
• I love seeing everyone put their own spin on the same design. Give a room full of people the same dough and you’ll get a room full of completely different faces!

My education and training

• Bachelor of Arts, The Chinese University of Hong Kong (Second Class Honours, Upper Division)
• Master of Design, Griffith University (with Distinction)
• Trained at Disciples Escoffier, with a background in French cuisine and molecular gastronomy.
• Mentored by mantou master Wang Meiji in crafting intricate steamed buns and tangyuan.

What inspires me

• I spent 13 years as a flight attendant. Travelling the world gave me a love of seeing how different cultures celebrate through food.
• I bring those ideas back to the Hong Kong flavours and traditions I grew up with, adding a playful touch through colour, shape and character.

Follow Q Bun Fun and Buns in Bun on Instagram for new designs, upcoming workshops and a peek behind the scenes.