Soft, fluffy steamed mantou buns with a beautiful green matcha spiral and mild sweetness. Perfect for breakfast, tea time, or a light homemade snack.

90 g all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting (plain dough)

90 g cake flour (plain dough)

2 g instant yeast (plain dough)

30 g sugar (plain dough)

1/2 tbsp cooking oil (plain dough)

90 ml milk, plus a little more if needed (plain dough)

90 g all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting (matcha dough)

90 g cake flour (matcha dough)

2 g instant yeast (matcha dough)

30 g sugar (matcha dough)

1/2 tbsp cooking oil (matcha dough)

90 ml milk, plus a little more if needed (matcha dough)

1 tbsp matcha powder

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In a bowl, combine all-purpose flour, cake flour, yeast, sugar, oil, and milk for the plain dough. Knead until smooth and elastic, about 10–12 minutes in a mixer.
In another bowl, combine all-purpose flour, cake flour, yeast, sugar, oil, matcha powder, and milk for the matcha dough. Knead until smooth, about 5 minutes in a mixer or 15–20 minutes by hand.
Lightly flour the work surface. Roll each dough into a thin rectangle about 12 x 8 inches.
Place the matcha dough on top of the plain dough and press gently.
Roll the layered dough tightly into a log, keeping the seam underneath.
Cut the log into 8 equal pieces using a sharp serrated knife.
Place each piece on parchment paper, cover, and proof in a warm place for 20–30 minutes until puffed by about 50%.
Bring steamer water to a boil and wrap the lid with a cloth. Reduce heat to medium.
Steam the buns for 15 minutes with the lid slightly ajar, leaving space between buns.
Turn off the heat and let buns rest in the steamer for 5 minutes before removing to a rack.

Use high-quality matcha for better flavor and color.

Do not over-proof to prevent buns from collapsing.

For softer texture, use cake flour; all-purpose flour alone will be slightly denser.

Store at room temperature for 1 day or refrigerate for up to 3 days.

Freeze fully cooled buns and reheat by steaming for 5–8 minutes.

Avoid microwaving to maintain fluffy texture.