If theme park food makes you think of turkey legs, popcorn and cotton candy, you haven't been to Disney lately. The brand specializes in treats that are almost too cute to eat—but absolutely must be 'grammed (see the caramel apples sold in Disney Springs as Exhibit A). In China, Disney's taking things to all new levels of cuteness overload, starting with its dim sum menu.
The Crystal Lotus at the Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel turns steamed buns into all kinds of characters, from Big Hero 6's Baymax to Frozen's Olaf. There are hundreds of Instagram posts devoted to #Disneydimsum, and over the past few hours, story after story has cropped up about them. Some say you can also find this dish at Disney's new Shanghai Resort, though the Crystal Lotus website says they can only be found there. As of press time, a Disney representative hadn't responded to a request for clarification, but real talk: You're really interested in seeing what they look like, aren't you? Let's get right to it.
First up, Olaf, a steamed bun with a red bean filling:
Second, a tribute to Monsters, Inc.:
The Crystal Lotus doesn't describe what the one-eyed Mike Wazowski bun tastes like. Maybe it's similar to this equally green trio from Toy Story? (They're filled with pork and vegetables.)
There's even a bespectacled Chicken Little bun.
And the three little pigs, filled with—what else?—barbecue pork.
Here's Baymax, which is just listed as "Baymax bun":
There are also buns shaped like Chip and Dale.
All of the above characters are pretty easy to recognize, even if you had a wicked stepmother who forbade you to watch Disney movies. This last pair, however, only true Disney fans will recognize. Look familiar?
Still nothing? How about now?
Why, it's Duffy the Disney Bear and his bestie, ShellieMay. The duo may be the most meta of the Disney family: Duffy is a stuffed bear that Minnie Mouse made for Mickey when he was about to travel, so he wouldn't be alone, according to Disney lore. Later, Minnie made a female stuffed bear, ShellieMay, so that Duffy would "always have a friend by his side." (You know, for those days when Micks is having some one-on-one time with Minnie and can't be bothered to hang with his bear. Or so that Disney could have two classic teddy bears to sell in its parks.)
Whatever the reason, this duo has been reimagined as steamed sweet buns at the Crystal Lotus.
Saving up for a trip to China just to try these steamed buns might be a bit much for the average person, but in the meantime, you can live vicariously through this family, who chronicled their meal on YouTube:
If the buns look time-consuming to make, that's because they are. You have to place your order at least 48 hours before dining there, if you're stopping by on a weekday, and at least 24 hours' notice if you plan on eating there on a weekend or public holiday, according to Hong Kong Disneyland's website.
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