It is the indigenized version of the Fujianese baozi, introduced to the Philippines by Hokkien immigrants during the Spanish colonial period.

[1][2] Siopao is derived from the baozi, introduced by Hokkien Chinese immigrants to the Philippines during the Spanish colonial period.

[2] Historically, the most popular siopao buns in Manila were the ones made by restaurateur Ma Mon Luk at the turn of the 20th century.

[6][7] A unique variant from Siargao Island is the paowaw, a dessert bun which has a filling of bukayo (sweetened shredded coconut meat).

[10] In September 2024, during IShowSpeed's visit to the Philippines, the online streamer livestreamed himself dining at a restaurant in Binondo, where he was misled by a local into believing that the siopao he was eating contained cat meat.