Cocktail bun is a simple sweet bun originating from Hong Kong and dating back to the 1950s. It was created from unsold, but edible buns that were ground with coconut and sugar and used as a filling for the new buns called cocktail buns. The name refers to a mix of ingredients that were similar to an exotic mixture of liquors.

Nowadays, the filling is usually enriched with butter or margarine. These buns can be found in most local bakeries, and they're usually finished with egg wash and a sprinkle of sesame seeds on top before baking.