What rhymes with Bao? Wow – and wow indeed. If you’ve ever experienced one of these these fluffy pseudo-sandwiches then you’ll know what we mean.
A good bao bun is a thing of beauty. They’re both sweet and savoury all at once. The world over has fallen in love with this moreish East Asian treat. Here’s where to get your fix of these soft fluffy pillows of joy in London.
Bao, Various Locations
Want to talk delicious? Then let’s talk about Bao. Everyone knows about the steamed buns here. They are so mind-blowingly good we reckon David Chang, who propelled the bao bun craze, would definitely approve. Get the confit pork bun, because it’s the best one. It’s filled with tender pork belly; crispy shallots that give sweetness, bitterness and crunch; and topped with their homemade, Bao branded XO sauce, adding a certain vigor. If you’ve read up on Bao, then you’ll know that the queue for this place can be pretty intense. However, the buns are totally worth the wait.
Website: baolondon.com
On The Bab, Shoreditch
The baos at On The Bab are generously filled and can get messy. If you’re after something other than the obligatory pork filled bao then come here. On the Bab’s buns are full of punchy flavour but with an added Korean twist which naturally involves some kimchi. Order the bulgogi beef – it’s wonderfully tender and full of bovine flavour. The spicy pork and chicken buns are indeed spicy, so arm yourself with plenty of their delicious beers.
Website: onthebab.com
Address: 305 Old St, London EC1V 9LA, United Kingdom
Yum Bun, Spitalfields Market
Yep. These buns are yum. Offering eight varieties, bring your vegetarian friend here to try their magnificent, meat-free buns. Dishing up three vegetarian options in total, the crispy tofu bun, dressed in black bean mayonnaise and garnished with garlic choy sum and chilli pickles is our favourite. For the carnivores, you’ve got three meat options and two fish options to choose from.
Website: www.yumbun.com
Address: Unit 3, The Kitchens, Spitalfields Market, 16 Horner Square, London E1 6EW, United Kingdom
Mr Bao, Peckham
This pocket-sized restaurant in Peckham serves up steamingly good buns. The buns are a little larger than the ones you find at Bao, but we’re not complaining. Their pork belly is braised for 24 hours – low and slow just the way we like it.
Website: www.mrbao.co.uk
Address: 293-295 Rye Ln, London SE15 4UA, United Kingdom