Bao Buns. Maybe you’ve heard of them, maybe you haven’t (if you have, skip to the next section). Baos are a popular street food originating in Taiwan. They consist of meat (or vegetarian alternative), vegetables and condiments sandwiched between a flat steamed bread known as lotus leaf bread. A good bao is warm, fluffy and slightly sweet. Delicious!
I’m a huge fan of baos and have tried (almost) all of those listed below. If you fancy giving baos a go, here are my recommendations:
Bao Down, Grainger Market & STACK Seaburn
About: Serving bao buns, gyozas and fries in the Grainger Market and STACK Seaburn.
Price: 2 Baos For £7.50
Menu Highlight: I haven’t experienced Bao Down yet but the Sticky Teriyaki Chicken sounds like a must try
Website: https://www.facebook.com/baodownnewcastle/
Don’t Stop Me Bao, Cramlington
About: A bao bun pop up working out of Kings Snax, Astley Business Park
Price: From £5
Menu Highlight: The guest appearances on the specials menus and the duck fries
Website: https://www.facebook.com/dontstopmebao/
Dumpling & Bun, Grainger Market
About: A proper hidden gem nestled away in the Grainger Market. Dumpling & Bun proudly serve freshly handmade dumplings, stuffed buns & noodle soups plus high quality green teas.
Price: Stuffed buns are from £1.50 each
Menu Highlight: Pork & Cabbage
Website: https://www.facebook.com/dumplingandbun/
Kogarashi Newcastle, Quayside Market
About: Inspired by Asian flavours, Kogarashi offers a variety of tasty steamed snacks
Price: 2 Baos For £5
Menu Highlight: Pork Belly Bao
Website: https://www.facebook.com/kogarashifood/
Pablo Eggs-Go-Bao, Newcastle & Whitley Bay
About: Breakfast and brunch covered – Pablo Eggs-Go-Bao is open daily serving fusion fun in a bun
Price: From £5
Menu Highlight: The Breakfast Bao – crispy hash brown beneath sausage patty topped with melty cheese, soft omelette and a slightly spicy & sweet sauce. All nestled into a super soft, warm, big, bouncy bao bun
Website: https://www.eggsgobao.com/
Umai Mi, Eldon Square
About: The chic, pan Asian restaurant, that draws in bold flavours from the orient with a contemporary twist, has recently launched their Make-It-At-Home Bao Kits.
Price: The £10 kit comes with everything you need to make 3 Baos
Menu Highlight: Pulled Beef
Website: https://www.umaimi.co.uk/
If you’re feeling creative and want to make your own bao fillings, check out Wing Hong Cash & Carry on George Street in Newcastle. They sell loads of frozen, pre-made steamed buns. We bought a bag for a couple of £, deep fried them and made dessert baos – they were flippin’ lush!
North East Eats and Kids 