Bao Bun

Bao Bun

Taiwanese street food

48 Botanic Avenue BT7 1JR

Nestled into the vibrant Botanic Avenue in South Belfast, surrounded by popular bars, typical fast food joints and students marching to-and-fro lies one of the best-kept secrets in Belfast, the unassuming Bao Bun. The proprietor, a frequent traveller in Asia, opened the doors of Bao Bun in November 2017 with the aim of delivering fast and fresh food to the people of Belfast. Serving a manner of different dishes, they specialise in the Thai street food known as ‘Bao’ which is a steamed bread bun filled with a savoury, sweet or spicy  filling. Low in gluten, the Bao has the advantage of being filling without being bloating. Fast to prepare, bursting with flavour and a much healthier alternative to the options around it, the menu is small but dynamic. Each option available promises mouthfuls of flavour and colour. I spoke with manager John McClean about the food and the future of Bao Bun.

As regards the location, John informed me that the bustle of the city centre and the Ormeau road “didn’t appeal to us. We saw that Botanic was starting to thrive again after it had died a death and we wanted to be part of the rejuvenation”. True to their word, Bao has started form the more conventional thoroughfares for independent food businesses, as John revealed to me that they have again shunned the city centre in favour of opinion their second establishment in November/December of this year (2018). “It’ll be the same team, same quality. We aren't interested in franchising. This location was the blueprint for our next one”

Looking around said location, I was drawn to the distinct decor, which I was informed was also inspired by the strong ties with travel in Asia. “The owner” according to John “was an interior  designer and he took a lot of inspiration from Thailand, Vietnam and Indonesia. He designed our mascot Zelda himself” indicating to the large red and white logo next to where we're sitting (pictured above) before I went on to ask about the ingredients. “Everything is local, everything is made fresh and from scratch each day. We get a lot of our raw stuff from the Asian Supermarket and other local suppliers. We make the sauces in-house but everything else is made during the day, with the meat being slow cooked the day before to ensure its the right texture.” As for the recipes, John told me that they took a bit longer to get the desired quality. “We were in test  kitchens for a while, it took us a while to try all the different spices and find the best variations for our menu.”

John recommended I try the normal Bao, which came with the option of two fillings, (with vegetarian options available) a number of ‘combinations’ (the vegetable filling, adds massive texture and flavour) and sauces. I opted for chicken and beef, with the ‘House’ and ‘Light and Fresh’ combinations, which provided a mix of Szechuan spice and sharp, brisk and fruity notes. The meat was perfectly succulent and tender, while the sauces paired with fluffy spring of the Bao bun to create a symphony of differing textures, flavours and notes. High fresh points that were sharp against the roof of my mouth were followed by smooth, numbing sensations that coated my inner cheeks. Each bite was an explosion of freshness and flavour as if you were taking a bite from the untouched Asian countryside. A fantastic affordable alternative for lunch or dinner with a variety of options, Bao Bun has something for everyone

 

My Order - 

Bao with Beef and Chicken Filling

House (Sichuan, Pickled Carrot & Daikon, Asian Slaw & Crispy Shallots) and Light & Fresh (Lime & Coriander Sauce, Sesame Seeds, Coriander & Spring Onion & Asian Slaw) Combination

Canned drink

Total: £6.95