Review // BaoBun – Taiwanese Street Food

BaoBun is located in Botanic, the food epicenter of Belfast.  It is Taiwanese street food, but also has a small comfortable area to sit and eat should you wish- you can even bring your own drink should you fancy a tipple.  A simplified way to explain it would be Taiwanese Boojum – you choose your base, meat, and toppings.  After a quick perusal, I opted for the traditional baobun, pork, and house topping. I also got the poutine as I’d heard rave reviews and it is made with real cheese curds which i haven’t had before. The Bao bun itself is unlike any other bread I’ve had, it’s a steamed bread and so feels substantial but light, very soft indeed, but robust enough to handle the mountain of stuff put on it. Pulled pork is piled on and then Sichuan, Pickled Carrot & Daikon, Asian Slaw & Crispy Shallots. When you open the box it’s symphony of colours and smells, the pure white bun contrasting to the brown meat, topped with the frenzy of strong colours from veg. It smells sweet and a little spicy with a touch of vinegar.  It all comes through in the tastes as well, the zing of the pickled carrots, the crunch of the shallots and slaw with a touch of spice from the Sichuan and pulled pork.  It really is an experience on all fronts. The poutine was very good as well, skinny fries and cheese curds, but replacing the gravy with pork sauce. It’s definitely something a bit more heavy for those that find the bao buns a bit light, though for me the bao buns alone where more than enough.

An experience I’m keen to repeat (and if I’m honest I already have) BaoBun certainly gets the pastiebap seal of approval!