The Bao Place is a small shop located on Kingsway, just across from Metrotown. As the name suggests, they specialize in steamed buns, which they offer in about a dozen varieties. I finally had a chance to check the place out during a recent visit to Superstore. I had their BBQ Delight, Buttermilk, Taro, Pork Deluxe, Curry Dynamite, and Belly Belly Pork buns, as well as a sample of their Chili Oil.
BBQ Delight ($3):
4/5
This was filled with ground pork in a bbq sauce. The bun looked a bit flat in appearance, but was actually quite light and fluffy. The pork was tender and juicy, and had a nice bit of sweetness.
Buttermilk ($2.50):
3.5/5
The filling was actually more custard-like, and contained coconut. It was on the sweeter side while the coconut provided a great fragrance.
Taro ($2.50):
3.5/5
The filling was quite creamy and mildly sweet. I did find the flavour here to be a tad subtle/mild, but it was still tasty.
Pork Deluxe ($3.75):
4/5
This was filled whit ground pork, sausage, egg, water chestnuts and other ingredients. The pork was very tender, juicy, and well-seasoned. The chestnuts provided a great texture while the egg provided a nice creaminess.
Curry Dynamite ($3):
3.5/5
This was filled with beef. The meat had a nice bit of heat, although I didn’t get much fragrance of the filling.
Belly Belly Pork ($3.25):
4/5
This was filled with pieces of pork belly. The pork was very tender and juicy. I did find it to be a tad on the underseasoned side.
Chili Oil:
This provided a really nice fragrance, richness as well as heat, and was a nice sauce for the bun to be dipped in.
I’m glad to have finally stopped by The Bao Place. Their buns, although a bit flat-looking, are nevertheless still soft and fluffy; the fillings are also tasty, and I quite enjoyed their chili oil. All in all this, is a spot that I think is worth a visit.
Summary:
Food: 3.5/5
Price: 3.5/5
Service: N/A
Overall: 3.5/5
Recommendations: BBQ Delight, Pork Deluxe, Belly Belly Pork
