6 Must-Try Bao Restaurants in Winnipeg
These soft, pillowy steamed buns, often filled with an array of savory and sometimes sweet ingredients, have become a beloved comfort food for many in our city.
There’s something truly magical about biting into a perfectly crafted bao, where flavors and textures meld together in an explosion of delight.
And lucky for us, Winnipeg boasts a vibrant bao scene, with a growing number of restaurants dedicated to these delightful morsels.
So, if you’re a fellow bao enthusiast or just curious to try these little pockets of happiness for the first time, you’re in for a treat.
In this article, I’m excited to share these six must-try bao restaurants in Winnipeg. Each of these establishments brings its own unique twist to this beloved Asian dish.
Get ready to discover your new favorite bao spot right here in Winnipeg!
BAOHOUSE
When you visit this charming eatery, your taste buds are in for a delightful journey through the streets of Taiwan.
Shang Hai Steamed Fried Bao Zi, a star among the menu options, is a tantalizing combination of crispy and soft. These bao buns are generously filled with succulent pork belly, creating a harmonious contrast with the crispy exterior.
The flavors burst in your mouth, and it’s no wonder this dish is a customer favorite.
If you’re a fan of bold and exotic flavors, don’t miss the Curry Beef Fried Bao Zi. The tender beef marinated in fragrant curry spices is the perfect filling for these bao buns.
It’s a taste that’s both familiar and new, and it’s sure to leave a lasting impression.
BAOHOUSE doesn’t disappoint the vegetarian crowd either. The Vegetarian Fried Bao Zi features a delicious mix of tofu, fresh vegetables, and flavorful seasonings.
These bao buns are proof that vegetarian dishes can be just as satisfying and bursting with flavor as their meaty counterparts.
Seafood lovers rejoice as the Shrimp Bao Zi takes you on a seafood adventure within a bao bun. Succulent shrimp are enveloped in a delicate steamed bun, creating a delightful fusion of textures and flavors.
It’s a refreshing and delectable choice for those who enjoy a taste of the ocean.
For a unique and indulgent experience, the Cheese Chicken Bao is an absolute must-try. Tender pieces of chicken are combined with creamy cheese, creating a delightful and savory sensation.
Huang Pu River Restaurant
Established in 2014 by owner and head chef Mei Ling, Huang Pu River Restaurant was born out of a desire to share her love for traditional Chinese flavors and introduce the people of Winnipeg to the culinary art of bao-making.
Mei Ling’s passion and commitment to authenticity have made her restaurant a beloved establishment in the local food scene.
Now, let’s dive into the real star of the show — the bao buns. These delicate pockets of goodness are a testament to the restaurant’s dedication to crafting unforgettable dining experiences.
If you’re lucky enough to visit, you simply cannot leave without trying some of its must-order menu items.
First up, the Pork Belly Bao. It’s a flavor-packed delight with succulent, melt-in-your-mouth pork belly, a symphony of spices, and a hint of hoisin sauce, all enveloped in a fluffy, steamed bun.
The textures and flavors harmonize perfectly, making it an absolute crowd-pleaser.
For a taste of something truly special, the Peking Duck Bao is a must-try. The thinly sliced Peking duck, complete with crispy skin and hoisin sauce, is folded into a tender bao.
The result is a tantalizing blend of savory and sweet that is sure to leave your taste buds singing.
For those who crave a bit of heat, the Szechuan Chicken Bao is an excellent choice. The tender chicken is generously coated in a spicy Szechuan sauce, balanced by cooling cucumber, and wrapped in a soft bao.
The Bulgogi Beef Bao is a wonderful fusion of Korean and Chinese flavors. The thinly sliced marinated beef is sweet, savory, and slightly smoky, creating a delightful contrast with the soft bao bun.
Last but not least, the Eggplant with Garlic Bao offers a vegetarian option that doesn’t compromise on taste. The eggplant is tender and infused with garlic, creating a savory and aromatic filling that pairs beautifully with the soft bao.
New Hong Kong Chinese Snack House
When you step into the cozy confines of this restaurant, the menu is sure to overwhelm your senses with its tantalizing array of options. While every dish has its own unique charm, there are a few must-try items that stand out as true crowd-pleasers.
First on the list is the Pork Belly Bao. A heavenly combination of melt-in-your-mouth pork belly, perfectly seasoned with a blend of spices and sauces, all encased in a soft, pillowy steamed bun.
Next up is the Shrimp Bao, a delightful twist on the traditional bao. Plump, succulent shrimp are marinated and seared to perfection before being nestled within a delicate bao bun.
The result is a harmonious marriage of seafood and fluffy buns, sure to satisfy your cravings for something a bit lighter.
For meat lovers, the BBQ Beef Bao is an absolute must. Tender strips of marinated beef, smothered in a rich and savory barbecue sauce, are encased in a warm, soft bao bun.
Each bite offers a mouthful of smoky, savory goodness that’s hard to resist.
And let’s not forget the Vegetarian Bao, a delightful option for those who prefer a plant-based choice.
Stuffed with a medley of fresh vegetables, tofu, and a flavorful sauce, this bao offers a burst of deliciousness that proves you don’t need meat to enjoy a satisfying, flavorful meal.
Aroma Bistro
This restaurant’s journey began with a passionate duo, James and Lily, who brought their love for Asian street food to the prairies.
They wanted to create a space where the vibrant, aromatic street food culture of Asia could be savored without having to hop on a plane.
Aroma Bistro opened its doors in 2010, and since then, it has been a cherished destination for food enthusiasts seeking an authentic taste of the East.
The restaurant has mastered the art of crafting the perfect bao buns.
Its Pork Belly Bao is a true crowd-pleaser, featuring succulent, melt-in-your-mouth pork belly that’s been slow-cooked to perfection and adorned with a medley of flavors that dance on your palate.
For those who prefer poultry, the Chicken Katsu Bao is a must-try. The crispy, golden-brown chicken katsu is nestled within a soft and fluffy bao, creating an exquisite contrast of textures.
It’s then generously dressed with a delectable sauce that adds a touch of sweetness and a hint of spiciness, creating a flavor symphony.
Korean Barbeque Bao features tender marinated beef, a medley of vegetables, and the quintessential Korean BBQ sauce that packs a punch.
It’s a harmonious blend of sweet, savory, and slightly spicy, perfect for those who crave a flavor adventure.
If seafood tickles your fancy, the Shrimp Tempura Bao is an absolute delight. The tempura-fried shrimp offer a delightful crunch, while the accompanying ingredients provide a burst of freshness.
It’s then drizzled with a zesty sauce that elevates the whole experience.
For our vegetarian friends, the Veggie Bao combines a colorful array of sautéed vegetables, crisp lettuce, and a special sauce that adds a delightful twist to the familiar bao experience.
Dancing Noodle
When dining at Dancing Noodle, it’s imperative to experience the full breadth of its bao menu. Here are the must-try items that should grace your table.
The Pork Belly Bao is a sumptuous bao creation that is an absolute crowd-pleaser. The pork belly is tender and succulent, slow-cooked to perfection, then generously garnished with pickled vegetables and a drizzle of hoisin sauce.
The combination of flavors and textures is a culinary masterpiece that leaves a lasting impression.
For those seeking a taste of crispy perfection, the Chicken Karage Bao is a stellar choice. The chicken karage is expertly fried, delivering a delightful crunch with every bite.
It’s then tucked into a warm, fluffy bao and adorned with Japanese mayonnaise and a sprinkle of sesame seeds.
Dancing Noodle doesn’t leave the vegetarians out of the picture. The Veggie Bao offers a delightful combination of flavors and textures, featuring fresh, sautéed vegetables along with a delectable sauce.
It’s a savory and satisfying option that showcases the restaurant’s commitment to inclusivity and culinary creativity.
In addition to its bao, Dancing Noodle offers a variety of sides, including its famous bubble tea, which pairs perfectly with the bao creations.
The cozy and inviting ambiance of the restaurant, along with its friendly and knowledgeable staff, make it an ideal spot for a casual lunch, dinner date, or even a solo dining experience.
Asian Fushion Cuisine & Bao
When you walk through the doors of Asian Fusion Cuisine & Bao, you’re immediately greeted by the warm aroma of fresh bao buns steaming in the kitchen. The menu is a treasure trove of delicious delights, but some items stand out as must-try choices.
For those who crave a more adventurous palate, the Peking Duck Bao features tender slices of Peking duck paired with a delightful plum sauce, creating a harmonious balance of textures and flavors.
The Szechuan Chicken Bao, a true crowd-pleaser, offers a hint of spice. The tender, marinated chicken paired with the bold Szechuan sauce is a must-try for those who enjoy a little heat in their dishes.
The Beef Bulgogi Bao is a nod to Korean cuisine, with thinly sliced marinated beef that’s both sweet and savory. It’s a delightful blend of flavors that transports your palate to the streets of Seoul.
And for a touch of boldness, the Kimchi Pork Belly Bao offers a fusion of flavors that dance on your tongue. The kimchi, with its spicy and tangy kick, beautifully complements the savory pork belly.