Bao Wow (Wanchai, Hong Kong) ★★☆☆☆

After all the "Spanish invasion" (Zurriola, Tapagria, Ham & Sherry) in the second half of 2013, we were glad to see a temporary stoppage to the waves of Spanish tapas restaurants for the time being. But slowly and quietly gathering momentum is a wave of casual eateries that feature Chinese-style steamed buns. 

Joining the wave is Bao Wow, a fast-food eatery in Wanchai specializing in the Taiwanese street food, "Gua Bao" (steamed buns). 

Apart from the authentic Taiwanese Gua Bao, the menu also offers other fusion Gua Baos such as sliced beef and kimchi (Korean), Shanghai Pang Pang chicken (Chinese), Thai fish fillet (Thai) and teriyaki tofu (Japanese). 



The buns are made fresh on-site and prepared in the traditional Chinese bamboo steamer.



Each order of Gua Bao comes with 2 pieces. For someone visiting the restaurant for the first time, the original "Gua Bao" with braised pork belly, chinese relish, cilantro, crushed peanuts and Taiwanese red sugar seemed to be the obvious choice.

I thought the steamed buns were fine but the braised pork belly was lacking in seasoning and flavor. Another major miscue was the abundance of soft bones in one piece of my pork belly which turned out to be not soft at all.




I also had the taro fries with Sriracha mayo dipping sauce to go with my Gua Bao and thought it was just okay.

Appreciate the effort but there's still a lot to improve on I am afraid.

Food Rating: 3/10

Price: $$$

Address: 28 Tai Wong Street East, Wanchai, Hong Kong

Closest Metro Station: Wanchai
Tel: +852 2528-9505
Website: www.baowowhk.com