Wonderbao

Banh Bao. Pork buns. Custard buns. Open buns. Closed buns.

Tina & Andrew, the young parents of Wonderbao, have started a phenomenon!!! Wonderbao is the latest craze, and you would be a fool to miss it. The location of this bao heaven is small and hidden, but nothing short of amazing. They have a great range of open or closed buns, varying from tofu, braised pork berry, taro and even egg custard (one of my favourites). When I am peckish, I try to not let my eyes take over my greedy stomach, so I only bought one each for Giraffe and I. As predicted, we ended up buying another one because they were EXTREMELY DELECTABLE.

Fresh, steamy and flavoursome.

Wonderbao isn't only about the baos. I've heard great things from others about the soy milk, and happily enjoyed one all to myself (as Giraffe is semi-lactose intolerant... if that's even possible). Hot/cold soy milk for only $2.80 (you can't go wrong with that) and there is a fridge in the corner full of Yeo's drink boxes for only $1.60 each! There are sweet childhood memories linked with those Asian drink boxes, so I was thrilled to see them for sale in Wonderbao.

^ The pot of gold under the rainbow alleyway.

^ Two gua bao / open buns please. Available after 10:30am.

1. Braised Pork Belly (MY FAVOURITE)

This has got to be my favourite one of all time. I haven't tried the entire menu (only 3/10) but I can assure you that this has all the right flavours in the perfect combination. When I buy the pork buns (in the pack of 4 from any local Asian grocery store), you obviously cannot taste the freshness. If you prepare it incorrectly, the meat can taste a bit foul and crunchy. Wonderbao's gua bao is FRESH. So, so fresh. Fresher than Tic Tacs. Fresher than the Prince of Bel Air. I gobbled it up in less than four bites. It's approximately the same price as a fob roll or a cheeseburger, but it so much more healthier and interesting to eat. The pork belly was tender, but not too soggy. So perfect.

2. Fried Silky Tofu, $3.80

Giraffe's favourite. This gua bao consists of pickled mustard with the obvious coriander and peanuts. I don't usually opt for the vegetarian option, but it was healthy and had a tofu-rrific taste. I would strongly suggest this one if you do not want to have a strong tasting and heavy gua bao.

^ Cold soy milk for a warm Halloween morning.

Only costs a mere $2.80 and you can get it hot as well, if that's how you like it :)

Can you see my black milk leggings in the background? I probably wouldn't wear it on a normal day, but I figured "why not be different today because it is Halloween?". I did receive a couple of weird glances around the train station though... 

SPEAKING OF WEIRD GLANCES... I was stalking comments on Wonderbao's page, and this atrocious comment came to my attention:

Mr Opinionated: "Just had Wonderbao and it was underwhelming.
Meh is the word of the day."

^ Ummm. What? Fair enough, every one is entitled to their own opinion. In his defence, I have said some terrible things about some restaurants in my time as well. But Mr Opinionated, your opinion in this situation is ABSOLUTELY INVALID. In his bitter and "disappointed" response to Wonderbao, I'm sure he would be delighted to know that they are cruising along Urbanspoon's most "recently viewed and blogged" ladder in Melbourne, sitting comfortably at THIRD PLACE. Second to Chin Chin and Mamasita, which are fine dining venues that have been around for years. It will be no surprise when Wonderbao takes first place, and I will bao down to them when they do. 

^ 3. Roast Pork Belly, $3.80

With that rant being said, you should definitely try the banh baos. The only two con's about the place is that it doesn't take eftpos, and there are only six stools inside. I wish there were more!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It's such a great place, which is why they sometimes have to put crates at the front. Take a stroll down Literature Lane when you can, it's only a two minute talk from Melbourne Central. You won't be baored. Okay soz lame pun :)

 Wonderbao 

Shop 4/19-37 A'Beckett Street

or

Literature Lane (off Little LaTrobe Street)

Near the RMIT bookshop

9654 7887