[London] On an ordinary occasion, I would not have chosen to eat at a place like Bun House at Chinatown, because Bao are everywhere back home.
For context, a Bao back home costs around SGD0.90 to SGD2.50, compared to £3.80, which is roughly SGD6.50.
I joined a “Secret Food Tour SoHo” which included “skipping the lines for the best Bao Buns in the city”.
For foodies, the tour was quite worth it (not sponsored, and thanks Anna – you have been great!).
Bun House is centred around Cantonese-style steamed buns, with a constant line of tourists.
While there is a small dine-in area with décor reminiscent of Hong Kong food stalls, most come here to take away.
It can feel a bit hectic, especially during peak hours, which complements the fast-paced, grab-and-go nature of the menu.
The menu revolves around steamed buns, or “bao” (£3.80) which come in a variety of flavours.
There is the most popular savoury Pig Bun filled with char siu pork and the spicy Lamb Bun, which packs a punch with cumin and garlic.
For something sweet, get the Custard Bun (£3.80) filled with a sweet and gooey salted egg custard that bursts out when bitten into.
These buns are different from the Taiwanese-style bao, as they are closed and have a slightly denser texture.
Each come cutely stamped with a Chinese character reflecting its fillings.
Many tourists were holding up their buns for photos, though I saw a number of them hold up the wrong side (I helped them identify the correct side of the Chinese characters.)
The outer layer was fluffy, while the pork itself was tender, with chunks of fatty meat adding depth to the flavour.
It was much saltier than I expected though, as the ones I was familiar with are sweet and glazed.
The menu at Bun House offers a range of snacks and sharing dishes, ideal for a quick bite or a casual meal.
For snacks, you can try the Salt & Pepper Squid (£8.80), Hoisin Sesame Cheung Fun (£8), Mala Waffle Fries (£5), Hong Kong Curry Chicken Wings (£6.8), along with a refreshing Suoyi Cucumber & Chilli Vinaigrette (£5.80).
The other item recommended is the Kaya French Toast with Jasmine Clotted Cream (£7.50).
Surprisingly, not too bad. The toast is golden and crisp on the outside while maintaining a soft, pillowy centre.
Kaya (a sweet coconut jam) is common back home. This was rich and fragrant, though I found the sweetness a little overpowering and could do with more pandan fragrance.
I can see why the appeal. Though Bun House is more for a quick takeaway for a bao or two – good for the gram.
Bun House
26-27 Lisle St, London WC2H 7BA, United Kingdom
Opening Hours: 12pm – 9pm (Mon), 12pm – 10pm (Tues – Thurs), 12pm – 10:30pm (Fri – Sat), 12pm – 9:30pm (Sun)
Google Maps – Bun House
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