The Bao Bros Pop-Up at Littlefoot Bar

Focusing on Gua Bao (or steamed buns for the uninitiated…), The Bao Bros are a pop-up shop inside Littlefoot Bar (Footscray) and are soon to have a permanent haunt.

The “Bao” is a popular snack from the streets of Taiwan. A ‘Taiwanese taco’ if you will, the Bao is a soft and pillowy bun folded in half then steamed and filled with an assortment of ingredients.

Traditionally filled with braised pork belly, pickled mustard and crushed peanuts, The Bao Bros are bringing their own adventurous and delicious twist on the humble Bao.

The menu is kept small but packs a punch with gourmet bao fillings and side dishes.  The gourmet fillings draw from the gua bao's Taiwanese background and boasts a myriad of Asian flavours.  

The Pork Bao was our favourite bao, featuring tender slow-braised pork in char siu sauce with pickled mustard and crispy candy crackling. We loved the tried and true flavour combinations and the manner in which the crispy crackling contrasted against the pillow soft buns and melt in your mouth pork morsels.

The Beef Bao was a particularly interesting bao which boasted an underlying smokiness and a lovely chimichong (a playful take on the chimichurri) sauce.

The Veggie Bao impressed with its perfectly battered eggplant - think crunchy exterior and gooey soft interior.  It was a delightful vegetarian bao that would appeal to even the most carnivorous individuals.

The limited time only special Peking Duck Bao was beautiful. We loved the combination of luxurious duck and classic hoisin sauce. A steal at $10, the Peking Duck Bao is served with a bowl of duck congee and a side of Asian slaw.

If you love your fried chicken, the Crispy Chicken Wings here are pretty darn good - fried to a crisp in The Bao Bros secret spices.

Offering a fast, fresh and flavoursome eating experience at an affordable price, The Bao Bros is a welcomed addition to Footscray's vibrant foodie scene and has a little something for everyone.

What: The Bao Bros pop-up

Where: 223 Barkly Street, Footscray

When: Sun - Wed 11am - 11pm (kitchen closed 10:30pm)