On a roll with these buns Perhaps one of the most delicious and affordable Asian contributions to the culinary scene is the steamed bun. Sort of like an Eastern version of a slider, these fluffy little clouds are typically made with rice flour, steamed, and then stuffed with any combination of toppings imaginable. In Astoria, alone, there are several droolworthy versions of these PacMan-shaped nibbles available, and all for under five bucks. That’s not too shabby for a miniature sandwich that showcases some of the most exquisite meats and seafood a chef can prepare. Take at look at five of the best versions we have found. At the Bao Shoppe, Astoria’s newest stop for steamed buns, you can order these bad boys topped with smoked brisket 6 | BOROMAG.COM | APRIL 2014 and slaw, with a side of French fries and curry sauce, or fries loaded with a smoked meat of your choice and a stack of kimchi. One of our favorite buns is the Colonel Bao. The chef brines the chicken overnight, deep fries it, and serves it with coleslaw and a fresh pickle for $3.50. It might be the best fried chicken in the neighborhood, and you cannot beat the price. Buns also come loaded with pork belly, bulgogi, and crispy tofu. Rumor has it they might be serving crawfish and meatloaf on buns as specials in the next few months. The Bao Shoppe, 30-66 Steinway St., Ast oria, NY 11103 The Pun Sai Moo at Leng are the Thai cousins of the steamed bun. While an order of these is $8, you do get two buns on a bed of slaw, and these guys are pretty hefty. They come filled with wonderfully fatty cuts of pork belly, which is balanced with a tangy pickle, crispy slaw, and a spicy hoisin sauce that is not too unlike a sriracha barbecue. Leng Thai, 33-09 Broadway, Ast oria, NY 11106 The Japanese buns at HinoMaru Ramen are called Niku Man, and they are some of our favorites, mainly because you can order them stuffed with soft shell crab, shrimp tempura, a miraculously tender slice of marinated pork, or a light salad made with kani. The buns range from around 5 to 6 bucks. But depending on the meat, some come two to an order, which makes these about $2.50 a piece. Throw FOOD STORY + IMAGES Bradley HAWKS The Bao Shoppe
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