HOT Buns

Bao buns are comforting pillows of perfection perfect on a cold fall day, so I have decided to make a list of the city’s best – well, my favourites anyways! These should help keep you warm…at least through November. Feel free to share your favourites in the comments section below!

1. EPICERIE HÀO

255 Rue Rachel E, Montréal, QC H2W 1E5

This tiny spot is home to four stools, a take-out counter, and pretty much one menu item – bao buns. That’s right. Currently, aside from a simple cucumber salad, various bao buns are the only thing served at this establishment, so it’s no wonder they are so damn good at making them. These buns are flavourful and fluffy. I tried the tofu and pork belly buns, which were both so good that I couldn’t even choose a favourite. In other words, go get yourself one (or five) of these ASAP!

 

2. CHÒ

4450 Rue Notre-Dame O, Montréal, QC H4C 1S1

It’s no secret to Montrealers that Chò serves up some of the best bao buns in the city – and they do it in style. They have a wider range of buns to choose from – think lobster and fried chicken. These are less traditional, but definitely tasty! Go get cho’ fix!

3. SATAY BROTHERS

3721 Notre Dame Ouest, Montréal, QC H4C 1P8

Whether cooling off at the Atwater market with some papaya salad in the summer, or slurping on a spicy noodle soup at their St. Henri location in the winter, Satay Brothers have Montrealers covered no matter the season. But there is nothing quite as comforting as biting into one of their perfect bao buns (pork belly or tofu) on a fall evenin’. If you seriously haven’t tried this spot yet, it’s about time – and I’d highly recommend a taste of their buns!

4. HÀ

243 Avenue du Mont-Royal O, Montréal, QC H2T 2T2

Vietnamese is one of my favourite cuisines and their are very few trendy spots that do it well. Enter Hà. Though not a new restaurant, I am still always surprised by how well they execute modern-takes on Vietnamese dishes. They do bao a little differently. Squid ink buns surround vegetables and crispy shrimp. For a picture perfect bao bun with some flare, b(ao)nce over to Hà!

5. GADO GADO

1242 Rue Mackay, Montréal, QC H3G 2H4

This casual Indonesian eatery serves up traditional Indonesian dishes – and lucky for us, buns are on the menu! If you’re looking for a casual spot  to chow down on some pork belly or vegetarian bao, you should check them out! I also highly recommend that you try some of their Indonesian specialties!