Meet the bao: the Chinese bread that’s a hit in Brazil

Bread of Chinese origin has long since begun to appear in Brazilian restaurants and has had some success.

The Bao or Bun, as it is called in English, is made up of three basic ingredients that everyone has at home: wheat flour, yeast and water. However, it has nothing basic, it is a steamed bun, which can have different fillings and ended up traveling the world to fall in love with the Brazilians.

Bao dough is very airy, which makes the bread fluffy. The most classic filling is pork, but there are several possibilities, some Brazilian shops also sell it with sweet fillings.

The major differentials of bao to a regular bread are: its texture, softness, versatility and characteristic sweet touch. Another important point that has helped it to be accepted and loved by Brazilians is the very familiar format, as it looks like a mini sandwich.

Many oriental foods are rejected by the West due to their different shape, texture, appearance, etc., but Bao doesn’t suffer from this prejudice because it closely resembles the foods we are used to.

It is important to note that this dish has a wide variation in format and filling depending on the region where it is sold. While the classic filling is pork, new consumers are experimenting with chicken, tofu, vegetarian fillings, among many others. Some places also make a fried version of the dish.

How did the sandwich become famous?

Even before arriving in Brazil, Bao became famous worldwide thanks to the Korean American David Chang, who also spread other oriental trends, such as ramen and kimchi, in the world.

In 2004, he included a pork sandwich on the menu of his cafe, called Momofuku Noodle Bar, in New York, United States, and it was so successful that it attracted many customers and a long line at the door of his establishment.

The chef has published a book and in it he claims that he does not know the exact reason for the success that Bun has had in the United States. However, from then on, the bun ended up winning the world. More restaurants have opened in the country and abroad, such as in Brazil and elsewhere in South America. Nowadays, the bao (or bun) is known in many regions and is a huge success.

Where to eat bao in São Paulo?

panda yes

Pinheiros’ restaurant draws many customers seeking bao, but also offers other Asian cuisine options, such as gyoza and breaded chicken. It won the Best Good and Cheap award from Veja SP.

One of the most famous baos is breaded chicken, salad and lemon mayonnaise, it’s worth a try!

Address: Rua Lisboa, 971 – Pinheiros

Yes tea

The house, also located in Pinheiros, is dedicated to Chinese teas and the country’s culinary specialties. The bao has two fillings, shiitake or pork belly.

It is a very immersive space to discover Chinese cuisine.

Address: R. Fradique Coutinho, 344 – Pinheiros

The house of the pig

The seventh best restaurant in the world in 2022, A Casa do Porco also features bao on its menu. Since chef Jefferson Rueda is a fan of oriental cuisine, in addition to ramen and pork sushi, bao also has the signature house ingredient, along with fermented radish, watercress and sweet and sour sauce. Worth a try!

Address: Rua Araújo, 124 – Republic

asian icon

At the Iconic Asian restaurant you can find delicious baos both on the à la carte menu and on the tasting menu (Tuesday to Friday, for dinner). The sandwich can be stuffed with bacon, mushrooms or beef sausage.

Address: Rua Fidalga, 79 – Pinheiros

IzakayaToki

In this typical Japanese bar with an industrial atmosphere, a pork bun filled with bacon, tarê, cucumber and spicy jelly could not be missing. Besides the baos, it’s worth a visit to discover another side of oriental cuisine, more focused on hot dishes and appetizers.

Address: Rua Artur de Azevedo, 986, Pinheiros

Source: Terra

Rose

Rose James is a Gossipify movie and series reviewer known for her in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the latest releases. With a background in film studies, she provides engaging and informative reviews, and keeps readers up to date with industry trends and emerging talents.