Bao Chicka Wow Wow: Bao Kitchen Taiwan Bistro

I know, I know, you and I both thought that my first post from Buenos Aires (or Bs As as the cool kids say) would be about a parrilla/steakhouse. Well, we were both wroohoong (a rare occasion for me – don’t know about you). On my second evening I was looking for a dinner place close by, as I had been out, wandering the street of Bs As all day. By accident, I found an interesting blog from a young American woman living in Bs As, saw her recommendation for Bao Kitchen and decided to give it a try. And well, high five to me for this splendid decision. The restaurant is located just one block off the famous Calle Florida (“normal” Spanish speaking people say “caje Florida”, the Argentinians however say “casche Florida”) and it is really worth a visit. Their signature dish is – as the name suggests – Gua Bao. Hooked on the Shanghai Baos from Wesley’s Kitchen and suffering from returning cravings for umami flavor since my travels to Japan, of course I had to order this and I was not disappointed:

They come in three different versions: bondiola (pork belly), pancetta and chicken. All are garnished with cilantro, radish and shredded peanuts. I’ve had all three of them and bondiola is by far my favorite. Pancetta is not bad, chicken to me was a bit dry, which had the advantage that my plate wasy not a mess afterwards… They also offer a vegetarian version that I cannot comment on – because meat, you know.

In addition, they also have dumplings which I had to try too and they were very yummy:

For lunch, they offer a daily special and also 2 Gua Bao, both include iced green tea and a small dessert. All for ARS 140-160! For dessert you can normally choose between a small cake (lemon, apple, carrot, etc.) or their homemade banana ice cream. Although I don’t like bananas that much, I tried it. I believe no cream is added, so it’s more a sorbet and quite refreshing. However, it was still banana, so not for me. If you like bananas; go for it!

 

When it comes to service, the waiters and especially the owner, Meilin, couldn’t be friendlier or more eager to help. They all speak English as well and Meilin with her multinational background speaks German too. There is really nothing I can complain about!

Bao Kitchen, be warned, you have a new regular (well, at least for the next six weeks). 🙂

Bao Kitchen Taiwan Bistro
San Martín 960, Retiro, CABA
Opening Hours: Mon-Thurs 11.30am-9pm, Fri-Sat 11.30am-11.30pm
You’ll find their full menu on their Facebook page.

P.S.: If Argentina is not in your travel itinerary anytime soon, Meilin’s brother runs a similar restaurant in Berlin.