DUMPLING REVIEW: The Bao

My search for the best dumplings in New York continues….

I recently read a blog post where the writer said they visited a mediocre dumpling spot on St. Marks. It turns out they were talking about The Bao, which opened late last year and specializes in xiao long bao (or soup dumplings).

Now I might have been inclinced to call this a mediocre dumpling spot myself if I hadn’t done the research about the business and sat down for a meal. Most of the food options along St. Marks tend to cater to a certain clientele that celebrate cheap fast food more than a quality meal. It’d be shocking to find some of the best dumplings in the city on this mediocre food street.

But The Bao comes from soup dumpling professionals. The owner has been serving up the delicate wrappers at Kung Fu Xiao Long Bao in Queens for the last few years. At the East Village location, the options are a bit less traditional. A wasabi xiao long bao (bringing in the popular flavors of Japan) sounded quite tempting and if there was room, I would have definitely ordered the Chocolate Xiao Long Bao. But for my first visit, I stuck with the classic.

Here they’re called Kung Fu Xiao Long Bao and they’re served to you by a mediocre waitstaff that does not seem to have time for their guests. Just like most establishments on this street. But putting that aside, the dumplings are superb.

Most soup dumplings have a thick skin to prevent breakage, but here they are head-scratchingly thin and tender. Yet the soup stays inside until you bite it to reveal soft minced pork with rich flavors. The gingery dipping sauce helped, but my only complaint was there was not enough soup.

Still this was an excellent example of a New York cheap food classic. On a street known for mediocre food, no less.

Does The Bao make the best dumplings in NY? 8 out of 10, however, the only thing holding them back from a higher rating is the smaller soup portion, but the skins are thin and incredible with a deliciously rich porky, filling