I came across Juicy Bao in Chinatown when my friend couldn’t find one of the ramen places we were meant to go to. Firstly, we asked if they take card since we both had no cash on us. Luckily they did and the minimum was $30 so in we went.
It was super busy inside and the service was so quick. Sure, they spoke in Mandarin (luckily my friend could understand us) but they were so polite and quickly changed to English once they saw I couldn’t understand. We got a serving of the Signature Steamed Juicy Bao or A.K.A Pork XIAO LONG BAOOOO!!! My gosh, when they came out, they were GINORMOUS!! Juicy they were, dumplings craving satisfied. So if you get this, be warned that they were dumplings on steroids so don’t over order!
Signature Steamed Juicy Bao (Pork Xiao Long Bao) – $10.80 (8pc)
We also got the Shanghai Pan Fried Juicy Bao (Miss Chanel wanted it of course…) and yet again, they were larger than usual (Who’s going to eat all these goddamn dumplings??). I wasn’t a fan of this one. I found there was way too much dumpling skin and not enough meaty goodness. Ratio was really off and I left that for Miss Chanel to finish off.
Shanghai Pan Fried Pork Juicy Bao – $9.80 (6pc)
Since Miss Chanel LOVES her spiciness, we got a serving of pork and prawn wonton in peanut, chili and spice sauce. I really REALLY liked these! It wasn’t too spicy and the sauce was lovely, such a peanutty taste. The dumplings themselves were normal sized compared to the other dumplings we ordered and I didn’t feel heavy having them at all. Another recommended dish!
Pork & Prawn Wonton in Peanut, Chili & Spice Sauce – $9.80 (15pc)
Finally, the last dish we got was the braised beef in hot and spicy noodle soup. I didn’t mind this dish. The soup wasn’t too spicy and the beef could have been more tender. The noodles I found didn’t really match with the soup but Miss Chanel LOVED it and went to town with it!
Braised Beef in Hot & Spicy Noodle Soup – $10.80
The food came out super quick, lovely waitstaff, cheap eats and amazing dumplings. Will totally come back here if I’m ever in Chinatown and need a quick and cheap feed.
178 Little Bourke St, Melbourne CBD, VIC 3000
Tel: (03) 9041 7009