Belly Bao Restaurant Newtown
By Lisa Nguyen | Published 25 December 2023
Does this spot match the hype?
TL; DR | Summary
Belly Bao is a must-visit for bao enthusiasts and those who love a twist on traditional Asian flavours. You are in for a tasty treat with a range of delicious baos and other savoury dishes like noodles and fried chicken. The dimly lit interior and bar setup create an inviting atmosphere, perfect for casual dining and drinking.
Belly Bao Review
@bestspots.com.au A must-visit for bao enthusiasts ⬇️ Belly Bao is a Newtown gem that offers more than just your average bao 😁. The place is a haven for Asian food lovers, combining traditional bao with a modern twist 🔥 It's guaranteed that you're in for a tasty treat with a range of delicious baos and other savoury dishes like noodles 🍜 and fried chicken 🍗 The variety of baos on offer are impressive, covering a broad spectrum of proteins to cater to all tastes 😋. From the succulent slow-braised pork to the crunchy delight of crackling roast pork 🐖, there's something for everyone. Vegetarians 🥬 aren't left out either, with options like crispy tofu providing a delicious alternative. Other bao choices include: - The crunchy delight of panko-crumbed chicken 🐔 - The tender soft-shell crab 🦀 - The richly flavoured slow-braised beef 🥩 📕 To see all the baos, it's all at bestspots.com.au #bellybao #baobuns #newtowneats #newtownsydney #asianfusion ♬ Gingerbread Lover - Ivoris & Chevy
Belly Bao is a Newtown gem that offers more than just your average bao. The place is a haven for Asian food lovers, combining traditional bao with a modern twist. Located within a 10 minute walk of Newtown station, it's easily accessible via public transport. I recommend not driving to Newtown as parking in peak hours can prove extremely difficult.
Once you step in, indulging here is easy, especially with the Belly Bao menu variety. The dimly lit ambience, complemented by a well-stocked bar, sets the scene for a relaxed and enjoyable dining experience. One can expect to spend a bit more, particularly if exploring their different savoury options or delving into the drink and dessert menus, but otherwise, the food is reasonably priced.
The variety of baos on offer are impressive, covering a broad spectrum of proteins to cater to all tastes. From the succulent slow-braised pork to the crunchy delight of crackling roast pork, there's something for everyone. Vegetarians aren't left out either, with options like crispy tofu providing a delicious alternative. Other bao choices include:
- The crunchy delight of panko-crumbed chicken.
- The tender soft-shell crab.
- The richly flavoured slow-braised beef.
Without a doubt, this restaurant is a haven of bao sliders.
Bao Buns To Suit All Tastes
Belly Bao is perfect for a casual evening out, a fun gathering with friends, or a date night. You can be assured that the swift service ensures that your food arrives hot, letting you dive into these delectable baos without a lengthy wait. During my visit with a companion, we managed to sample four of the six available bao varieties, and each one was a hit or met expectations. The balance of flavours and textures in each bao, from the softness of the bun to the well-seasoned fillings, was spot on.
The Crackling Roast Pork Belly Bao is a crowd favourite. It features perfectly crispy crackling, with the freshness of radish and a smooth mayo that ties it together. Equally impressive is the Slow Braised Pork Belly Bao, where the richness of the pork is beautifully complemented by the tang of mustard greens, the crunch of peanuts, and a hint of coriander.
For those who prefer beef, the Slow Braised Beef Short Rib Bao is also a good choice, featuring tender, flavour-packed meat that falls apart in your mouth.
And not to be overshadowed by the other baos, the Soft Shell Crab Bao is equally impressive, especially considering the portion of crab given! The Soft Shell Crab Bao combines the delicate taste of crab with a satisfying crunch, making it a solid choice for those opting for seafood.
Other than their specialty baos, the Onion Bao Noodles deserve a special mention. This vegan noodle dish is tossed in a fragrant house-made onion oil and garnished with fresh herbs, making it a simple yet flavourful dish that shouldn't be overlooked.
Another dish that stood out was the Belly Bao Fried Chicken. This juicy, tender chicken with some crisp, makes it a must-try. The balance of crunchiness and flavour is spot-on, making it a highly recommended choice for anyone visiting.
To complement your meal, I recommend the Yuzu Mojito, as it is a refreshing choice, offering a citrusy twist to the classic cocktail or mocktail. There are also numerous other alcoholic and non-alcoholic options, as there is an entire bar to source from.
The only downside, however, was the Blueberry Cheesecake Spring Rolls, as despite their creativity, they need significant improvement. The dessert served with vanilla ice cream and house-made blueberry sauce, falls short in terms of flavour balance and texture.
RECOMMENDED
- Any of the bao options
- Yuzu mojito (mocktail or cocktail)
- Onion bao noodles
Final Words
Belly Bao in Newtown is a culinary gem that shouldn't be missed by anyone looking to explore Asian fusion cuisine with a contemporary twist. Its convenient location near Newtown train station, combined with the variety and quality of the menu, makes it a restaurant worth visiting. The baos are the show's stars, but their noodles and fried chicken are equally worth trying. Then, complimented by the dimly lit ambience and a well-stocked bar, Belly Bao sets the scene for a relaxed and enjoyable dining experience.
Where to find Belly Bao Newtown
Address
Hours
- Monday: Closed
- Tuesday: 5:00 – 9:00 PM
- Wednesday: 5:00 – 9:00 PM
- Thursday: 5:00 – 9:00 PM
- Friday: 11:30 AM – 3:00 PM, 5:00 – 10:00 PM
- Saturday: 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM
- Sunday: 11:30 AM – 3:00 PM, 5:00 – 9:00 PM
Website
Phone
+61 402 826 907
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