Have you ever had a food that rocked your world or made you think differently about everything you know? A new flavor or experience that made a craving you never thought you’d have?
I’m a small town guy, I’ve always lived in a rural town with limited access to culturally different food. What I mean by that is. We have a running joke, we like meat, potatoes, and a lack of salt. If you are looking for “bar food” we have you covered. For most this is fine. For me, I like to explore cuisine. Being held down by one flavor or texture has never been my calling. So when my friend asked if I’d like to vacation to New York, New York and sample as many restaurants as we can. I jumped at the offer.
It was in Chinatown where the experience happened. I can’t remember the shop or what else we ordered but one item stuck out to me. The pork bao buns, just another dish set down at our table. I picked one up and took a bite. The sweet pulled pork mixed with the soft airy texture of the steamed buns was enough for me, I was in love. I immediately looked for a recipe.
Once I arrived back to my little small town, my mind still drifted to that bao bun in New York. Like losing a lover, I felt like I’d never meet them again. I bought a steamer on amazon, found multiple recipes and got to work. I’ve tried to replicate them as many times as I can but they never quite live up to that first bite. My friend has gotten close, we both were pushed to make a food we never had before.
It’s amazing what little things can make such a large difference in your life. Who knew it would be a bao bun in Chinatown. Thank god I wasn’t scared to try something new. It may have stopped me from discovering a new favorite food.
Housed and Fed 