There’s probably no other time of the year when my family is more likely to fall back to the easy convenience of an Uber Eats delivery than in the weeks running up to Christmas. I have lost track of the number of times that we have arrived home late, and frankly exhausted, after a day of work, followed by some sort of school performance, with an hour or two to spare, before heading out for drinks with friends. On nights like these, there are two dinner options: 1. concoct something ‘magical’ from the wilted leaves and gubbins languishing in the neglected fridge or 2. reach for the phone…
We were delighted to discover that Baby Bao, of The Pond pub fame, is now available for Uber Eats delivery. It’s been a long-time favourite of my husband and mine. We had so far ‘neglected’ to introduce the kids, contenting ourselves that the flavour profile was too grown up (good) for them. However, on a recent, frosty Friday evening, with family visiting, we decided to go for it.
Short and Sweet
Our order went in a little earlier in the evening than usual which made for a swift delivery and, with everything going according to plan, the food arrived hot and fresh. The Baby Bao menu is short and sweet so, between the six of us, we managed to cover much of it.
Just in case you don’t know, Bao are delicious pillowy white steamed buns, a mouthwatering Taiwanese street food which come stuffed to the brim with your choice of umami-laden, texture-rich, taste explosions. And Baby Bao’s versions are particularly good.
We ordered the Hoisin Tofu, Fried Chicken, Sweet and Sticky Mushroom and Pulled Gochujang Jackfruit buns. The Hoisin Tofu is a comfortingly reliable combo of crunchy tofu with fresh cucumber, crispy shallots and spring onion.
The fried chicken, a juicy streetfood classic, was a particular favourite with the kids – small and big! We particularly enjoyed the sticky, sweet BBQ mushroom number and our intro to the pleasures of jackfruit.
Sriracha, Hoisin and Miso
Alongside the Bao buns there are a number of irresistible sides. We couldn’t resist the Baby Bao chips which come drizzled with hoisin, sriracha (good on almost everything!) and miso mayo then loaded with crispy shallots, spring onions and peanuts. This is some super fun fusion!
The buttered Sambal corn ribs are deliciously sweet and finger-lickingly tasty. We ordered a dish of the dynamite vegan prawns which were particularly moorish with their dipping sauce – and we seriously wished we’d ordered more.
However, our absolute favourite was the Miso Roasted Aubergine. Sweet, savoury and soft, sprinkled with sesame seeds and fresh coriander, spring onions and sambal then topped with more miso mayo, it is an absolute delight.
Family Hold Back!
I would say that the spice levels are perfect for most but might be a little beyond the unpracticed taste buds of the youngest kids. Apart from that, the only challenge will be how much you are prepared to share, and whether you can resist overdoing it (again!).
