KEN HUNTS FOOD: Bao Culture @ Maritime Piazza, Karpal Singh Drive, Penang.

Monday, August 1, 2016

Bao Culture @ Maritime Piazza, Karpal Singh Drive, Penang.

Gua Bao (刈包) is commonly known as the national burger for the Taiwanese; though they are quite common in Penang but the Taiwanese delicacy does not seem to have stirred up the interest of the gourmands. With the Gua Bao-scene going on for a few years, Maritime Piazza sees the opening of a new Gua Bao-specialist. It settles in the slot right next to Milkcow Soft Serve, 1st floor of the building. The place is not fully air-conditioned but one could enjoy the natural sea breeze, though it can be quite warm in the sultry afternoons. The menu is pretty Gua Bao-focused, though there are a few sides that diners can order.

Steamed Bao with Grilled Chicken Set (Rm 22)

Yaki Pasta (Rm 20)

Bao Culture's signature Gua Bao comes in different form, diners can opt to have them steamed or fried... same theory applies to the filling. The health conscious in us suggested we should go for their Steamed Bao with Grilled Chicken, doused with a Japanese-influenced Tarutaru sauce (Japanese Tartar sauce). The Sandwich-like treat was tasty- soft and pillowy Bun sandwiching a slab of Grilled Chicken, a sliver of Cheddar Cheese and some greens. The first impression we had? Fillet O' Fish from McDonald's. Probably due to the familiar combination of Japanese Tartar Sauce and Cheddar Cheese. Anyway, we enjoyed the texture of the Grilled Chicken- juicy and tender but the flavor was mild, or overshadowed by the Tartar Sauce. The Fries were decent but slightly saltish to our liking.

Yaki Pasta was exotic and the flavors were too complicated for us. It has a mix of many flavors- Mentsuyu (Japanese Noodle dipping sauce), smokiness of the Bacon, eggy aroma from the flowing Egg. The Pasta was slightly overcooked and overall, the flavors did not shine. We'd recommend to stick to their signature Gua Bao, just to play safe.