The East Village is home to some truly good eats, but I’m always trying to find something that balances quickness, deliciousness, and affordability — especially when I’m eating out alone. Call me particular, but the idea of sidling up to a tablecloth and place setting for one is a bit bleak. I found BaoHaus one night when I was wandering, and I was drawn to this tiny hole in the wall. BaoHaus serves up bao mis, which are steamed buns (think Dim Sum sweet pork buns) filled with different meats. Everything is all natural, and they pride themselves on the quality of their products — and you can truly taste it. Baos are about the size of a small taco, and I was quite content with two — each at about $3. I went with the Chariman Bao, which is braised all natural berkshire pork belly, served with crushed peanuts, cilantro, Haus Relish, and Taiwanese red sugar; and the BirdHaus Bao, which is brined, fried chicken served with spicy seasoning salt, cilantro, crushed peanuts, and Taiwanese sugar. To. Die. For. The spicy mixes with the sugar for a taste that’s out of this world, and the cilantro brings a touch of clean crispness to really knock your palette out. Each is about 3 healthy bites to savor, if you’re a monster like I am, or you can take your time and really enjoy it. No judgment, either way.
