BAO Steam Kitchen revs up!
Rive Libre
The neighborhood is finally on the move! Gone are the Geneva brasseries, hello the baos. In this little perimeter well known to (former) night owls, old-fashioned signs are giving way to a youthful modernity. Whether it’s oysters from Chez Henri,Umamido ‘s bubbling ramen or, for the past fortnight, BAO Steam Kitchen’s steamed brioches, Boulevard Helvétique is alive and kicking!
Standard
Like its predecessor in the Jonction district, the new store just a few metres from the Halles de Rive is a copy/paste of its predecessor, resembling it in every way. The decor is based on the same themes and tones as its big sister, with an extra touch of brightness that’s not unpleasant. Is this a chain effect? Absolutely not! As soon as the restaurant is full, the sound volume goes into overdrive, helping to set the mood without being distracting. The aim is not to create an extended romantic meal.
Bao 4 Ever
With attentive service, enumerations and detailed explanations of dishes, the menu can begin with the Xiao Long Bao,s traditional steamed buns stuffed with pork and gorged with broth. Best eaten with a spoon, after making a small hole in the bread with a chopstick to allow the liquid to drain out gently. Jiaozis – Bao in the shape of a half-moon – are best served with chicken and lemongrass colored with turmeric. The Baozi’s larger size and lack of pork stuffing make the dish stifling. A little more generosity on the quantity please!
The Word of Hunger
It’s great to see world cuisine subtly taking over this aging neighborhood. Thanks to its ultra-briefed front-of-house team, and with a few culinary tweaks to iron out, Bao Steam Kitchen 2.0 has a bright future ahead of it. Open on Sundays, but please note that reservations are not possible.
Bao Steam Kitchen, 27 boulevard Helvétique, Tel: 022 840 02 76
