Wanna Bao

Been hearing alot about this new Chinese place in Midtown.

 How their Xiao Long Bao is so amazing and what not.

 As you know, curiosity kills the cat.  Or feed me fat...

 Cute place and simple decor, not too complicated but got my attention of their details.

 First dish: salt and pepper squid.  Unfortunately, not enough salt or pepper, just kinda bland.

 Dancing Pork Belly, this is kinda interesting...they bring out a dish of the rice cracker and veggie, then in a separate bowl, they pour the pork belly and sauce over it.  

 So the story on the rice cracker: the original dish is to use the burnt rice from the bottom of the rice cooker or pot, scrap them up and you get the sauce over it to soften it and you have sauce and rice with the protein.  Since, these days are hard to burnt any rice, they substitute with rice cracker instead.

Finally, the reason for being here: Xiao Long Bao.  I will say, I'd wish they give personal serving of ginger and soy sauce to each diner instead of split.  I got the dip and double dip feeling when I dip my spoon in there to get some sauce.  

Anyway, the consummate in the bao were amazing.  The other dishes were so-so, but this one really hit it out of the park.  I can see why people were oohing and aahing about their XLB.  Definitely is a must try.  Watch out though, they have a shrimp one and a pork one, so make sure you ask for the right one.

The location is a tad on the side, but not hard to get to, despite the nearby constructions.  There are plenty of parking on both sides of the building.  It was previously an ice house/bar, but they closed things up nicely and it's very spacious.  The wait wasn't long on a weekend, but they do get crowded. The servers are nice and quick, didn't take long to get our food.  The signs outside of the building said they're still in soft opening mode.  Definitely coming back.

Quick tip, if you pay with cash, they give you 9% discount on your tab.  Might not be a bad idea.  We basically did that and the servers get to keep the tip in cash.  Good for everyone.

Wanna Bao

2708 Bagby St

Houston, TX 77006

832-623-7265