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📍 Bao Dumplings & Bao Tea, 510 Bloomfield Ave, Verona
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It’s a buzzing Halloween afternoon at Bao Dumplings & Bao Tea in Verona, and the place is packed with kids in costumes, parents in tow, and the irresistible smell of freshly steamed dumplings.
This bright, modern Chinese-fusion spot opened in July on Bloomfield Avenue and has already become a local favorite. With a tight menu of handmade dumplings, wok dishes, and a sprawling boba selection, Bao delivers impressive flavor and keeps both kids and grown-ups coming back for more.
The secret, according to our waiter Daniel, is the care that goes into every dish. “Our place has been very known for our handmade dumplings and the pork with scallion is a very popular option” he says. You can taste the craftsmanship in every bite.
WHAT WE ATE
Bao is part of a small, family-run group of restaurants, but this Verona location has quickly built a loyal following. Beyond dumplings, the menu includes wok-fried dishes, sautéed vegetables, rice bowls, noodles, and of course, bao buns.
We tried a variety of dumplings, steamed, fried, and soup, each one perfectly bite-sized and flavorful. The dumplings are pinched and steamed perfectly, and plated to order for maximum freshness.
“They hit the table fast, steaming and fragrant. Soft-skinned, crispy-edged, perfectly bite-sized little pockets of joy” gushed Farnoosh.
Bao Dumplings & Bao Tea offers a wide range of drinks to accompany their menu, from refreshing fruit teas to popular milk boba teas. Their selection also includes iced teas and lemonades, making it a hit with kids and adults alike.
menu curveball
While Bao is known for its dumplings, the fried chicken is a surprising menu standout. Crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, each piece delivers satisfying crunch and flavor.
A touch more seasoning might take the chicken to the next level, but even as-is, it’s a delicious complement to the dumplings and a crowd-pleaser for both kids and adults!
