Bao Seoul Seongsu 바오서울 성수

Bao Seoul in Seongsu-dong is a Taiwanese bao restaurant that aims to bring the Michelin-recognized bao experience of Taipei to Seoul. The classic bao wraps meltingly tender braised meat, pickled vegetables, and fragrant peanut powder inside a pillowy steamed bun, a deceptively simple combination that delivers high satisfaction. The Taiwanese beef noodle soup carries a subtle black vinegar depth without being off-putting, with large pieces of beef braised to a fall-apart tenderness. The dongpoyuk rice bowl is addictively sweet-savory when mixed with steamed rice, making it difficult to put down. The menu also features dishes with a strong Taiwanese street-food sensibility, such as the chili-mayo ji pai fried chicken cutlet. Ordering the two-person signature set is an efficient way to sample the range. The peanut bibimmyeon evokes tantanmen with its rich nutty sauce clinging to sleek noodles, a dish that many find impossible to stop eating once started. The interior is stylish enough to warrant magazine coverage, and the atmosphere lends itself equally well to casual drinks alongside the food. Takeout is available, and dogs are welcome inside. Even on weekday evenings the waitlist fills up quickly, so arriving with extra time is advisable.