Istanbul bao company chooses Monument to launch debut UK site
Opening at 22 Monument Street, the 1,000 sq ft restaurant will serve far Eastern-style steamed buns filled with untraditional fillings, including tuna; falafel; fried chicken; hoisin duck; and Mexican.
There are several options for diners to choose from when ordering their buns, including the green spinach; red bean; black; and plain.
Besides baos, BunCo will serve salads, and selection of sides including nacho chips with parmesan; fried potatoes; coleslaw; hummus; and guacamole.
The site, secured by leisure property agency Shelly Sandzer, will be spread over ground floor and mezzanine levels.
“BunCo was founded with the intention of bringing a unique interpretation to bao buns,” says Baran Dumanoglu, managing partner at BunCo
“People are bored of eating the same things so using quality and tasty ingredients, we have revolutionised the street food culture in Istanbul, and can’t wait to share this with our new customers in London.”
The UK’s increasing appetite for Asian cuisine has led to a boom in the market for Taiwanese food, and in particular its steamed buns.
Bao buns can now be found across the UK at small restaurant groups including Bao, which now operates two sites; Yum Bun, which operates at Street Feast and Old Spitalfield Market’s The Kitchens; and Shoryu ramen, which recently added the steamed buns to its menu, as well as on the menus at larger chains including YO! Sushi and Wagamama.
