Price: $
Forks: 9
The Golden Steamer
143A Mott St.
New York, NY 10013 (Chinatown)
What’s white or yellow, shaped in a ball, and holds inside
the best surprise in the world? If you guessed Chinese Steamed Buns then YES,
you are correct. But, chances are you didn’t. A ball of doughy goodness that
cradles a variety of enchanting fillings, steamed buns, when made properly, are
above and beyond delicious.
It was a random craving for these lil babies that
led me and my friend Kimberly down to Chinatown for our lunch break. Actually,
scratch that, it was more of a mission. Kimberly had visited the Golden Steamer
before, and promised me some of the best steamed buns I’d ever have. My hopes
were high. Smack on the border between Chinatown and Little Italy, The Golden
Steamer is that hidden treasure that while appears to be seemingly passable on the
outside, is a spot that you cannot only not pass by, but that you must make a
destination. Ya it doesn’t look like much, but I’m telling you, looks lie.
I
let Kimberly, ***who happens to be in love/minorly obsessed with Chinese
food*** order our lunch. We settled on
three buns: one pork and vegetable, one red bean paste, and one pumpkin. Handed
to us within seconds were little parchment bags stuffed with warm squishy
pillows. We started with the pork and vegetable. I bit into the fluffy dough of
the bun only to be greeted by a rich and well seasoned filling of pork
goodness. It was savory, a little smoky, and totally divine. The bun itself
was light, and pillow-like and in my version of heaven pillows will now be made
of steamed buns.
Next we broke into the red bean paste bun, and dark granite
colored paste oozed from the center. Its flavor was as rich as its color;
sweet, and slightly peanutty with an almost candied aftertaste. The smooth yet
faintly grainy texture of the paste brought a welcome contrast to the fluffy
plumpness of the bun.
Finally, bun three: the pumpkin. I have to admit I was
dreading diving into this one because that meant that after it was gone we’d be
done #hungreegirlproblems. Instead of the milky white color of the previous
two, this bun was a perky light yellow. Solemnly, I split it in half, revealing
the vibrant orange of a pumpkin puree that I swear was calling my name. The
puree was naturally sweet and rich and tasted like the Asian breakfast version
of pumpkin pie. It was fantastically creamy and thick; not-so-slowly devouring
it was a blissful experience.
So, steamed buns have now been added to my list
of obsessions, and The Golden Steamer is now my not-so-secret spot. Also, the buns are incredibly cheap, about $.85 each and will fill your tummy without emptying your bank. Kimberly, I
owe you presents for this one.
bun for the money
xoxo
hungreegirl.
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