Bao and Broth

Ok, I understand it is super difficult to pick when you come into Optimist Hall. I have had many of these spots, and they are yummy. Today Bao and Broth was amazing!! I had the seasonal special Ramen of Pork belly and kimchi. Oh yeah! I'll have to come back for a couple buns. Not today though. I am stuffed. Oh yeah, they have lychee tea too!! It is super awesome. I love lychee! Worth the visit! Free parking for 90 minutes as well, so a spot to chill as well.

I've eaten here over the years and it seems like the ramen flavors have reduced. The spicy pork ramen isn't spicy and does not have flavor. There's no depth that you would expect with ramen broth, so I'm assuming it's quickly made versus the typical long process used to develop complex flavors in ramen broth. If you happen to have leftovers, when reheated there is more flavor, so that supports my theory of more time needed to develop the flavors. I come back every few months to give it another chance, but this is my last time coming here for a while. Quick and convenient, but bland taste. With so many more ramen options in the city than when bao & broth first opened I cannot in good conscience recommend coming here.

The second time around I appreciated it more however the noodles were hard. Ive had all kinda of Ramen and the noodles were not aldente soooo… anywho. I had the spicy pork ramen and the pork was very good and I think it had a miso egg in it which I appreciated. My friend got a side of Kimchi and it tasted really good but y’all, that was a .99 cent serving not worth $3. I’d come back here only for the pork. The ramen, I can make better at home.I also had the KFC bun… guys… I wish businesses would stop Americanising something that its already good in its own culture. Just saying….

The bao and broth were good, but honestly, the standout star for us was the pork belly!! I might even venture to say this was the best pork belly I've ever had, it was delicious, melt in your mouth, and still had a good meaty texture and flavor. Highly recommend getting anything with that. The bao was creative and fantastic. I also recommend the lychee tea.

A huge thank you to the kind gentleman working the front counter on Oct 25th. He is a service professional and made my experience today next level. Thank you for your kindness and help with all my random take out bags and fresh lychee tea. The food here is always consistent and delicious and our constant go to. Today’s service only encourages us to continue frequenting their stand!

The bao breading is super fluffy and a delight! I wish they had more traditionally flavored options. Not having a spicy one too is such a miss! It feels like they are having to play to a less refined palate. Hoping try the ramen next time! Definitely get the chili crisp. The spicy cucumbers were great! Just no spice at all.

We were in the mood for something different. We tried the Pork Belly Bun, Tofu and Falafel. The Tofu had the strong spicy flavor my husband prefers. The pork was real good, too! The falafel wasn’t bad. I was impressed with the employees working so hard getting orders out- they look very organized and together. We’ll be back!

I don't usually post bad reviews while i'm still eating BUT This is my first time at Optimist Hall (out of towner) and Bao and Broth caught my eye as I love ramen. I assumed a place that has Broth on its name would have a good one but I was wrong! I ordered the Spicy Pork Ramen. The pork itself is pretty good but everything else?! Not only is it not spicy but the broth is tasteless. Judging from other reviews I am not the only one who experienced this. Wish I would've read the reviews before ordering but oh well, a waste of 20dls. P.s. pictures are what it looked like before eating and after, when I decided to call it quits for the lack of taste. If the broth isn't good, maybe the Baos are?