NYC Restaurants

We’re fans of anything pork belly and this year there are two competing baos that are turning up the heat at Broadway Bites. Bao by Kaya is still going strong after coming onto the scene last year. The small soft rice buns, which are under five bucks each, are filled with thick slices of braised pork belly topped with fresh cucumber, scallion, crushed peanuts and special sauce. The other entry comes from Meta Asian Kitchen, just a few stands away, where the pork belly is made with “mom’s secret recipe.” The meat has a bit of a tang to it and comes topped with a chunky salsa made with fresh cucumber, red & yellow peppers and onions on an extra-large bao bun and sells for seven bucks. Both are worthy of a visit. You will find them at Urbanspace Broadway Bites through Nov 2, 2018.

- Thomas Rafael