NYC Restaurants

Bào Tea House now has a second location in Midtown at 578 9th Avenue near 42nd Street. Known for its sweet & savory toasted buns and premium teas, the founders are hoping a "bao and tea" will rank up there with French croissants and New York bagels. The Classic Bào, a pork-filled bun with a special house BBQ sauce, is already a staple in the city. Other offerings include fried chicken and a beef bào. On the sweet side look for the Lava Bào, a black sesame bun filled with a custard and coconut milk filling, and the fragrant Rose Pudding Bào. Mountain teas imported directly from Taiwan tea farms are also available in flavors like Jasmine Rose, Rose Grapefruit and Roasted Oolong Milk Tea.

- Thomas Rafael.