Don’t be fooled by the name, Momo I Am is so much more than just momos. Over the years, as the small outlet in Lake Gardens branched out and expanded, so did their menu. Now it includes mains and starters, and the baos on the menu are a hit.

“The baos on our menu are very popular, which is why we thought of doing this festival. There are some quite different baos, and some well-liked dishes that now also have bao varieties,” said owners Reevu Wangdi and Pravakar Yonzone.
From traditional Oriental flavours to experimental, get bao-ed!

What: Bao festival

Where: Momo I Am, Salt Lake and Golpark

When: Till end-December, noon to 11pm

Pocket pinch: Rs 160 onwards

Soi 56 Fish Bao: You would think that wok-tossed crispy fish with Thai flavours like Kaffir lime, lemongrass and plum wouldn’t taste that great sandwiched between baos? Well, you’re wrong. This is a must, whether you’re a fish lover or not. Rs 200

Breakfast Bao: We’d be happy to eat this for brekkie everyday! Lettuce, sun-dried tomatoes, bacon and fluffy omelette with the soft bao makes this one a very unique BLT. The smoked BBQ sauce drizzle keeps it from becoming too dry. Rs 190

Japanese Ham and Cheese Croquette: The spongy bao, crispy panko-coated croquette, oozy Cheddar as you take a bite — all these textures  make this fusion bao a hit for us. The best part? The matcha mustard drizzled on top that gives the bao just the kick it needs. Rs 200

Slow cooker Pork Ribs Bao: One of the most popular dishes on the menu gets a bao version. The juicy, sticky and slightly sweet slow-cooked pork ribs are placed between baos, with crunchy apple slices. What’s more? It’s deboned, so there’s no muss or fuss. Rs 200

Baked Bao: The only baked bao on the menu is stuffed with blanched veggies and flavoured with truffle oil. Served with a thick mushroom soup and black pepper sauce, it is a quick and healthy snack. Rs 180

Text: Deborima Ganguly
Pictures: Arnab Mondal