This was one of the highlights of my trip to Montreal. I came all the way from NYC to have Hao. I followed the chef on social media for quite some time, and was really looking forward to having his bao. It didn't let me down. In fact, it exceeded my expectations. From the interior, to the loveliest service, to downright delicious food - I will come back for sure.
The interior is a minimally designed small space, after its namesake Hao (meaning white). The clean modern space doesn't mess around with non-essential decorations. The attention to detail is immaculate. Loved being the space. It makes you feel like you've stumbled upon a gem in the city.
The service was very friendly. The cashier was very kind to all the guests and was very engaging in conversation. She took care of my friends and was endearing. An excellent person to greet everyone as they come in. She indulged my obsession with the food as well.
I ordered the Buns Vapeur ( Steamed Buns ). They use organic pork shoulder from a local place called Boucherie Champfleuri. The pork is perfectly braised in soy sauce and is topped with the perfect balance of texture with fried onions and shallots. The bao (bread) was steamed to perfection. It has the right amount of air, and the perfect amount of chew...sticks to your teeth just right. They have a vegetarian option as well. I also had their salad which was fresh, crunchy, and has a light touch of heat...a nice balance to the crisp freshness of the dish.
For me, it is a perfect place to stop by for a quick bite, or grab a few for friends at a dinner party in Montreal to really impress.
Make sure to go and follow them on social media for inspiring images.