Taiwanese-style steamed bao buns are all over London these days, but Yum Bun were the very first specialists on the block to kickstart the trend here in the UK.
Starting out at a little market stall in Hackney nearly ten years ago, their meticulous focus on creating the most delicious buns using fresh ingredients means they now operate out of multiple outlets throughout London and have an army of die-hard fans.
Yum Bun don’t claim to be “authentic” in the Taiwanese sense: you could say it’s American fast food with an Asian twist – although that’s maybe doing it a slight disservice. I can never decide between the classic pork bun (slow roast pork, cucumber, spring onions and hoisin) or the crispy Japanese chicken bun with this addictive mayo sauce. The best strategy is just to get them both.
Veggies and vegans are also well catered for here; even as a full-on meat lover, I’ll happily order the crispy tofu bun with black bean mayo and garlic choi sum – it never fails to satisfy. Look out for the great value bento box sets at lunchtime, and at certain locations, Yumplings: their own version of classic dim sum. There may well be a queue but don’t be put off – it moves fast and it's there for a reason. Everything is made fresh to order.
Find your way with 222 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Built back in 2010 on the site of a disused railway line, it’s a local secret: a quiet, forest-like space to retreat to when city life becomes overwhelming.
by
Inside, the rooms have distinctly different decorative styles. This is to give an idea of how the house would have looked at each stage in its history.
by
It was once the site of the Eel Pie Hotel, a 19th-century guesthouse turned jazz venue and now it’s been transformed into a hippie artists’ colony...
by
The domed Arab Hall – a glittering chamber inspired by the inside of the Castello della Zisa in Palermo – is what most visitors come for.
by
Features of particular interest include the Architectural Library, the Solar Stair, a central spiral staircase with 52 steps for each week of the year...
by
Tucked away in Bermondsey, Morocco Bound does it all, it is at once a bookshop, café, co-working space, beer bar and intimate events venue.
by
The Phoenix Garden is remarkably inconspicuous: a bombsite turned car park turned community garden hidden behind high hedges and wrought iron railings.
by
"London Fields Lido" is for those rare days when it's actually hot and sunny. Beat the crowds, head over to this colourful pool and meet me there!
by
"Caravan" London is one of my favourite restaurants for having one of my favourite meals of the day: brunch. It's easy to savour every last bit here and...
by
"Chuku's" in North London serves Nigerian tapas that invites you to 'chop, chat and chill!'
by
In the heart of Southeast London sits "Eltham Palace and Gardens". Once a medieval estate, in the '30s it was styled with mesmerizing art deco furnishings.
by
222 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 222 Insider Tips