Pork Belly Buns
Posted by The Editorial Desk / Tuesday, June 14th, 2011
Pork belly buns have become a bit of a fad thanks to David Chang of Momofuku. For those who don’t know what a pork belly bun is, let me tell you what you’re missing out on. It is a piece of tender and fatty pork belly, scallions, and cucumbers encased in a fluffy taco-shaped steamed bun. It seems simple enough that you could make it yourself. However, for those who haven’t gotten the chance to go up to New York to eat at Momofuku or aren’t interested in cooking, here are three places in the Northern Virginia area that serve their own variation of this delectable dish.
DaMoim (7106 Columbia Pike, Annandale, VA 22003; 703-354-3211)
I recently wrote about DaMoim here with a picture of their version of pork belly buns, which is listed as “SooYook Sliders” on their menu. It includes scallions, apples, onions, cilantro, and of course, pork belly. DaMoim is also known for their Korean fusion dishes, so try them out when you stop by.
Ping by Charlie Chiang’s (4060 Campbell Ave., Arlington, VA 22206; 703-671-4900)
It is listed as “‘Dong Po’ Braised Pork in Steamed Buns” on their menu and comes with pork belly, rock candy, mushroom soy, aged soy, cucumber, and scallions. The pork belly here was really flavorful and I might like it better than the ones from Momofuku. If you do end up going here for the pork belly buns and wonder what else is good, I recommend staying away from the hot entrees and getting the sushi instead.
Bon Chon Chicken (14215-N Centreville Square, Centreville, VA 20121; 703-825-7711)
Since Bon Chon Chicken is a franchise, each location varies depending on the owner. I’ve heard numerous positive comments about the pork belly buns at the Bon Chon Chicken in Centreville (out of the three Northern Virginia locations, I think they’re the only ones who serve it) but I haven’t had the chance to try it myself. While you’re there, don’t forget to eat the chicken that they’re most famous for.
Not enough pork goodness for you? Jackson 20 (480 King St., Alexandria, 22314; 703-842-2790) will be hosting their monthly Pig-A-Palooza tomorrow at 6 p.m. For $35 a person, it’s an all you can eat pork feast. (For more information, please visit their website.)
- Mai Nguyen
Tags: Belly, Bon Chon Chicken, Bun, DaMoim, David Chang, Gut Check, Mai Nguyen, Momofuku, Northern Virginia, Northern Virginia Magaznie, NoVA, PING by Charlie Chiang's, pork, Pork Belly, Pork Belly Bun