at Ippudo NY
"Hirata buns are a category of their own at Ippudo — the bao are steamed to order, the pork belly is braised until it collapses under pressure, the spicy sauce is applied in a specific quantity. These are small, perfect, and never optional."
— Expert, 95/100 credibilityExpert Reviews
"Hirata buns are a category of their own at Ippudo — the bao are steamed to order, the pork belly is braised until it collapses under pressure, the spicy sauce is applied in a specific quantity. These are small, perfect, and never optional."
"The bun is the carrier, the pork is the point, the sauce is what makes you order another. The pork belly has rendered until the fat is interlaminated with the meat — each slice has varying densities. The sauce has sesame, chili, and something fermented that is never identified."
"Hirata Buns at Ippudo NY — the steamed buns are soft and pillowy, filled with a braised pork belly that is fatty and sweet from the long cooking, with a slice of cucumber and a smear of hoisin. A sidebar item that has become as famous as the ramen."