BAOZI

Steps from the street exit of Shin-Otsuka Station, BAOZI operates a handy counter serving freshly steamed dim sum and Taiwanese snacks to take away. The signature Taiwanese pork bun features a fluffy, thick dough with a subtle sweetness wrapped around a juicy pork filling spiced with star anise and aromatic seasonings. Coarsely ground pork and generous cuts of onion give each bite distinct texture, setting it apart from standard convenience-store buns.

Those in the mood for something sweet can opt for custard buns filled with smooth, rich cream or taro buns with a gentle sweetness and distinct nutty fragrance. The steamer lineup also includes soup-filled meat buns, soup dumplings, shrimp dumplings, and sticky rice siu mai, making it easy to assemble a varied lunch or snack in small portions.

For heartier cravings, fried specialties include Taiwanese devil fried chicken fillets spiced with options like fiery red chili or black pepper, as well as Korean boneless chicken tossed in sweet-spicy yangnyeom sauce. The drink selection is equally extensive, offering black sugar boba milk teas, crisp fruit teas, and dessert bowls studded with chewy taro balls.

With no dining area, the counter caters strictly to takeaway and delivery, accepting cashless payment methods including PayPay, transit IC cards, and credit cards for quick transactions. The offerings reheat well at home, but they are just as satisfying eaten piping hot on the walk back.