Kim Loi Banh Bao

Got number 3 — pork/​shrimp/​wonton noodle soup. Shrimp and wonton were good. Some of the pork tastes like it was cooked a few days ago and left out. With plenty of other options, seriously recommend you avoid.

Food
— BBQ pork bun: the meat is sweet and meaty (not fatty). ³⁄₅
— Chicken bun: there wasn’t enough chicken and it lacked flavor. ²⁄₅
— Custard bun: sweet but not overwhelming. ³⁄₅
Service: Fair.
Final Thoughts: This place is comparable to the banh bao place that was in Lion Plaza. I’m not sure if it’s worth the price. 3/​$ 3.

I stopped by to pick up a steamed meat combo bun (1) and chicken buns (3 in an order) because they ran out of xa Xiu buns. Brought them home and the chicken buns were nasty with left in bone! My Daughter could have choked but since the bone was big enough so she spitted it out. The buns must be the left over food from several days because the chicken and bun tasted staled. The meat combo tasted fresh.

What the what? First to review? How has no one reviewed this place yet?
For whatever reason, my family has been oddly curious about the Grand Century Mall food court. Perhaps it’s because it reminds them of their trip to Vietnam, but more likely, it’s because the eateries here look pretty good! With each place offering something a little different, there are just so many things to try. Not that I would know what everything is by name. Thank goodness for all of the photos they post up…
Although I can’t say for certain, this Kim Loi Banh Bao looks to be the same as the one over on Tully, if the latter’s menu is any indication. However, there seem to be fewer offerings here. At least, based on what I could see; it isn’t so much of a menu board as a photo board with about a dozen things to choose from (mostly noodle soups, a meatball dish, and some dim sum-​ish items). Still, everything looked good in the pictures and even better as they came out of the kitchen.
– (#1) BUN GIO HEO — Medium Rice Noodles with Pork Bone, Pork Cake, and Pig Leg
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Even with all that cilantro (ugh), this was DELICIOUS. Plus it was so plentiful, what with all that porky goodness. The leg, in particular, was terrific (tender and tasty) and the broth was great, albeit a bit oily/​fatty. Standard phở noodles would’ve been nice, but that’s just my preference.
– (#3) Hu Tieu-​Mi-​Hoanh Thanh — Wonton Soup with Chia Siu, Pork Bone, Shrimp, and Egg Noodles
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I didn’t order this one, but I did get to try a sip (and take a photo…). Based on what little I had, the broth felt lighter but was just as flavorful. It reminded me of Chinese wonton noodle soup, but with a Vietnamese twist.
While it wouldn’t have affected our order, it was odd how there weren’t any prices listed anywhere (not that we saw anyways). However, based on our $ 18 and change total, I’d guess it was about $ 8-​$ 9 a bowl, which is pretty fair given how much we got (even if it is just «food court food»). All in all, the pork loving part of me would want to say five stars, but realistically, Kim Loi Banh Bao is more like a solid four. Either way, I’m even more motivated to drive back down!