British wholesaler Booker, a subsidiary of Tesco, has added KaterBake bao buns to its distribution list. Supplied by Collingtree, England-based Central Foods, the 50g units are now available ub frozen form to some 450,000 catering businesses (including pubs and restaurants) and nearly 120,000 independent retailers across the UK through Booker’s 170-plus cash-and-carry branches.
Also known as baozi and hirata, the Chinese- and Japanese-style steamed buns have become street food favorites throughout the UK in recent years. The products, featuring a folded, soft and pillowy white dough exterior, are usually served warm filled with slow-cooked meat or vegetables, crunchy salad and pickles, and a sticky sauce. But they can also be made with sweet fillings, providing an extra versatile option for restaurant menus and different day parts.
“We are really pleased to be launching our KaterBake bao buns into Booker, which means it’s even easier for foodservice and catering customers to get hold of them and serve them in their venues, said Central Foods Managing Director Gordon Lauder. “They are bang on-trend, convenient and easy to serve, and are perfect for a wide range of menu options from starters, tapas and sharing platters to buffets, event catering and street food style dishes.”
Available frozen from Booker in pack sizes of 30, the bao buns are suitable for vegans and vegetarians and come ready-supplied with individual greaseproof paper discs to avoid sticking during steaming and reheating.
