Behind the Dish

This bao takes its cues from Vietnamese chả cá—a street food legend. Think fish sausage, but bolder. A crispy coconut shrimp patty gets hit with a punchy, in-your-face mother sauce that’s tangy, garlicky, and unapologetically spicy. Pickles and cilantro bring the balance, all tucked into a pillowy steamed bun. It’s a bar snack built for beer and big flavors.