Bao & Bento

Bringing something a little different to Newcastle's food scene, Bao & Bento is a small Asian takeaway in the centre of town turning out fresh, modern street food from a kitchen that draws on more than twenty years of cooking experience. The idea is simple and appealing: fillings packed into pillowy steamed baos or piled into colourful bento boxes, made to order with bright, punchy flavours. It's a welcome change of pace from the seaside town's many chippies, and word has spread quickly among locals.

Crowd-pleasers include the Salt & Chilli Chicken and the Honey Chilli Chicken, along with a Sriracha Noodle Bento Box and crisp spring rolls that regulars rave about. Everything leans fresh, generous and full of flavour, with vegetable-led choices for those who want them. Rated 4.7 out of 5 from dozens of Restaurant Guru reviews, it has become a firm favourite for anyone after something quick, tasty and a little out of the ordinary.