Steaming Hut - Food Review
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A review of food outlet Steaming Hut, International Food Court (Basement), 125 Queen Street, specializing in steamed buns and dumplings.
Steaming Hut is an Auckland institution a lot of people hear about but few seem to know the exact location of - It is situated in the Basement International Food Court, The Tower, 125 Queen Street. Payment is by cash only - no eftpos! There is usually some queueing involved - and my favourite variety tends to sell out by 2pm. While steamed buns are widely available in the central city area, they usually lack a key crucial ingredient - freshness. The buns at Steaming Hut are made fresh daily and kept warm under what appears to be a bun duvet.
The Bun Baron is the first point of contact at Steaming Hut - He has often been likened to the Soup Nazi of Seinfeld - he is nowhere as exacting or temperamental but Bun Baron may not always necessarily be in a good mood. I think Bun Baron has a very hands-on approach to the Steaming Hut operations and is, I imagine, to be under a lot of pressure. I also want to point out that in my recent visits to Steaming Hut, Bun Man has chilled out somewhat.
Interaction with Bun Baron can be perfectly pleasant if you keep these tips in mind:
- Be decisive! Bun Baron does not like to be kept waiting when there is a long line to serve! Have a firm decision on exactly what your order is before you reach the front of the line.
- Have payment ready in cash. A meal at Steaming Hut usually costs less than $5 for me. The mere suggestion of eftpos might put you in the bad books for a very very long time.
- Move along once you have placed your order - fill up your sauces with military precision and speed - you must not obstruct the flow of oncoming customers.
That's about it - then you repeat your order to his wife, who is almost always in much better spirits. She warms up the buns and alerts you when they are ready. Enjoy the ritual. And the buns!
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Regretfully, with current work being done to the BNZ building - Steaming Hut has been out of action for a while. It may just have moved. But it may also, (horrors!), have disappeared forever. Sob sob.
I found it- at 25 Victoria St, there's an escalator up to a food court. Different name, and the guy that was on the counter has apparently gone to USA, but it;s the same staff and same food, similar prices I think. Eating it now :D
I found it- at 25 Victoria St, there's an escalator up to a food court. Different name, and the guy that was on the counter has apparently gone to USA, but it;s the same staff and same food, similar prices I think. Eating it now :D
nzbc
said Steaming Hut
I haven't been there for a couple of years, but I do remember heading down the escalators at least once a week. Good to see it still a busy place. Ca't say much more about the rest of the store holders, as there wasn't much there.
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