Superior Sandwiches and Surprising Sides: Bao Boss

This story is brought to you by Live in Everett Member, Lamoureux Real Estate.

Last year around this time, Noodle Nation posted on their facebook that they were testing out a new concept during breakfast and brunch popups at the restaurant, plus at events around town. Bao Boss promised a wide variety of inventive sandwiches, and did they ever deliver. Following along on Facebook over the next few months, I saw photo after photo of fun twists on classic sandwiches.

Recently they announced that Noodle Nation was going away entirely to become Bao Boss full time. I messaged them on Facebook to ask what led to the decision and the answer was pretty straightforward: Noodle Nation wasn't the best fit for the market at the time, and Bao Boss made more sense because sandwiches are the more accessible and desirable format.

It's easy when you look at a menu like this to realize how versatile and fun sandwiches really are. Noodle Nation had its fans for sure, but I don't think anyone can look at the Bao Boss menu and be too sad about this turn of events.

Hard to choose when it all sounds so good // Christopher Bragg

If a restaurant has a signature dish, I order it immediately. It just makes sense. The Flagship Bao is a steamed bun with everything seasoning, a huge helping of scrambled eggs, caramelized onion, and cheddar. You can also add bacon, Korean sausage, or butter-poached ham. I asked for the sausage, as well as a small side of togarashi tots. They suggested the spicy Asian ranch dipping sauce, which was amazing, but the others are equally tempting: Japanese curry mayo, Korean pepper ketchup, hot honey mustard, and Lebanese garlic sauce.

I unwrapped my sandwich when I got home so I could get a nice photo, but I officially recommend that you eat yours with the paper intact. It's just so full of great stuff.

The flagship bao and a small order of tots. Yes, that's a small! // Christopher Bragg

I originally had reservations about the steamed bao based on the menu photos being a little pale, but worry not. It's steamed well and toasted perfectly, a new kind of delivery vehicle for the sandwiches of your dreams. The eggs? Generous, fluffy, and married to melty cheese. And as if the onions weren't already pushing it over the top, the Korean sausage was a spicy and sweet delight.

They didn't lead me astray with that spicy Asian ranch, either. I'm completely stumped by the flavor and couldn't possibly guess what's in it, but I wanted more. Without even planning to, I got more, because it's on the Korean spicy fried chicken sandwich. I got that my second time, along with the chimichurri fries. I kept those in the bag they came in trying to keep my plate tidy, but that didn't last.

Where have you been all my life, chimichurri fries? // Christopher Bragg

I watched as my sandwich was put together and had to laugh at the giant piece of chicken as it was brought over to the prep table. It was just so tall. But that's better than some sort of processed patty, and I loved the way this one had a spicy kick that wasn't just hot; it was complex. So perfect with the sweet and spicy pickles, cabbage shreds, and the aforementioned ranch. The brioche bun is a good choice here because it's easy to smash down so you can take a bite.

If you don't know if you like chimichurri, these fries are a great way to find out. If you already love it, consider asking for extra. The fries have a good amount, but I'd happily have twice as much.

It's really cool to see the pre-made Thai tea and Vietnamese coffee in their drink cooler. I love both and would definitely pick one up if I weren't so sensitive to caffeine in the afternoon.

Of course hours are subject to change, but it's great to see that they're open early on the weekends right now since they've got such awesome breakfast choices. Swing by soon for some goodness to go.

Bao Boss
2814 Hewitt Ave
Everett, WA 98201
(425) 512-9793

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Christopher Bragg works from home in Everett and loves walking, swimming, and cats. You can find him all over town, but only if you keep weird hours and avoid crowds like he does.