Buntopia — Restaurant in New York

I had an absolutely wonderful dining experience here for lunch on a Sunday afternoon. The prices were incredibly cheap, especially for the quality and portion of the food I was given. I was surprised to find that I was the only customer seated in the restaurant but there were maybe 6 or 7 different people who came in for takeout orders in the 45ish minutes I spent there, so most of their business is likely from that.

Atmosphere: Immediately upon approaching the unassuming storefront there’s a certain inviting quality to it that makes you excited to enter. I walked in and right away was tickled by the charming, vibrant little cafe vibe they have created inside. I found something new to appreciate the entire time I spent there, from the music and plants to the decor hanging from the ceiling and walls. There’s even a small back zen garden area for dining that is adorable and quaint. The whole place was very clean and welcoming and I thoroughly enjoyed having this charming space to myself.

Service: I forgot to ask my server’s name but it says Yuki on my receipt so I hope that’s her! She greeted me right as I walked in with a smile and pleasantness radiated from her. She was attentive and tended to my every need. Even if I didn’t ask for something, I knew she was paying attention by the way she could almost predict what I needed. She wasn’t overbearing though as can sometimes happen when it’s slow and you have no other guests to attend to, but she also wasn’t avoidant which can also happen. She was lovely.

Food: I was impressed with the uniqueness and variety of options on the menu. The selection is innovative and classic all at once. To drink I had the Classic Assam Boba which was delicious and rich, just what I want out of a Thai boba milk tea. To eat I had the Char Siu Ramen and the Beef it Up Bunburger “pair.” The ramen was perfection and exactly what I was craving on a sleepy, overcast, chilly day in Brooklyn. The broth was rich, flavorful and the perfect temperature. Not too hot to eat and enjoy right when it got to me but not so cooled off that it felt like it had been sitting out for a few minutes before like I’ve experienced at some ramen places. The noodles were PLENTIFUL and cooked to perfection, not too soft but just enough density for a satisfying bite into them. It came with two HUGE thick slices of pork that were beautifully charred from the grill. I’ve never had ramen with such generous portions of both meat and noodles. But the real star was the bunburger. I hadn’t had this concept before but was blown away. Essentially, it’s just an oversized burger shaped bao bun chopped in half to make two smaller, more traditional looking bao buns. But this thing was big and the flavors smacked me in the face. The way the bulgogi beef, sweet onions, kimchi and the oshinko played with each other was out of this world and the little burger additions of the cheese and leafy greens gave the dish the fun twist they are clearly going for.

Overall, this place is an absolute must for locals. They could be charging a heck of a lot more for the kind of food you get treated to here. Definitely one of my new...

This place has always been a 5 star place for us until when they changed their dine in system. Last time it was fast, quick and efficient where you order from the counter and seat yourself. Right now they want you to be served at your table, and to be honest, they do not have the manpower to do that. Service takes forever, and no more pictures for the food on the menu.

Food serving: Server’s fingers had direct contact with the food (the bunburgers) when she held two servings with one hand, with fingers stuffed into each tray. That’s pretty disgusting, doesn’t hurt to use a tray.

Taste: Disappointing. The quality of food has decreased over time. The bunburger used to melt in your mouth, especially the classic Gua Bao. It’s pretty layered now with no chemistry to tastebuds anymore. The blunt hoisin sauce splat on the Charsiu was distasteful.

The instant flavoring used in ramen was a waste of calories intake. No condiments made available anymore. Truly disappointing and won’t be coming back, ever.

The good part: The food presentation was decent. The spicy mango cone was acceptable.

Sorry Buntopia, the cons outweighs the pros. Sad to cross you out from our very limited favorite list...

I adored this restaurant. So beautiful inside and in the backyard Brooklyn garden. We sat in the Japanese balcony room. Heated and all. We had all the glittery and sparkles colorful mocktails. All were good. 1. Sunny lovina 2. Matcha matsumi 3. Jambalaya Sunset We ordered the vegan sushi rolls. I loved these. I dont enjoy real sushi and I could eat these forever 1. Rajivn tiger (tempura peanuts and my favorite) 3. Mango tango (loved the fresh mango) 4. Over the rainbow (seaweed caviar) 5. Vegan pad krapow excellent. Slight hint of spice, beautiful and fun vegan egg yolk running over the rice and mixed with the dish perfectly. Hands down get this. 6. Vegan salmon lychee curry was great for people who dont like fishy fish tastes and love lychee in a sweet curry sauce 7. Bao mania a. Oster bay (yummy) b. Shrimpataion (yes) c. Korean fried chicken 8. Raspberry cheesecake (vegan) The artwork was beautiful and so meaningful. This restaurant showcases 9 years of loving his community.(Sean the owner) I'd go back...