When I saw Trader Joe’s Philly Cheesesteak Bao Buns in the freezer section, I paused and thought, “Well, it’s either going to be surprisingly good or terrifying.” They come in a box of four for $3.49.
You’ve got two options are warming them up — steaming or microwave. To give the bao their best shot, I steamed them. Although, I don’t think either method would have changed the result.
The box promises “Philly cheesesteak in a fluffy bao bun with shredded beef, onion & bell pepper.”
Now, if you look at the photo on the box, I didn’t expect the bao to look exactly like that. We all know better, right? But I didn’t expect what I got. Did this actually go through a tasting panel at TJ’s?
When I cut the bao in half, there was no recognizable sign of meat, shredded or otherwise! It just looked like a line of cheesy sludge. It’s a horror show! You can see it in the photo!
But, I persevered and said, ok, well the whiz is part of what makes a cheesesteak a cheesesteak. But it was pretty unimpressive. The bun itself is a nice texture, and yep, the filling tastes cheesy and meaty, I guess…but it’s not delicious. It’s not even good. I wouldn’t even eat these after fun night out.
I’m usually game for trashy good snacks, but I ate half and that was more than enough for me. I rarely return things to Trader Joe’s, though they have a great return policy, but these are going back. Friends don’t let friends, eat bad bao.
Avoid, avoid, avoid.
Check out our other recent “We Trieds’ from Trader Joe’s:
Trader Joe’s Non-Dairy Oat Beverages
Trader Joe’s Everything But the Bagel Yogurt Dip
Trader Joe’s Maple Ginger Cookie Swirl Ice Cream
Trader Joe’s Cinnamon Bun Spread