Popular Asian Bun Shop Opens Spinoff in Carlsbad

The owners behind Harumama, whose adorable character buns are a hit on Instagram, have opened an offshoot in Carlsbad that includes the cute, animal-designed bites on a Asian fusion menu that include fried rice topped with a Korean tornado omelet, a viral sensation, plus almond-crusted cauliflower served with gochujang sauce and creamy matcha or squid ink udon.

Courtesy photo

Jenny and James Pyo, who also operate Love Boat Sushi, Pokewan, and Blue Ocean, created Teriyaki & Bao to feature these trendy dishes as well as a DIY component, offering individual cast iron skillets that diners use to cook up meats and vegetables in teriyaki sauce. Heated up to 500ºF and remaining hot for 20 minutes, the skillets come with spicy barbecue pork, bulgogi beef, or kimchi chicken and can be customized with a range of ingredients.

The eatery is currently open Monday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Happy hour and lunch specials are coming later this month.