In the heart of Lafayette, Louisiana, a local food truck is making waves with its unique take on a beloved Asian delicacy. Bayou Bao Co. is bringing a taste of tradition, infused with a twist of flair, to the community, offering a culinary experience that is both familiar and extraordinary.

Elevating the Bao Experience in the Bayou

Embracing the Art of Bao-Making

Bayou Bao Co. is a local food truck that specializes in bao, a yeast-based dough that is steamed to create a pillowy, cloud-like bun. Owners and partners Jessica Vo and Paul Drerup have dedicated themselves to perfecting the art of bao-making, offering a diverse array of fillings that range from barbecue pork and beef to fish and beyond.

Vo, who is half-Vietnamese, grew up savoring the delightful flavors of bao, often enjoying the frozen variety with her father, Cong Vo, a native of Vietnam. This personal connection to the dish inspired her to share her love for bao with the community of Lafayette. When she approached Drerup with the idea, he was initially unfamiliar with the concept, but quickly became enamored with the possibilities.

Together, Vo and Drerup have spent countless hours experimenting with recipes, blending traditional flavors with their own unique spin. The result is a menu that celebrates the diversity of bao, offering both classic and innovative fillings that cater to a wide range of palates.

Bringing Bao to the Bayou

While bao may not have fully taken off in Lafayette yet, the duo is determined to change that. They've observed the growing popularity of bao in cities like New Orleans and Houston, where residents eagerly seek out the delectable treats. Drerup believes that if there is a demand for bao in those areas, it's only natural to bring the same excitement to the Hub City.

Vo and Drerup's vision for Bayou Bao Co. is to introduce their community to the wonders of bao, while also incorporating local flavors and traditions. Their signature offering, the "Bayou Bao," features homemade boudin and pepper jack cheese, blending the familiar tastes of the region with the unique texture and presentation of bao.

In addition to the Bayou Bao, the food truck offers a diverse menu that includes classic char siu bao, as well as gua bao, which Vo describes as "little taco shells" that are steamed and stuffed with a variety of fillings, such as Korean fried chicken, braised pork belly, and their take on a banh mi.

A Labor of Love

Bayou Bao Co. is a true labor of love for Vo and Drerup. Every aspect of their operation, from the dough to the fillings, is made from scratch, ensuring that each bao is a culinary masterpiece.

The duo's dedication to quality and authenticity has not gone unnoticed. Since their official launch on March 16th, the support from the community has been overwhelming. Vo and Drerup, along with Jessica's mother, Dawn Vo, work tirelessly to meet the growing demand for their unique bao creations.

The food truck's popularity has been such that they often sell out within a few hours of opening on Saturdays, their primary operating day. While they may add an additional day during the week, their focus remains on providing a truly exceptional experience for their customers.

Expanding Culinary Horizons

Vo and Drerup's mission with Bayou Bao Co. is to introduce their community to new culinary experiences, while also celebrating the familiar flavors of the region. They believe that by offering a unique blend of traditional and innovative bao, they can inspire their customers to expand their culinary horizons and embrace the diversity of global cuisine.

The duo's approach to their menu reflects this philosophy. They've intentionally included the Bayou Bao, which features a local favorite, boudin, to provide a sense of familiarity for their customers. At the same time, they've incorporated a range of international flavors, from Korean fried chicken to banh mi-inspired fillings, to encourage their patrons to step outside their comfort zones and explore new culinary adventures.

Vo and Drerup's passion for their craft is evident in every bite, and their commitment to quality and authenticity has earned them a loyal following. As Bayou Bao Co. continues to grow and evolve, the community of Lafayette can look forward to a culinary journey that blends the best of tradition and innovation, all wrapped up in a pillowy-soft bao.