New York Restaurant Recommendation - Number 37: Momofuku Ssam Bar & Booker and Dax Bar

At least one of the Momofuku sites should be visited while in New York, and for me it had to be the Ssam Bar. Not only is Momofuku Ssam Bar sitting comfy at number 37 on the World's 50 Best Restaurants list while holding a Bib Gourman award from the Michelin Guide 2012, but it is also accompanied by the Booker and Dax bar which serves up some of the best (and strongest) cocktails I tasted while in the States.



Momofuku is known for its steamed pork buns, and you really can't go past these little clouds. Both options on the dinner menu offer a very different experience. The aisian pork belly buns with hoisin, cucumbers and scallions are filled with two nicely sized pieces of well rendered pork belly and sing true to traditional asian flvours, whereas the BBQ pork buns with coleslaw and smoked mayo offer a more Americanised version of the dish resembling a pulled pork sandwich.

The other delights on the asian-american fusion menu are also eclectic and innovative, just a few worth a mention; the raw striped bass, sweetbreads with watermellon and duck spring rolls.

Momofuku Ssam bar offers a good night out with great drinks and good food. Does it live up to the expectations set by its accolades? Probably not, but for a visitor in NYC it definitely deserves a pop-in.

My recommendation: BBQ pork buns (over the hoisin buns), sweetbreads and the 'First Date' cocktail from Booker and Dax.

On the Rock cocktail at Booker and Dax