This story is part of our OUT OF ASIA feature. Click HERE to read more from our deep dive into Milwaukee’s Asian dining scene.
LINES OFTEN FORM outside the entrance of Lucky Bakery & BBQ, located in a strip mall along with the dynamite Sze Chuan Chinese Restaurant (11078 W. National Ave., 414-329-2688). Inside, with its shelves of fresh baked goods and menus written in Chinese and English, you’ll feel transported to Chinatown. If you’ve never tried Chinese sweet-savory baked goods or Cantonese barbecue (including roast suckling pig!), prepare for some dazzling discoveries. Here are three Lucky finds:
1.
BBQ (Char Siu) Pork Buns
$1.50 EACH
The sweet, tender shiny-top baked buns – each the size of a hamburger bun — are a divine contrast to the generous filling of savory, smoky pork with the delicate imprint of Chinese five-spice powder.
2.
Fried Red Bean Paste Sesame Ball
$1 EACH
Made with glutinous rice flour, this crispy ball has a soft, chewy, sweet center and a creamy filling of sweet red bean paste, a flavor that’s subtly reminiscent of sweet potato.
3.
Roast Whole Duck
$21
Crispy skin encases plentiful juicy, tender meat. The fowl could easily feed three or four diners, but I wouldn’t blame you for keeping it all to yourself. It’s exquisite.
