First Look: Yum Bunz, West Midtown


Dining Out

11:30 a.m.-9:30 p.m. Mondays-Thursdays; 11:30 a.m.-10:30 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays. Buns, $4.50-$7.50; dumplings $3.99-$6.39; bowls, $6.59; soups, $3.79-$3.99; salads, $3.99-$5.99; combos, $6.29-$7.59.

935 Marietta St., Suite A, Atlanta, 678-399-3992, http://yumbunz.com

It took a while for Yum Bunz to finally open. And the team behind the much anticipated “Dim Sum Fast” concept — Real Chow Baby founder Mike Blum, Miso Izakaya chef/owner Guy Wong, and executive chef Chris Lee — is still ironing out a few kinks. But Blum and Lee, who were on hand and working the room one recent evening, said they are slowly and surely getting the soft yeast dough recipe for their signature bao buns moving in the yummy direction.

The look: A major reason for the delay in opening was that the storefront on Marietta Street in West Midtown wasn't built for the needs of a restaurant, Blum said. But the design of the bright, open space has a lively modern appeal, with colorful graffiti-influenced Asian murals on the walls, and sleek seating areas, including compact booths and long tables and benches.

The scene: In fast casual fashion, you queue up for the order counter near the front entrance and choose from a menu posted on the wall above. Next to the counter, the open kitchen gives a view of the shiny bao stuffing and steaming machines. Down the line, grab utensils, condiments and soft drinks, before one of the energetic young runners delivers your food.

The menu: Aiming for inexpensive, fast and healthy, Yum Bunz menu items are steamed, not fried, and do not contain trans fats. Buns ($1.59 each or $8.69 for six) include Char Siu BBQ Pork, Chicken Teriyaki and Mongolian Beef. Dumplings served with spicy mustard or chinese dipping sauce include pork and chive and vegetable ($3.99 for five or $6.39 for eight). You can also order bowls ($6.59) with a choice of sauce, protein and base, soups ($3.79-$3.99) and salads ($3.99-$5.99), plus market price daily sides. If you're looking for more of a dim sum experience, you can opt for combos of buns, dumplings, bowls, soups and sides ($6.29-$7.59).

The drinks: Also a long time coming, the Yum Bunz liquor license is expected any day now. When that happens, look for a small selection of beer ($4-4.75), wine ($4.79) and sake ($3.29-$4.39), plus a signature mango and kaffir lime frozen margarita ($5.39). In the meantime, find fountain sodas ($1.89), coffee, tea and bottled water.

The extras: Free parking in an adjoining garage is a big plus on busy Marietta Street. And there are a few free street spaces out front, too.