Messina Eats: Wonderbao

Overview

While Messina's main jam is crafting supremely scoffable varieties of gelato, the brand's love of food extends far beyond the freezer. The cult gelateria often teams up with savoury-focused culinary heroes, throwing big ol' food parties.

For the next Messina Eats at the brand's expansive new Marrickville HQ, the dessert specialists are joining forces with Melbourne's beloved Wonderbao for a Lunar New Year feast.

Neither crew is a stranger to collaborations. Wonderbao popped up in Sydney in 2022 for a team-up with Fonda, and has previously linked up with Messina back in 2016. Now, it'll be bringing its famed fluffy bao back to Sydney for a two-day takeover of the Messina Marrickville carpark on Friday, February 9–Saturday, February 10.

As for what's on offer, possibly most exciting is the return of Gelato Messina's fan-favourite mango pancakes.

But, before you get to the dessert, you need something savoury in your belly. That's where Wonderbao's pillowy classic and gua bao come into play. Among the varieties of bao on offer, there will be traditional char siu pork, sweet and spicy fried chicken, crispy tofu, roast pork belly and shiitake mushroom.

Plus, there will be DIY peking duck pancake platters, as well as sweet and sour potato gems.

When it comes to the sweet treats, the mango pancakes will be joined by a golden custard bao with a hint of coconut. Plus, there will be peach bubble tea (which you can spike with a shot of alcohol for an extra $10) and a spicy mango margarita made with Messina mango sorbet.