Frozen food distributor Central Foods has launched its popular KaterBake bao (Hirata) buns into wholesale giant Booker. The 50g bao buns are now available frozen nationwide to caterers and food service operators via more than 170 sites operated by Booker.

Bao buns, also known as Hirata buns, have become the darlings of the street food scene in recent times. The hand-held sized, steamed and folded, soft and pillowy bread buns are usually served warm filled with slow-cooked meat or vegetables, crunchy salad and pickles, and a sticky sauce. But they can also be served with sweet fillings – making them an extra versatile option for menus and different day parts.

Gordon Lauder, MD of Central Foods, said: “We are really pleased to be launching our 50g KaterBake bao buns into Booker, which means it’s even easier for food service and catering customers to get hold of them and serve them in their venues."

“Bao buns are bang on trend, convenient and easy to serve, and are perfect for a wide range of menu options from starters, tapas and sharing platters to buffets, event catering and street food style dishes.”

The KaterBake bao buns are available frozen in Booker in pack sizes of 30. They are suitable for vegans and vegetarians and come ready-supplied with individual greaseproof paper discs to avoid sticking during steaming/reheating.

Central Foods, based at Collingtree near Northampton, is one of the UK’s leading frozen food distributors. The company was founded more than 25 years ago and is a catering partner across the whole food service sector, supplying to hotels, restaurants, bars, universities, schools, pubs, care homes, garden centres, leisure outlets and more. It currently sells to over 180 independent wholesalers, as well as larger national and regional wholesalers.

For more information about Central Foods visit www.centralfoods.co.uk