Steamed buns, soups and salads star at this fast-food booth in the lob at Water Tower Place.

In Short
Long a staple of Asian fast food, steamed bao (buns) draw shoppers to this takeout spot, which serves them hot, fresh and on the cheap just inside Water Tower's front doors. Each puffy, doughy delight is stuffed with a filling like kung pao chicken, spicy Mongolian beef or green vegetables. Among other offerings, pad thai chicken salad is served with chilled glass noodles, peanuts, greens and tangy sesame dressing.