It’s been four years but at long last, everyone’s favourite yum cha dessert will be returning to Gelato Messina this Lunar New Year. 

Wonderbao, the creators of Melbourne’s fluffiest, pillowy bao are coming back to Sydney to ring in the Year of the Dragon. And they’re bringing those mango pancakes with them.

Forget waiting for the trolley to come around, Messina’s take on the popular pancake sees thin mango crepes filled with mango sorbet and fluffy cream. 

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It’s not the first time that Wonderbao and Gelato Messina have joined forces, bringing together the best of perfectly churned gelato with the savoury hits of the Fujian specialty though. Way back in 2016 the two champions of chow teamed up for Messina’s second-ever collaboration pop-ups in the Rosebery parking lot.

This year, the Wonderbao team is featuring their gua bao trio covering every spectrum of texture; tender barbecue pork with sweet, tangy hoisin; fried chicken with sweet and spicy Korean sauce; and crispy tofu with okonomiyaki sauce. 

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If you’re after something extra luxurious, the team will be debuting a DIY Peking duck platter for you to choose your own adventure. Classics of filled bao – pork, vegie, or custard will be on the menu too as well as a childlike dish of sweet and sour potato gems. 

Don’t forget to wash it all down at the Messina Creative bar, who’ll be mixing spicy mango margs and peach bubble teas all day.

But we all know you’re here for the pancakes.

Get them on Friday 9 and Saturday 10 February from noon-late at the Messina Gelato HQ, 1 Rich Street, Marrickville; gelatomessina.com

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