Reviews of BAO Soho. (Restaurant) in London (London).

BAO Soho

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361 Comments

Restaurant

Taiwanese restaurant

53 Lexington St, Carnaby, London W1F 9AS, United Kingdom

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Information of BAO Soho, Restaurant in London (London)

On this page you’ll find the address, open hours, more popular times, the contact, photos and real reviews of this business.

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Open hours of BAO Soho

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Reviews of BAO Soho

V.

We stopped on a whim and were very happy with this discovery. We found all the food we ordered had really interesting flavours, very different from the usual offering. Although we didn't necessarily like all of them, we were very excited to try something that tasted authentic (at least to us!) and different. We were seated on tiny seats facing the wall, which slightly put us off as all the regular tables were free at the time we came in. The staff was very helpful and polite. Overall a very interesting experience that I'd recommend if you love baos and are keen to try something different!

C. G.

Great food, had the fried chicken and classic! Very tasty. Peanut butter milk was also delicious. Staff friendly, sat in the window, funny watching people walking by and staff turned off the sign that was lit up next to us for comfort!

S. N.

Absolutely lovely place, with lovely food, and amazingly attentive staff - they are so considerate of allergies and preferences! All the food we ordered was amazing, and we tried to explore most options on the menu. Overall probably the best food place I have been to in Soho if not in all of London

J. J. (.

Absolutely fabulous food, I just wish the vegetarian Xiao Chi on the lunch menu were slightly better (the unagi mushroom was a bit boring). The Mapo Aubergine and Horlick's Bao were absolutely delicious though. If you're a meat eater though, the food at Bao is absolutely sublime. Don't miss it, especially the fried chicken and trotter nuggets.

F. G.

Incredible, cozy, authentic little restaurant in the heart of Soho with mind blowing baos. Amazing prices too! The menu is short and concise, very customer friendly. The staff really helpful and kind. Great budget option in Central London that is both filling and delicious.

E. C.

The lunch set £15 for one bao + appetizer + rice bowl was really worth it considering UK price. Authentic Taiwanese flavor. The brown tea pot was a common household item in Taiwanese families - good to see it being introduced to London. Shop was small, cramped. Be prepared to queue. Friendly staff. Maybe this was a normal restaurant process, but I saw at the bar all of the used water glasses were “cleaned” simply by rinsing them under hot water… and then wiped dry. Was I too naive not knowing this practice before?

B.

TL;DR = Delicious food but small portions. It's a quaint and cosy restaurant with very friendly staff. Makes you feel super welcomed. Food review: Classic Bao = Yummy and the peanut powder is an interesting combination with pulled pork. Confit Bao = Insanely delicious, leaving you wanting more. The pork belly is juicy and the dried shallots adds a crunchy texture for contrast. Easy recommend. Taiwanese Fried Chicken with Hot Sauce = Fried to perfection! The batter is light and very crunchy. The hot sauce has a really satisfying kick to it. This is boneless as well. Highly recommend this. A fair warning that you should expect to order 3 to 4 dishes for each person (depending on hunger) due to the small portion sizes. But this also gives you the option to try a variety of dishes!

S. B.

Visited as a walk on a Friday early evening - luckily they had a free table. Better to book a table. The restaurant is small, simple decor, tiny stool seats - a bit like the kind the dentist sits on. The menu is simple, but tasty. Drinks we tried the peanbut milk which is amazing if your a fan of peanut butter milkshakes, pinapple with yacult foam was very nice. I would get them both again. I don't eat pork so I had the lamb bao - so good and well seasoned, Diakon bao - a bit plain, suprise it was veg as it tasted like a filet o fish, and the chicken burger bao - very nice. The scallop was very nice, the beef rump was amazing and tender!! The rice dish was the guinea fowl, the meat tasted more like mushroom, the egg yolk made the rice buttery which was delicious. The fried chicken was a little dry - could have done with more sauce. I would visit and and strongly recommend a visit.

F. S.

Bao taken to the next level with great craftmanship and exquisite techniques. Impressive direction of the kitchen by the Executive Chef at the pass, great service at the table. Their speed never compromises the quality of what you receive, which is simply glorious in every detail. Missing 5 star only because of the physical space inside, could perhaps be picturesque for some but felt quite tight and uncomfortable for me. However, strongly recommended and definitely among the best bao in London.

J. N.

Really enjoyed the pork jowl, beef butter rice, classic bao. The fried milk tea bao was also an excellent dessert.

E. H.

First time at Bao, had set menu because we're not familiar with the dishes. Food was delicious and very filling. The venue is small (Lexington Street branch) but even though it was at full capacity, the staff made time to take us through the menu. Very calm and relaxing environment and atmosphere. Huge shout out to Michael who took us through the menu and made us welcome throughout our visit. Can't wait to go back.

J. N.

Really enjoyed the pork jowl, beef butter rice, classic bao. The fried milk tea bao was also an excellent dessert.

V. G.

The space is very cramped, which isn't ideal in Covid times, but the service is always efficient and pleasant, and the food is the bomb. I go there as often as I can. The bao fillings are super tasty, and so are the side dishes. Bear in mind every dish is definitely on the small side and it's not the cheapest place, but I do think it is worth the price.

C. S.

Best Bao restaurant in London. Everything on the menu is awesome but the classic and the pork baos are the best.

B.

TL;DR = Delicious food but small portions. It's a quaint and cosy restaurant with very friendly staff. Makes you feel super …

A. B.

Small place, but to me it translated the atmosphere of a small Japanese place. Nice buns and quirky drinks, I would recommend going for one of each.

D. W.

A well crafted, simple menu with fast service and an intimidate, Asian-style bar interior. T-shirts available are hilarious too, loved all the graphics and the character of this place.

H. C.

Very good experience at Bao ! The staff is very nice to helpful, it is not a traditional restaurant in the sense that you’ll not be seated for 1h30, you eat quite quickly but the food is good and changes from what you can experience elsewhere.

T. M.

Really lovely food, the fried chicken was unreal and highly recommend the sweet potato fries to. We were happy to eat outside to avoid the queue however the staff did walk past us several times until we were even seated, we weren't seated until we had to ask despite being in the correct place to queue. But once seated food came quickly and we would return it the future.

C. C.

Friendly staff, quick service and amazing food 😍. Loved it!!

V. G.

The space is very cramped, which isn't ideal in Covid times, but the service is always efficient and pleasant, and the food is the bomb. I go there as often as I can. The bao fillings are super tasty, and so are the side dishes. Bear in …

R. M.

Good food! The Pork Bao bun was especially lovely. Staff were friendly. One item on our order was missed but was taken off the bill. Would recommend.

A. C.

It blew my mind. This place is spectacular, it gets busy so make sure to go early or to reserve. Also, don't expect huge portions but let me tell you that each and every single bite you take is delicious. My advice is to try as much as you can from the menu, don't stick with only a couple of things because you'll miss amazing dishes. Each Bao restaurant has different menus, make sure that you are looking at the correct one.

N. K.

Really cute spot with delicioussss baos. Loved their cute menu design and the food was amazing. It was my first time having a bao and now I’m hooked!

S.

Cosy nice place in the hear of Soho,known for their Bao . Unfortunately I'm dairy intolerant so I couldn't eat it but I was with a friend and she said it was good and tasty. The portion are very small and the prices a bit high. Anyway staff was very friendly and we enjoyed stay in for a quick lunch.Hope they will add in the menu Bao dairy free.

D.

THE BEST BAO IN MY LIFE🖤 very tasty sweet potato fries and delicious beer. Kind and nice service. I will definitely come back for this food and atmosphere again😀

M. D.

Has always been my go to place. Great food, friendly staff and cosy atmosphere. Highly recommend!

R. B.

Always nice and busy. Order the nice kale house salad and the sweet patato fries to go with your bao.

C. B.

We went during Restaurant Week, and their specials were fantastic! The restaurant clearly provides a wide range of options as well as excellent service. The staff is friendly, attentive, and knowledgeable. We are overjoyed that we were introduced to this dining experience. The outdoor garden and art display (which is currently under construction) are both lovely. What a delightful surprise! Reservations are required.

G. L.

Ordered take away as the restaurant was full. Ordered 4 types of buns - classic, fried chicken, pork, lamb. Simply awesome good. Fried chicken bun was a work of art - crunch fry, chewy bun, and wizard's sauce to put wrap the taste buds into one. But it is not cheap. But worth every penny. We headed down to the Bun House to fill the stomach.

D.

Had a few buns, the aged steak slices, fried chicken, and MaPo Tofu. The food was delicious, service was fast and staff were friendly. Will definitely be coming here again.

C. C.

Friendly staff, quick service and amazing food 😍. Loved it!!

N. J.

Came here few weeks ago. The fried chicken taste special and excellent. Not very much seats inside so can only eat in the freezing wind. Maybe have a reservation with them would be better.

A. D.

Incredible food and incredible service! Highly recommend: Fried Chicken Bao Lamb Bao Trotter Nuggets

p. r.

We waited for 45 mins to get a place in the restaurant., but it was totally worth the wait. The ambience is nice, the presentation of the food was great, and all the food tasted great. I personally liked the scallop, fried chicken, peanut milk and the white horlicks ice-cream. The service was pretty fast. The only con is that the portions are a bit small and it's pricey. I would surely recommend it to anyone who wants to try yummy Taiwanese food.

J. B.

Amazing food, fantastic service and really reasonable. Also got a free t shirt Ila’s it was Chinese New Year worth £15! Result.

N. P.

Good food! Deffo recommend the fried chicken bao. The classic tasted a bit funny. The experience was quite nice however we were rushed and were told we could only stay for an hour even though it was pretty empty which was a bit disappointing.

M. C.

Been meaning to go to Bao since first moving to London but every time I tried there was a line around the block to get in. Since lockdown they've been taking orders for local pickup so I finally got a chance to see what the fuss was all about. Honestly these bao buns are so incredibly light and fluffy and the fillings just melt in the mouth. So incredibly juicy and delicious I just wanted to eat more! Sadly the portion size is relatively small for the price so I'd say it's more of a once every so often treat than a regular lunch spot. Would absolutely still recommend you try it though!

A. C. i. L.

Quite expensive considering the portion sizes. The bao tasted nice, but was about half the normal size, so was essentially a mini bao. The fried chicken was 4 nugget-sized pieces, plus a garlicky hot sauce. At £5.50 to 5.75 each, you're going to need at least 2 bao (or a bao and a side) per person (more if you've got a big appetite), making this a quite pricey version of a sandwich.

C.

Nice place to try different meal, quick service and nice staff. I recommend the pork belly bao and the pulled pork one. It is overpriced considering the small size, to get full you need to order few dishes = the bill increases a lot. Tiny restaurant, they don’t accept bookings

C. C.

Super tasty baos! And the sweet potatoes were delicious too!

B. M.

Small place with different baos - in theory. I took daikon as they specifically weren’t described as fried, but they both did. Very little fresh veggies and herbs, so they feel very dry. Fried mussels were good. Service is quick and friendly, but as they don’t have any specific atmosphere and the food is only average, I don’t think I’ll come back

M. P.

It was so good I went back the next night to try out the rest of the menu. Only the two owners know the recipes to their famous crispy chicken and hot sauce. The queue that lines up across the street is worth the wait. If you’re a line traveler like me you get a seat quicker :)

D. L.

Pretty expensive but not bad if you want to try different things

S. C.

Delicate, delicious and worth queuing for. Waited in line for about 40mins. The bao were interesting, favourite probably being the lamb shoulder. Of the dishes, really enjoyed the pigs blood with egg yolk. Service was prompt and friendly, which you'd expect for a restaurant geared towards quick-turnaround. Not cheap though, small plates quickly add up in cost. Definitely worth trying once or twice, although not really a place you can casually drop into.

C. S.

The restaurant itself is stunning, and our lunch experience was flawless. I wouldn't want to eat a 12-course meal at lunch, so they have a smaller prix fixe menu that is ideal for the midday meal. The service itself was outstanding, attentive without being intrusive, and genuinely pleasant.

M. B.

Fairly priced, if on the expensive side. Food was outstanding though. Apart from the rice dish. Next time I'll stick to the boa. Lemonade was great but far too expensive. Great customer service. Ideal for a solo visit.

D. N.

Went to this place after seeing some really good reviews online. I have to say the food is spectacular! We arrived at lunch time on a weekend, possible the worst time to go! It was so busy and such a huge queue outside. Decided to stick it out and we eventually got seated at the window and had to eat whilst watching hungry people in the queue. We ordered a variety of things off the menu and it was all amazing. The service is very good for a busy little place too. Would definitely recommend this place but go during a weekday when it’s less busy if possible.

M. S.

Don’t get me wrong the food was delicious! The pork bao was so tender and the flavours of every dish were incredible. But for the price tag I probably wouldn’t go back. £5 for a tiny bao (see pic with my hand for reference - note that I have tiny hands to begin with), £6 for the smallest bowl of rice I have ever seen (see second pic for reference). This place is not cheap. We got 2 bao, 1 rice bowl, 2 sides and 2 drinks for £52 including service charge. We were still hungry afterwards.

M. M.

Amazing food. Cosy and quick.

B. B.

Such a cozy place with original twist of flavour combinations, should earn this spot the “hidden gem”status (although it is not hidden at all, and its usually busy). The fact that it is not as expensive as other of the many options around, makes Bao Soho even more attractive. While it is not very comfy, the service is quick and very nice, which it totally makes it up for the lack of space! Highly recommended: the sweet potato chips w/ plum pickle salt, the classic bao, and the Guinea Fowl Chi Shiang rice ! To die for.

t. k.

Best hummus ever and I truly understand why so many people come here. Nice staff, fantastic food, good atmosphere! Highly recommended to anyone!

C. R.

Visited Bao this Saturday afternoon. Arrived just after 5pm and queued for approximately 30mins to get a seat. Once at the table the food came out quickly, and the service couldn't be faulted - polite and attentive. All dishes were tasty and competently crafted. I opted for the vegetarian bun, which was pleasantly fulfilling! I'd recommend trying the sweet potato fries, and the aubergine (if you have a spicy tongue!). Worth trying the cocktails as well! A good a quality as the cocktail bars around soho. Overall, great meal! If you're hungry, may be worth ordering 3 buns + sides.

L. N.

Definitely the better Bao Branch in the company. Bao's tend to be considered the stars of the show however, if you do not order other dishes, you are surely missing out! If you like drinks on the thick and creamier side, definitely try their peanut milk! May sound basic but it's the most satisfying thing you may have that day! Must tries: Guinea Fowl Chi Shiang Rice, Aged beef, Fried chicken bao and to end on a good note, the fried bao horlicks ice cream! My cocktail (white at the bottom and purple on the top) was great too - forgot the name. Only point taken off is the uncomfortable seating and the small restaurant - literally no space to move around. You may nudge someone on the way to the toilet!

A. G.

Had a lovely meal at Bao tonight. Very busy restaurant, we put pur name down in the queue and received a text so we could follow queue process and get notified when our table was ready and in the meantime we enjoyed drinks at a local bar. We ordered a variety of food. Our favourites were the mushroom starter and the aubergine chips and dip, the sweet potato fries and the pork belly bao. Staff were attentive and service was quick. Looking forward to coming back.

s. b.

The guaobao are really good if not a little small (expect you to have 2 or 3 per person).classic and chicken and pork belly were all excellent. This isn't a place you'll spend allot of time in, it's small and the stools aren't for relaxing. There's often a long queue but it's worth it.

A. C.

I actually enjoyed this place. The waiters are courteous and informative, the service was efficient and the atmosphere is in line with what this restaurant offers. The reason for my 3 stars is that most of the food I tried, including the baos, while being of great quality, was lacking in seasoning, salt specifically. Perhaps I was unlucky! This said, I’m looking forward their new restaurant closer to home, in Borough.

B. E.

Great Taiwanese spot to visit with friends for a delicious dinner. The food is varied and all consistently great throughout. Their in-house beer is also quite delicious as well.

J. P.

Nice, small and cozy Soho place serving bao and other Taiwanese inspired dishes. The menu is small but all the dishes are beautifully executed. Service was nice and fast and food came out in a timely manner. Definitely worth a visit if you are in search for a perfect bao.

N.

1) Classic bao: interesting flavour with the peanuts and pork. The peanut flavour stood out which I personally enjoyed. 2) Fried chicken bao: basically a chicken burger with bao buns! It is the same fried chicken that comes with the Taiwanese fried chicken. 3) Lamb shoulder bao: the coriander flavour went really well with the lamb! Overall, I think the BAOs were ok. The buns could have been a little softer, but flavourwise were enjoyable. 4) Taiwanese fried chicken: Nice and crispy, but a little too salty for my liking! 5) 40-day ages beef rump: very tender beef! 6) Mapo tofu: lovely mild flavour and very soft tofu. All the components in the dish really complemented each other. Service was great - efficient and friendly - and the setting is informal and comfortable. The dishes are definitely on the smaller side, so if you're hungry, it may not be the best place for you. Otherwise, I would recommend giving BAO a try!

L. T.

Excellent gua bao, particularly the confit pork and fried chicken. The trotter nuggets were delicious! The beef soup with braised daikon was ok and we felt it was overpriced. The food was expensive for what it was but most of it was delicious.

N. C.

Bao is great. Service is quick and efficient, food is tasty, fresh and authentic. The food menu is varied and concise and includes daily specials and the drink menu has an excellent choice of teas and soft drinks. I pop in for my lunch break when there is no queue (which does happen). I recommend the classic Bao, the pickles are incredible and the scallop. The lunch set menu is a real bargain. If in the area, go here instead of Pret.

S. G.

Tasty food (if a tad expensive), and VERY fast service - minutes to get food, minutes to get the bill etc. However, you may find a queue at busy times. The Bao are all great, I particularly like the 'Lamb' and 'Classic' ones. Would recommend!

K. A.

Wonderful! There is usually a queue to get in which puts off a few, but it's well worth the wait. Staff will come outside and offer you drinks whilst waiting. I waited probably half hour to get in. Great atmosphere inside. Food though not expensive is in very small portions so it does add up once you've ordered a number of dishes. I'd say I spent £25 and that was only a light dinner. The food itself is delicious. Please try the sides as well. I'm in love with the pickles!! Definitely worth a visit and worth the half hour wait.

B. M.

An authentic mexican experience! Really nice food for really cheap prices. The decoration adds to the mexican vibe. Abundant delicious food!!

J. P.

I wanted to try the famous bao they had and they didn't disappoint. The bao itself was soft and fluffy and melted in your mouth. I love the infusion of flavors even when you take your first bite. They place is quaint but is always packed. Would definitely be coming back for more....

D. K.

I just want to say that my dining experience at BAO today (Bank Holiday Monday, 1 May 2017) was phenomenal. What really made it great was the incredible friendliness, politeness, and professionalism of the front-of-house staff. With so many orders, customers queuing outside, and with customers frequently walking into the shop (as they did not realise there was a queue), I noticed the staff dealt with everything PERFECTLY. The staff were constantly professional, welcoming, and polite to ALL customers which I think is SO important. So many restaurants in London fail in that area so hard. With so much multi-tasking going on, it's definitely not easy to keep calm, friendly and professional - I have seen way too many front-of-house staff crack under that sort of pressure, so WELL DONE Bao staff. The food: 11/10. I love the simplicity and minimalism of ordering, the complexity and variety of flavours each dish brings, and the bao's themselves are pillowy blobs of heaven. BAO: thank you for not being pretentious a**holes when you have the absolute right to be. Love this place and will always return.

R. O.

Taiwanese style in central London. Bao Soho really pulls it off with their authentic tastes and around-the-bar concept which is very common in Asia. We took the lunch menu together with a beer and got to taste many different and tasty flavours. Can really recommend Bao during lunch time!

A. P.

What a great surprise. I tried four of the Baos, and each one was more surprising than the next. All of them so good. Even the house salad was so original. I'll keep this address, and come back whenever I have the chance.

R. R.

Cute Taiwanese-oriented restaurant in Soho that does great with its small dishes but fails in its namesake. Its baos are all short of expectations and severely underwhelming in proportion to its price. Its small dishes on the other hand are innovative, thoughtful and rich in flavors. Their tipples are well selected and the Yakult float is a creamy delight. Highly recommend their Taiwanese rice and Horlicks Ice Cream Sandwich

C. W. W.

There is always a queue for this place and after trying it myself i fully understand why they do. Exciting menu full of foods with Unique flavours. You must try the Bao with holic ice cream. Perfect for a date!

D.

It was a good place, worth the wait. The bao were very good, I recommend the confit pork ! As the side dish, the enryngii mushroom was delicious, but the portion was a little too small. The fried horlicks ice cream was also delicious, the mixture between the hot bun and the ice cream is something you should try. ! We were a little bit disappointed by the fact that they told us the fried sweet potatoes wasn't available and they didn't have it anymore even if we were looking forward for this dish, but the customers that arrived 10 minutes after us ordered that without problem.

Z. “. F.

Cute little portions, tasty and reasonably priced but will not fill you up! Maybe good for a quick bite on a date in a trendy area, but I dont recommend if you are hungry!

D. F.

Excellent food, service, and drinks with a very short queue. Attentive and friendly staff and top rate street food bites at fairly affordable prices. Would definitely return to the rest of the menu.

E. T.

Bao lived up to its hype. Solidly executed Taiwanese small plates. I wouldn't say the food itself is very traditional, but the dishes are tasty, and the menu is reasonably creative. The fried chicken bao was my favorite. Super crispy chicken, with just the right amount of pickle and spice. The short rib rice bowl (daily special) was really really good. Tender short ribs on an eggy bed of rice. I'd definitely come back!

B.

An excellent Bao shop at a central Soho location. Very easy to book a table online. Vegetarian options available. Baos are delicious! Definitely recommend trying a few different kinds.

N. L.

As mentioned many times, expect a queue or go at odd hours. It's a small hole in the wall, expect larger wait times for groups larger than two. I'd go for their £15 lunch set, great value. My favourite is the confit bao & was pleasantly surprised by the beef broth with daikon which had a nice kick to it.

P.

Great lunch option or quick bite. Yummy bao’s and beef, the sides could be worked on. Expect to wait around 10-15minutes before being seated.

M. H.

I'm a huge fan of Bao and it never disappoints. The food is very delicious and there is a lot of flavour. You only need a few dishes and it's surprisingly filling. The venue itself is small and cozy and the staff are very helpful. Given it operates on a first come first serve basis the waiting time can be up to two hours (from my experience) but it is worth the wait.

j. C.

First, you are gonna get taken aback by the fact that you have to stand in line for a while across the street. Second, you are gonna be ticking on the menu you barely got informed of. Third, you see how tiny the food you just ticked. Finally you are gonna be shocked by yourself actually paying the amount of money printed on your bill, for just a few bites. It was a bao experience. I tasted its culture, history and temporarily got accustomed to the amount of food I need for one meal. Overall, it was one of the experience I wouldn't have missed.

A.

Pretty good bao! We chose from the lunch menu and was quite pleased with all the dishes I got, however the portion sizes are a bit smaller than expected so I wouldn't go if you are super hungry! The place itself was quite small and really busy, but the service was really good and attentive!

S. P.

Widely known as the best place to have the lovely Vietnamese steamed Bao buns, and lives up to the reputation every time consistently. The buns are softest and the fried chicken the crispest. For chicken eaters few, but very good options. The drinks are awesome - try Poco Fizz! Place is small and be prepared to wait at least for an hour if not more!!! Wait staff is nice and the loo is clean. Nice location in SoHo and keep coming back for more!

A. S.

It's not that food here is bad, in fact it's pretty good although the portions are tiny. What bothers me is people queuing for hours to get a table and paying extortionate price for the food you can easily get elsewhere (slightly cheaper in bigger portion in London. A lot cheaper in Taiwan😂). Nature of London food scene and good marketing I guess🙄

K. A.

Upon visiting London I was really in the mood for baos and so headed here to try them out. The restaurant is a very cool space - and waiting for your turn to eat means standing on the opposite side of the street, which gives the restaurant a very calm feel. The wooden seating and warm lighting compliment that. Me and two friends opted for two baos each to try, as well as a side order of the steak in white soy. The baos arrived on nice looking white plates and featured soft buns with a delectable filling and a nice crunch from peanuts. The steak was well cut and the fat on the side made for delicious, melt in your mouth morsels. Overall, despite the high price, the quality of food is very high and I'd like to try out everything they have on offer.

j. y.

Haven’t come here for three years already. The food still good. Every were nice. But the Taiwanese staffs are gone. For real the Taiwanese staffs had much better service then the staffs they having now. Chefs in kitchen should get a hat as well for hygiene purposes.

A. I.

Great service and some of the best food I've ever tasted. The restaurant is extremely small so expect to wait outside for 15/20 minutes before getting a table. It'll get expensive if you eat yourself full here so beware.

C. E.

Enjoy modern, tasty buns and other taiwanese side dishes at BAO - it's worth to wait for a place. You get a bun for 4-5 £. Drinks are small and therefore a bit expensive. Come to BAO with a small group of friends, as a couple - you have also a good evening alone.

M. (.

We went for lunch time service on Saturday. When we got there people were already queuing outside. The wait was short. Very good customer service - polite and welcoming. The restaurant it self is small but cosy, minimalistic and clean. First time we have ever gone for steamed buns and we have a new favourite food. Me and my partner both very much enjoyed the food which was simplistically dished but very flavoursome. We each had 4 buns, and shared 3 sides - we were very hungry. And we each had the Horlicks ice cream fried bun dessert which was fantastic and bun texture was chewy. We had the sweet potatoe fries and pig trotter nuggets (so yummy I wanted more) and the sticky rice which was also very good. We were so stuffed by the end we had to have an afternoon nap 😂 Price wise we spent £75 altogether with a can of Taiwan beer each. For soho that is a moderate price. We were absolutely stuffed and still wanting more. We are already making plans to return for a special occasion with a different branch of the restaurant, where reservations can be made. Update: we come here as a regular treat and so far never disappointed- staff are always lovely and food is yummy. In average we spend £50-75 max and are rather stuffed going home.

Y. C.

What an amazing gem! Totally deserves its fame and popularity, tried most of the baos and they’re all amazing, along with the pig trotter jelly and the rice, which were perfect too! Defo worth a visit! Best bao place!

A. Y.

Great and authentic Taiwanese bao! Every dish is small, great for snack but not proper meal! Classic bao is £4.75, and chicken bao is £5! 台灣味，解鄉愁呀~

L. H.

Very cute and tasted dishes!! I love the fried chicken BAO. It so crispy and yummy! But the seats were limited, if you go there during the lunch time, it will be so crowded.

J.

I really recommend this place! I loved the pork confit bao and the lamb shoulder bao! You must try the fried holicks ice cream (to share) it’s sooo good

M. B.

Amazing food, a little bit expensive if you have a few beers, but it's worth it.

B. S.

Hands down the best bao in London. Friendly and cozy atmosphere

I. M.

Bao Time! My first Bao ever and guys if you haven't tried a Bao yet, you have no idea What You Are MISSING out in LIFE! Totally in love with the Boa and definitely going to try making it at home..That white soft steamed bun that just melts in your mouth.. I can't have enough of it. We had pretty much everything that was vegetarian on the food menu which was the very popular Eryngi Mushroom, century egg followed by the ohh.. so super soft melt in the mouth Daikon Bao which was a cute Bao with I just found out is an oriental radish fritter served with a slice of radish. For drinks we had a pot of 10 year aged coal baked oblong tea and a Yakut float which was made of fermented pineapple soda served with a yakult float. Everything that was served was the "CUTE" size which is the nicest way I can think of saying they were really small. The food was absolutely delicious and the crowning glory of the day was the Fried Horlicks Ice Cream that we had for dessert, absolutely D..I..V..I..N..E! Loved it 😍😍Though practically speaking the icecream wasn't fried but was sandwiched between two halfs of a doughnut batter bun. So much for my first Taste of Taiwanese Cuisine. Loved it so much.. would definitely recommend this place! Here's a little secret we found out, if you guys can't take the long wait to eat a meal here, I would suggest stopping by to atleast order the dessert. They do a walkin takeaway of only the fried Horlicks ice cream that you just can't miss. Don't queue, just walk straight In and ask for the ice cream. While you guys enjoy your Boa, I will have to start planning for a trip to Taiwan soon. If the first food experience was this good, can't wait to explore the rest!Hopefully they will have everything in Veggie options.

B.

Ordered a lunch set for £15. Comes with a bao, sides and rice dish. Pretty decent food. However the bao might be a little too small for some:)

R. P.

The wait here is a fixture of the soho scene. A bao shaped ‘bus stop’ helpful tells you where to stand on a freezing London evening. Mostly it is worthwhile. Strangely the headline Bao is ok but not the star, the fried treats are excellent and carry the meal. Trotter nuggets on their own are entirely worth the wait.

J. R.

Yikes! Major £'s for baby bites. If you have to have a bao and don't care about money, this is your joint. Unfortunately, in my book, having had many a bao in my day, these are okay, but certainly not worth 5£ for a single baby Bao. The pickle bowl was comical in size - and they should serve it with twizers. The flavors are solid, but I would not return, until I win the lottery. Always feel free to reach out to me on Twitter @joerazz

V. R.

Staff were excellent. Food was delicious. Highly recommend for a great evening.

S. M.

Bao is a hip, unique spot with delicious food and great service! Seating is limited in the restaurant so there is usually a line to dine (as reservations are not accepted). But the food comes out quickly once you order! We tried all the baos, beef soup, and sweet potato chips. All were wonderful choices. Heads up- there isn't much to offer on the menu if you struggle with spicy foods, portion sizes are small, and pricing is a little on the steep side for those plates. Come here on Tuesday when it's whiskey and fried chicken night!

R. W.

Great dishes, although somewhat small so order multiple. Usually quite a crowd waiting for a table across the street. Make sure you have time to wait for a table - if you're on your own you usually get seated fast.

J. H.

AMAZING !!!! Staff super friendly + incredible food Have the peanut milk 🤤 and the classic & daikon baos they are insane There is a list where you can put your name on and the restaurant will text you

A. J.

Awesome Bao, the classic was amazing and the place felt very cosy. I loved the queuing system too which was a kind of stop across the road. The Taiwanese beer wasn't great but the Taiwanese chicken more than made up for it. Would go again 🙂

L. H.

Absolutely spot on, non pretentious, understated food. The classic bao is worth every penny and the desert bao, (Fried Horlicks Ice Cream) is so addictive I had to order another one. For starters go for the Aged Beef Cap, or The trotter nuggets, they are both fantastic. Pair it with a glass of Pompico and you have the perfect meal. Overall very impressive.

L. w.

As a Taiwanese, I love the tranform from the traditional food to a relative modern one. It merges the Taiwanese food and illustration art with Japanese "izakaya" bistro culture. However, the food is a little bit too salty for me.

E. C.

Good food, can see why there is always a queue. Would take away next time as the seating is a little cramped. Tried the pork and chicken boa buns. Chicken was definitely the favourite!

L. C.

Pros: -tasty authentic Taiwanese style bao and appetizers. We tried 3 baos and all were tasty compared to actual bao in Taiwan/China -good service, friendly staff -simple, concise menu Cons: -very overpriced. Avg £5 per bao, which is about a 3 bites and more than double the price of something similar in other Taiwanese restaurants. -can get crowded at dinner time Overall worth trying once, but probably would not return due to price.

S.

The staff was super nice and the flavors were great. We went there for an afternoon snack and it was perfect.

M. G.

Love this little restaurant in Soho. Been a few times now and always get great service and tasty food. There's normally a small wait outside (stand next to the sign to get in the queue) but once you're inside it's quick and efficient. The bao buns are some of the best around and the peanut milk is an absolute must.

T. C.

A brilliantly unconventional experience. Everything we tried, we loved—even lining up across the street awaiting the opening and our turn. Favourite: hot spiced clementine ginger soft drink. Be brave: try the peanut milk!

F. R.

Really nice dishes. They are in small cute size but all taste amazing! And one tips, the queue is at the oppsite road.

V. L.

A little pricey for the portion size but still worth the hype it’s been getting. Grab a friend and order every bun on the menu so you can try a little of everything is probably my best advice. I’d also recommend this for lunch rather than dinner since the restaurant is quite small and the amount of food you get isn’t huge. Drinks wise the yakult float is deliciously refreshing.

J. L.

I’m still undecided if it was worth the 40 minute wait in the cold, but that’s only because vegetarian options were very limited. The two (meat-eating) friends that I was out for dinner with were very happy with their meals. The service was also great, a friendly man kept coming to check on us in the queue, and we were very well attended to at our table. Recommended dishes: For vegetarians, the daikon bao is good. But there aren’t any other bao options. My friends loved the fried chicken, the lamb bao and the pork confit bao. I would not recommend the sweet potato fries, they were battered and not cooked through properly. For dessert, the Horlicks ice cream is the one (and only option). We’d warmed up enough by that point to face ice cream. See picture!

J. K.

Amazing and aesthetically pleasing Taiwanese eatery! As a Taiwanese, I am both pleased by the authenticity of the taste and the surprising new twist Bao offers!

M. v. d. B.

Had a great experience at BAO. The staff was super friendly and the food was amazing!

C. L.

As expected, BAOs are top-notch. The rice bowl was also surprisingly delicious. However, keep in mind that there is often an awkward queue, the space inside the store is extremely crowded, and the food is quite pricey its size. Not exactly filling.

S. G.

Delicious food. We had to queue outside for about 15-20 min but it was definitely worth it. The food came quite quickly and was very well served and taste. The place is very small but the atmosphere is quite relaxing. I highly recommend this place.

C. C.

Cute place, great for date night! Really good value for their happy hour dinner set.

K. Z.

The place was sold as Taiwanese food but it ended up as Asian-fusion as a result I'm a little disappointed. It's a little pricey but the service and quality of the food are good

C. C.

While the food was nice and the staff was friendly, the drinks at £5 are simply not worth it. The space is small and the toilets are clean. This could easily become 4 stars if they revisit the prices of their drinks and even 5 stars if the food becomes better priced as well as someof the bao aren't filled sufficiently to justify £5.60.

C. F.

Come to eat BAO 4 times a month after school. Always need to order more.........each dish is a little be small.But Taiwanese Tea is nice！ Just read some comments No body say this is Traditional Taiwanese Cuisine.....this is Creative Cuisine..... That's why I never say If you want to try some Taiwanese local traditional food you can try BAO first..........it's not 100% similar to Taiwan But I love this better than Taiwanese traditional flavor😂😂😂😂

B. S.

Really delicious baos. Quite expensive though for the portions they serve

K. Z.

The place was sold as Taiwanese food but it ended up as Asian-fusion as a result I'm a little disappointed. It's a little pricey but the service and quality of the food are good

K. M.

Certainly my favorite Bao in London by a long shot. Service is always professional and there's never any disappointments.

L. w.

As a Taiwanese, I love the tranform from the traditional food to a relative modern one. It merges the Taiwanese food and illustration art with Japanese "izakaya" bistro culture. However, the food is a little bit too salty for me.

F. B.

Loved the new outside seating! Same delicious food

A. J.

So so delicious. A great small selection of bao buns and various tasty sides. They’ve opened inside as well as take away now.

C. M.

Wonderful meal, already looking forward to returning for our next meal.

D. A.

Tasty bao bites and inventive cocktails

C. R.

Visited Bao this Saturday afternoon. Arrived just after 5pm and queued for approximately 30mins to get a seat. …

E.

The food has lived up to its hype! Favorite is the fried chicken.

S. G.

Finally got a chance to eat here! Around 6pm on Friday we queued for around 15 minutes and got a seat! Had chicken, pork and tasty desert. Worth queuing if you don't mind, otherwise come just before the after-work rush. 👌

S. T.

Great Taiwanese snacks! Got the confit duck & fried chicken bao, pig blood cake, trotter nuggets! All super delicious!! Perfect location and place to some for a break from walking or shopping

C. C.

Cute little portions of food, a bit pricey for that portions but the tests were good The classic bao was a bit too sweet with the sugar peanut

i.

Kind of nice place actually should have been good but then reality. Bao chicken was cool nothing special Sweet potato fries was unbeatable, was uncooked and hard. Waitress was asking if all good I told her the problem she didn’t replace just said: “ho I’m sorry to hear that Taiwan Beer was really good :)

K. L.

Food was tasty and it was good to try some new dishes but having to line up on the other side of the road to get in seemed a bit pretentious and was totally unnecessary as we'd arrived early enough that the place was basically empty.

L. G.

Delicious food. A bit on the expensive side but highly recommend nonetheless. Would definitely return back and recommend to friends!

A. J.

So so delicious. A great small selection of bao buns and various tasty sides. They’ve opened inside as well as take away now.

K.

The staff is very friendly, the place is very beautiful and the food is nice. However when you're paying 5 pounds for the tiniest bao I have ever seen its not the best place to go if you're really hungry and don't plan on spending 25 pounds for lunch.

R. R.

Baos are a complete rip off. Fried chicken was tasty though!

R.

Buns are especially fluffy and the fried chicken bao is really good - A bit on the expensive side and definitely not worth the wait - tables are really packed together

W. W.

First off, delicious food! The bao themselves are incredible, but they are small. So at least order 2 per person. The que can be long but we got a pint from the next door pub and that made things less arduous. Staff are lovely as well, would love to visit again.

P. B.

The portions are small, but filling, so you won't feel hungry. Most of the plates are delicious well balanced. The restaurant is small and intimate.

B. B.

Sat outside on a muggy day, food was tasty, service was great. Fast and very friendly, inside looks really pleasant and maybe if returning in future we will sit there. 4* instead of 5* purely because I've had nicer bao elsewhere so can't give it the perfect score! Classic Bao was very tasty, Lamb bao was interesting, tasted very indian which I was not expecting! Fried chicken was decent but not mind blowing, if you're in the area definitely pop on by for a quick eat.

H. P.

Definitely one of the best dishes I’ve ever eaten. Pictured is the fried chicken Bao. The fried chicken was oh so juicy inside and the batter was just perfectly crispy, with a hint of spices,so perfectly blended I couldn’t figure out what they were exactly. Not pictured is the classic bao with slow cooked pork. The pork was heavenly, meriting in my mouth bursting with umami and pleasant spices. In addition to that was some ground peanut mixed with brown sugar (I guess). I usually don’t like sugar in my savoury food but this time my mind was changed! All of this for a very reasonable price. I’d happily pay more! And the service was excellent. Must try!

G. V.

Tasty food! Small portions so you have to order several plates but good quality. You have to queue for around 20min but once you are inside, the service is quick.

G. S.

Had the best meal here. Waited for 20 minutes but took my name and number and text us when our table was ready, so cool! The trotter nuggest were unreal. Definitely coming back.

M. S.

the food is very very tasty but the portions are very small

a. a.

Definitely a little on the pricey side but damn is it worth it. The hoisin duck bao is insane, and so is the spicy beef bao. But nothing takes the cake other than the Horlick's bao, it is something of out of this world!!!!! Good service, usually a line up outside but it goes to show how good the food is. It is a little tight on the inside, but you're too busy eating to notice!

C. M.

Nice, but a bit overhyped. Have been wanting to visit Bao for ages, so decided to take advantage during the Eat Out To Help Out campaign. Had a table outside as weather was pleasant. Service friendly and mostly attentive. Food was generally good! Baos were the highlight. Beef nuggets were a weird consistency but enjoyable flavour. Rice was pretty disappointing sadly. The Bao Beer is pricey too, defo not worth the £6.50 a bottle they're charging. All in all, I enjoyed the experience. I'm glad I came when we managed to get the discount as regular prices aren't worth paying.

K. R.

Visited Bao Soho for the first time tonight. 10/10 service and tasty food. The staff are excellent - Harry and Toby are absolute stars, so helpful, welcoming and friendly. Will be back asap.

A. Ö.

Nice but not comfortable, small portions also. Baos are very delicious ; classic, lamb and icecream one especially.Staff is also not very friendly.

D. W.

Exquisite. One of the most delicious things I've ever had, highly recommended. It's no wonder there's always a queue to get a table here.

H. W.

Tiny but stylish Taiwanese restaurant, which leads the 'bao' trend in London fun dinning. Must try the Trotter Nugget, amazingly delicious!

L. R.

Bloody delicious!! Make sure you book ahead as the restaurant gets very busy!

A. S.

Delicious. Simple and refined food, clean tastes without being overdone. We arrived a few minutes before opening and were in the first seating, but there was always a line, so be prepared to wait and overjoyed if you don't have to. Not cheap, a but £65 for 2 for lunch, but you'll leave stuffed and happy.

P. G.

Definitely recommend this place if you are looking for good Bao's in London. Soft & Juicy with great Japanese Beer too !! A little bit pricey but worth the money $$$

L. Z.

Good food, the classic Bao is great, almost every drink is perfect, I would recommend peanut milk, and fried chicken is extremely delicious!!!

E. S.

Excellent place, amazing food. Not cheap though but worth a visit. Come just before opening when there's no wait as it's a small place.

R. A.

Excellent service and every plate was delightful. The oolong tea was fantastic as well.

C. C.

Amazing service. We went last week and I have a lot of allergies but Bryan who served us, made sure he marked everything I could eat and adapted menu items so I could eat there. I felt very safe and looked after eating there which isn't the case at most places. So a huge thank you to Bryan for his above and beyond service and the whole staff on creating amazing food. We will for sure be back.

R. H.

As an asian, I find the Baos quite average. The beef and the service was awesome though!

S. R. M.

Delicious! A bit pricy, but a really nice treat every now and then

M. Z.

Been here around 20 times already. Always a top choice. Best bao's in town. Amazing quality, affordable prices and fast service.

S. K.

Brillant! Bao with chicken was amazing, I think best bao I’ve had. Highly recommended.

M. K.

Nice restaurant, verry small and cozy. Food was great small bites and delicious Bao dishes

C. B.

Great service. Amazing food. Prices aren't cheap, but accessible. Portions are somewhat small - bao size particularly.

L. S.

Worth the hype. Buns were tasty - had the classic, chicken, and pork belly. Staff were very friendly. Waiting in the queue didn't take as long as expected.

N. I.

There is always a line here, but the food is worth the wait. Classic bao is highly recommended. The beer is tasty as well.

J. H.

Some of the best Asian food I've ever had in the UK. Truly a unique experience. Will definitely be back the next time I'm in London.

M. S.

Great buns, highlights for the fried chicken one. Tasty entrances, very small portions.

K. M.

Certainly my favorite Bao in London by a long shot. Service is always professional and there's never any disappointments.

L. L.

Lovely staff, very accommodating The little outdoor space arranged for the current circumstances was lovely and street pretty quiet early in the week. Food tasted good although portions are pretty small and there was quite a long wait between every serving Great discovery though I will go back for the tasty food and the friendly staff

B. S.

Really delicious baos. Quite expensive though for the portions they serve

F. D.

Food was excellent, if not a little on the small size for the portions. However, the cocktails were really disappointing- the Prosecco cocktail unfortunately looked and tasted like a cheap alcopop and was quite flat!

C.

My boyfriend and I ate here this evening and loved it, the wait staff were all so lovely, and even though they were clearly run off their feet had constant smiles and friendly throughout. The food is brilliant, beautifully presented and very tasty. Our favourite dishes were the fried chicken Bao and the scallop <3

G. R.

I enjoyed eating here. The fried chicken bao and the lamb bao were really good. I would definitely return here

M. M.

Amazing place. Worth the queue. Excellent food - definitely try the classic Baos and the scallops

J. L.

Half Chinese half English creative bao! Tasted really good! ❤️

S. Z.

An interesting place~was a bit busy~the bun takes a little bit of time~at first bite, it was a bit salty, but the bun is very soft. A bit overpriced to my taste.

E.

The food has lived up to its hype! Favorite is the fried chicken.

D. B.

Good but pricey. Order at least 4-5 dishes per person.

Y. X.

Cheap street food of childhood at home, charged at London restaurant dishes price for small portions. But feels good to be ripped off - delicious

J. G.

£19 for a diet coke and the set lunch option.. a little punchy. Nothing wowed me. Took a while for the bill too

T. V.

Lives to it bao fame. Well worth the wait. Small and service is rather cool, but it's for the food you're coming and you'll get rewarded. Try some of the sides as well.

N. B. G.

Cozy little place, great food, super-friendly staff. House pickles are amazing!

T. K.

I liked it. Is a tiny place, tiny buns, butI loved the taste and the staff. It is very cozy and also hipster like place. Recommend <3

S. R. K.

This place is really to die for!!! We waited in line 45 minutes in the cold to get in and it was really worth it!! The dishes are tasty and different! The service is kind and efficient. We will be back soon!!

Α. Χ.

Delicious food...first time tried Taiwan food and i love it.I suggest it 10000%

B. I.

Really nice place with a good service. The plate are really tasty even if the bao are a bit expensive. I recommend this place

A. C.

Decent food but feels over priced - nearly £6 for a bao?! Pleasant service but would've liked my sake to be warm, maybe that's my ignorance or maybe it should have been offered. Used to love going here but not sure I'll be rushing back. 3.5 stars.

A. A.

Excellent food a drinks but the portions are a bit small for the price. Staff is friendly and I would probably go again for a light bite and a Taiwan beer.

C. H.

I find this place slightly overrated. I did enjoy the baos but had to queue for half an hour and it's always crowded.

V. M.

Taste is good but a bit overpriced. Service overcharge is too high (12.5%)

E.

THIS PLACE IS AMAZING. I cannot recommend enough!!! If you’re not sure what bun to get, get the classic. I think I went to heaven and back when eating it !

M. Z.

Really friendly staff, good food and quite often seem to have specials on

H. b.

To put it simply, genius. Perfect bite or snack food that is wholesome and delicious. I particularly favour the sweet option which is horlicks ice cream in a BAo bun. People of the world, try that. A tantalising melting of malty goodness paired with the soft yet a chewy bite of bun. Worth the wait and I hate waiting.

B. C.

What a treat!! Incredible food! Super friendly staff!

J. C.

Food is okay but good place if you want to have a variety of dishes. Good teas here.

V. Z.

Amazing food and very friendly staff! We loved it! Popped in without reservation and luckily got a table! Will definitely be back when back in London!

M. U.

Well, i would actually three star this place of it was up to me but the staff is so great it worth going there and trying the food. Dishes with chicken is very tasty but the rest wouldnt make me go there again. Costs 20 pounds per person.

K. E. (.

What a great place! Amazing food fantastic staff

R. N.

A really lovely spot, if you want something a little different. Atmosphere was lovely, and the staff were really attentive. If you go, I would highly recommend the fried chicken- it was amazing. The BAO'S also obviously are delish!

S. D.

Best bun in London. Highly recommend the Guinea Fowl rice bowl and the 40-day Rump Cap!

B. L.

Excellent restaurant, Bernard was welcoming and the food was really good. Thank you for this discovery !

L. S.

Amazing. Food is unique and really tasty. Great service. Lovely airy interior. Drinks were unique and really tasty. Favourites were the scallops, the pork soup which was a special I think, the pork bun, and the Horlicks ice cream. We will definitely go back.

J. S.

Lovely environment. Recommend the guinea fowl rice bowl.

Y. M.

Wow must go there. Super nice people and very tasty small dishes

A. A.

Very delicious Taiwanese bites served in “tapas” style. Great eatery

B. 2.

Amazing service by super friendly East African staff member made my first experience a great one. Clean. Super clean. Cosy. And the food was incredible. Thank you Bao. And sit out to the staff who rushed after me with my umbrella 🤦🏾‍♂️🙏🏽

c. t.

Modern Taiwanese food . Outstanding quality !Impressive ! Very Expensive, comparing to the very tiny portion . But it's still worth to try .

S. B.

Fantastic fresh food, that arrived quickly. Booking system needs fixing: we had booked for 9.30-11, and arrived to be told last orders were at 9.40; the kitchen actually closed at 10. Very frustrating and we left hungry. Expensive given the portion size.

R. N.

Be prepared to queue but once you are in prepare to enjoy Taiwanese street food delicacies at their finest and at reasonable prices to boot.

M. R.

Food was great, the classic and the pork bao were delicious. It ended up being quite pricey but really enjoyed it.

I. P. G. M.

We were walking down the street and saw it was packed inside so we went in. Actually we were really surprised with what we found!

B. 8.

Friendly staff. Fast service. Excellent food. Reasonable prices. Excellent location. Nothing bad to say about it.

T. C.

Always busy and always a long wait, but the fried horlicks ice cream is worth it :)

S. J.

Amazing food amazing staff definitely recommend the Horlicks bun

P. K.

Food was excellent, so was service and their signature beer. Would highly recommend

S. J.

A place worth queuing for! A very tiny restaurant with extremely tasty foods.

e. m.

Exceeded expectation! This place is amazing, from food to service, excellent! Chicken taste lovely and bao- although small, taste absolutely amazing! Completely blew my mind. I highly recommend this place!

S. G.

The food is simple and understated but excellent nonetheless. Very much worth the wait as nowhere else does baos as well.

M. H.

Wow - well worth a visit! Be early there is a queue!!!

F. A.

Tasty food, great drinks, I would go more often but the queue!!!

T. P.

Exceptional. Very personal service, with incredible food.

i. b.

Went here a few years ago 2-3 times and loved it. Back then we had to queue for a rather long time .... so I took my friends here and well, the place has lost it’s spark. Some tasty highlights such as their classic bao and the scallop but nowadays their food lacked balance and it was teeny weeny portions.

C. M.

Wonderful meal, already looking forward to returning for our next meal.

N. A.

Gorgeous bao buns, love the fried chicken one the best, but any of them will not disappoint! Delicious. We will definitely be back.

L. M.

I found the food a bit unequal. The baos and the tendon nuggets were good, the mapo tofu was pretty salty and the rest (beef rump, enogi mushrooms and century egg, kale salad) was a bit so so and uniform in taste. Service was very good.

F. B.

Loved the new outside seating! Same delicious food

L. F.

An amazing little place. The interior design is superb and the crockery on which you get the food add on the experience. I’m not the most knowledgable when it comes to Taiwanese food but I think it’s overpriced for the quality you get. But if you are curious and there isn’t too much queue it is worth a visit, even only for the interior.

M. M.

Great baozi. The classic bao is divine. The ice cream baozi are pretty inventive.

E. A.

This place was fantastic. The staff had wonderful knowledge on the food while also providing recommendations. Every plate we had was incredible. I can't wait to bring more people to experience this place.

T. B.

Really enjoyed our visit here, but still feel it is slightly overpriced for the portion sizes and quality. Nonetheless, very tasty.

G. W.

As far as Bao goes this was one of my favorite places. The staff was extremely friendly. I would expect a small wait (our party of 4 waited 30 minutes), but with all the pubs nearby you can put your name in, grab a drink, and they will text you when the table is ready!

C. C.

Food was amazing and service was impeccable. I was afraid of going out because of Covid and felt really safe in there, the place was spotless clean and there was a good distance between tables. I'd highly recommend this restaurant!

A. M.

My friend and I sort of stumbled upon this place and just happen to hit the line at the perfect moment. *Yes, people wait in line for this place to open.* Get there around 5:15 if you want to get in. Anyways, this was the best Bao I have ever had!!! Great service, food comes out really quick, unique dishes that have a great twist. Recommend the classic Bao and the trotter nuggets.

A. S.

BAO’s are amazing. Soft as cloud. The rest of the food I’ve tied didn’t impress as much as BAO

W. J.

Always delicious, always worth the wait. Love Classic Bao, love Aged Beef Rump, and make sure you try Eryngi Mushroom. Excellent

A. P.

The food was fresh and delicious and the service was friendly and helpful. The special of the day was an aubergine bao, which was outstanding! It's not cheap here since each dish is very small so you need a few bits each, and there was not a huge choice for vegetarians, hence the 4 rather than 5 star rating.

M. M.

Chinese bun with a contemporary touch. Delicious but puny portion. We ordered four items and three drinks, over £40 and I was still hungry when I left the place. However the atmosphere was cosy and the service was quick and friendly.

D. D.

This was a good place for a quick bite to eat before going to the piccadilly theatre. The food was lovely, particularly the trotter nuggets which were unusual and the classic bao bun which was full of flavour. It was however quite expensive as you will need roughly 4 plates to feel full. The restaurant was also very busy with the waiters constantly walking past you, however this is expected due to its popularity.

H. P.

An excellent Taiwanese place - with a small but perfectly formed menu. I haven’t had better Bao anywhere else, and the guinea fowl nuggets are great. Worth the generally fast moving queue (get a beer in a plastic cup at the pub next door) and the expense.

L. V.

Food is decent but expensive. The yakult drink was really good. Portions are small.

A. D.

Delicious food. Awesome cloud pockets of joy stuffed with deliciousy goodness. Slightly more expensive than what I'd like to pay for such small portions, but hey it's London - what do you expect!? Make sure your whole party gets there early so you can get a seat.

A. J.

Queued for about half an hour to be seated. Very small, but not overly cramped. Really helpful and friendly staff. Although I think the recommendation for how much food to order may be too much, I was absolutely stuffed from two small platss. The piggy nuggets were absolute heaven.

P. A. d. A.

Really good menu there for a really good price, completely worth!

R. n.

Loved it, food was great and so was service .

L. S.

It's a small restaurant, where you can eat Taiwanese food. Since Monday to Friday, you can choose a BAO menu, which consists in one start, one BAO and one rice (all for 15 pounds). If you don't like spicy food, you can tell the waiter. Some dishes are available without spicy sauce. We enjoyed eating this kind of food. We chose this courses: confit pork Bao (sweet and tasty), Chicken Bao (delicious), Taiwanese fried chicken (very good), Guinea fowl chi Shiang (also good). Fried Horlick ice cream was our dessert and it was very delicious. We recommend this restaurant, the price was ok and the waiters were very helpful. Price for two people is around 32 pounds.

Z. H.

Food: Very good. The dishes are small and simple, but each one is done very well. The desert is probably my favourite part - sweet buns with a perfectly balanced, simple ice cream (trust me, it's worth it). Service: Nothing special, but then again, it's not an upmarket place. Ambience: Small and crowded. You probably wouldn't take a date here, but then again, it's so small and the queues are so large that you couldn't go here with a medium sized group of friends either. Price: Cheapish. Worth a visit: At some point, I'd suggest going, but the outside and across the street 45 minute queue is much more than this place should really get. If you find this place with only a five minute wait, then pop in, otherwise wait for the hipster herd to move on in a few months time.

O. B.

Really good but i have a tip for the chef - the Taiwanese fried chicken + the green sauce that comes with the pickles (?) is a fantastic combination. You should serve them together!

H. A.

Small place, big flavors. Delicious lunch. We got seated immediately. When we left there was a long line waiting. All staff very friendly and polite. We ordered total 5 Baos and 4 sides for two people. Chicken BAO was my favorite. Total bill (just food no drinks) including service £52.

K. H.

Nice buns but don't you dare go hungry! Portions tiny and you have to order many of them. Generally nice place, be prepared to queue even though it moves quickly. Would I recommend it? Go to try but not an usual place I would keep in mind to go to eat. Reasons: expensive, small portions, queue, small seats.

N.

Food was really good as was the service, my only negative would be that the portion size was a little small

K. O.

Loved the lamb bao and guinea fowl rice, but keep in mind that the portions are absolutely mini!

R. G.

Really tasty food especially the Taiwanese fried chicken (had to get two servings as they were so good). Excellent friendly service throughout. Would go again!

A. K.

I'd never tried the Taiwanese speciality of steamed buns before but had heard that this was the best place for it, and it didn't disappoint. It's a pretty informal setting with little wooden tables and benches but the decor doesn't need to be fancy as the food does all the talking. Everything we ordered was delicious but the buns were definitely the best thing on the menu. Highly recommend this place, even if there's a queue, it goes quickly and you can get a beer outside while you wait.

P.

I admit that I don't always trust when they recommend a trendy restaurant, but I must say that Bao has exceeded this expectation. The restaurant itself isn’t glamorous, but it is so packed with people waiting to find a place to sit...And it is for the quality of the food. It is simple, in a japanese style (although I think the food is Korean), and it has a simple system to order, by checking on a paper menu what you want to have (if you don't know what it is, they’ll kindly explain it and help you), but the baos are detailed because it’s the star plate. I really enjoyed the confit pork and the fried chicken. Apart from this: sweet potato chips were great (boniato) and amazing the eryngii mushrooms. Scallop -just one...:( - we’re also great. Oh, and the seasonal soda also great. I had the pear soda. Cheap prices. So...is there something missing? you really have to go! They won’t let you down!

N. A.

The best baos I've ever eat!very nice people working.

J. C.

The Bao is good. But if you are looking for the best Bao, must visit TAIWAN!!

E. A.

This place was fantastic. The staff had wonderful knowledge on the food while also providing recommendations. Every plate we had was incredible. I can't wait to bring more people to experience this place.

R.

Worth the hype: great food, staff and set up.

F. D.

Tasty stuff. Blood sausage and egg yolk was a favourite

W. W.

First off, delicious food! The bao themselves are incredible, but they are small. So at least order 2 per person. The que can be long but we got a pint from the next door pub and that made things less arduous. Staff are lovely as well, would love to visit again.

C.

Consistently good food every visit

A. C.

Decent food but feels over priced - nearly £6 for a bao?! Pleasant service but would've liked my sake to be warm, maybe that's my ignorance or maybe it should have been offered. Used to love going here but not sure I'll be rushing back. 3.5 stars.

Y. S.

Delicious Food. Friendly Staff. Quick Service. Small Portions. Recommended.

A. S.

Delicious. Simple and refined food, clean tastes without being overdone. We arrived a few minutes before opening and were in the first seating, but there was always a line, so be prepared to wait and overjoyed if you don't have to. Not cheap, a but £65 for 2 for lunch, but you'll leave stuffed and happy.

M. L.

Long queue to get in, but worth the wait. Food was excellent and service was very quick. The baos were delicious.

E. T.

To be honest, being born and raised in Asia, the food that Bao serves is very common and really cheap. Nothing exceptional about the taste and quality. Maybe it's a novelty for now but definitely not worth the queue. Otherwise, restaurant ambience is terrific though a tad small. Staff were friendly and efficient. Restaurant concept is minimalist and menu is straight forward and fuss free! Worth a visit for patron who has never been to Asia.

M. T.

The waiting is absurd due to its small place. The bun is soft and fluffy as a pillow but small. Food are excellent the only downside is the area as it's too small and can only accommodate a handful of people, you don't be able to enjoy your food as you feel bad there are still people waiting, as a considerate customer you don't have time to savour the flavour. It should be a good quick bite but the waiting is not, not sure how to categorize this place and by the way, prices are bit expensive for their size

J. C.

Best steamed buns in town. The starters are amazing too, great fried chicken and delicious trotters nuggets. Pork belly bun is a must. The only downside is that the place is too small for the huge amount of people that goes there which usually means you have to wait in a line for 40 minutes.

R. W.

Food is excellent but the waiters are some of the worst I've ever seen. They are what's preventing this restaurant from being outstanding. A bit more basic manners, smiling and friendliness goes a long way guys

P. K.

In a 3 week period I went to Bao about 4 times. Totally worth the wait, but the wait was pretty cold. I would suggest getting here early (around 5:15 worked for me). I tried every single Bao on the menu and the lamb shoulder is definitely my favorite. The pig blood cake was also pretty good, but the concept was kind of strange. The peanut milk is delicious and very unique. Definitely recommend going here!

B. K.

First timers to the steamed buns world. Tried the first four options and they were all delicious. However, the Classic was my absolute favorite. Fast service and food comes out as it’s ready. So good and would definitely come back.

S. E.

All the baos are absolutely yummy! A shame they get over quite quickly since portion size is small.

I. R.

Delicious food, nice staff, great atmosphere. It would have got 5 stars had there been a couple more good veggie options and slightly cheaper. But it’s a great little restaurant with excellent buns!

D. B.

Waiting outside to go in and working hours are a bit ridiculous, but it is absolutely WORTH IT. The baos are just delicious, you start with the one (and looking at the price it is unbelievable value), but then you order more and more of their delicious food and the bill comes a bit more then you would expect at the beginning. The atmosphere is very interesting, small tables very close to each other, small chairs, feels like at home. The service is double quick and all the guys are very attentive and helpful. You wait maybe 3-5 minutes for the next dish to arrive, even less, while you enjoy some tea from small cups. Great experience, I want to go there everyday now. P.S.Fried chicken is Asian-spicy, you have been warned.

A. C.

I loved the food. The pork belly BAO was the best. The place is beautiful: it has comfy seats and it is cozy. The personnel treated us very well. I will come back.

F. R.

The best buns in town. The queue most evening is manic. Pays to arrive close to the evening opening time if you can. Not been there at lunch time so I can't say how busy it is then. Worth the wait. The fried chicken is my favourite.

A. B.

Amazing place with very delicious food! We had to queu up for about 25 minutes but it was well worth it. The place is tiny so good for a small group. I would avoid the tea and they are very small and overpriced. All of the food was incredible, service top notch! Would Highly highly recommend! Get the chicken, pork and all the starters!

A. M. G.

Really good vegetarian Bao but not many veggie options and a bit pricey. I came here for the first time on a lunch break because I had always seen so many people queuing on the door I thought I had to try it. I am vegetarian so there weren't many options and also some stuff is made spicy so I didn't really have much of a choice as I cannot have spicy at the moment either. However, the vegetarian Bao is really good. Super simple and small but very nice. I needed two though to feel that I had eaten something and ended up spending £13 so it's not the place where to go on your average lunch run cause you'd be broke by the end of the week, but I would recommend people to try it once. It's usually packed so try and make weird hours if possible. I went at 12pm and it was good but by 1pm it was completely full. Staff was friendly and helpful.

P. M.

Great little eatery,. Wait on a Tuesday night at 5.30 was 10mins. Delicious food and the staff were very attentive and friendly. Pretty reasonable pricing. Being 6ft 3 i struggled a little on our table tucked away in corner but comfy enough for a quick bite.

N.

Finally made it to Bao. It was Saturday night and quite cold so the queue was very short. I've heard a lot of good things about Bao and I'm happy to confirm that most of the things we tried were excellent. Service was very good. Very attentive and prompt. Our favourite bao was the fried chicken one. It was delicious. The Trotter Nuggets (pulled pork nuggets) were very good as well. There was a special on the night because of the Chinese new year. We were not really impressed by it. No unusual flavour there. It tasted like a gammon bap. The texture and the flavour of all baps were excellent. We enjoyed the experience but found it to be a bit overpriced for the amount of food you get.

A. G.

Nice and minimal place to eat baos, staff was really kind and helpful! Just be ware of the queue.

J. C.

Literally the best restaurant I have been to in ages. A friend and I tried a good sampling of the menu. The highlight was the friend chicken starter and the fried chicken bao cooked and seasoned to perfection. The scallop was small but tasty and well presented. Beef soup very good, although according to my friend who knows better than me (and who has eaten Taiwanese street food in Taiwan), the soup was less than spectacular. But for a novice like me it was thoroughly enjoyable. Every bao we tried was bursting with flavour. Service was attentive, no long wait after requesting the bill. Prices are good by London standards but expensive by Taiwanese street food standards, so make of that what you will. Arrived around 6 pm on a Friday night, 30 minutes after opening time. Waited nearly 1 hour to get in and yes it was worth it. If you don't want to wait get there early, i.e. before it even opens.

m. c.

Ate here last Tuesday at 2pm. No queue but packed with tourists/single diners. Food, service, atmosphere is great. However portions have shrunk so much since their market stall days at Broadway. One bao used to be about the size of my fist. Now it's maybe 60% of that. The illustrations of little baos now sadly feel like caricatures of what you should expect to be served... The tea they served used to be beautifully brewed and fragrant. Unfortunately on my last visit the water was too hot, or the leaves were burnt/left to brew for too long and there was an aftertaste. BAO was, for me, a nice introduction into the Asian\London foodie scene. I have nice memories of this place (the hype, the excitement and the whole experience), but I've since moved on.

X. Z.

Love the mini bao! Soft and tender~

M. N.

Just discovered this place & my life is better for it. Brought here by a friend on a Saturday day night and there was a queue that only lasted about 10mins. TOTALLY worth it! The bao’s - these strange lotus leaf white buns stuffed with all kinds of fillings , were out of this world delicious. The classic bao and the confit pork bao are ridiculously good but you also must try the lamb shoulder, fried chicken & daikon as well. Basically try every Bao on the menu - then, me later. Also don’t forget the small plates that are perfect accompaniments. We ordered the trotter nuggets, Taiwanese fried chicken & beef soup and everything was outstanding. The servers were all very friendly and completely knowledgeable about every meal on the menu. Place is a bit tiny and can get congested but I still give it five stars just for how freaking good the food is.

K.

Let us in right before closing - so super appreciated that! Awesome food. The pork bun is the best softest, tender meat ever. I still think about it regularly.

N. S.

The buns - pure heaven! The food is great and you will not be disappointed. The price point could be lower, however it's a definite place to try! The classic bun was my favourite accompanied with the house pickles. Lovely!

Z. L.

Everything is small and cute. Very tasty, perfect for lunch or afternoon snack!

J. H.

The food itself was really nice and flavourful. Had the confit and classic bao. The portion size and price however made it very hard for one to be full unless you don't mind spending alot. Also had the soup which was not very good as it was a small bowl and tasted very meh as a person who's had many Asian soups.

M. B.

Great food, great staff. Not one for taking pics of my food but worth the visit. I've been out off by the long queues that form but an hour or so before they close in the week send the best time to go. Nothing bad to say about the place at all. So tasty and a fun place.

q. s.

BAO has managed to create a fun tapas style dining experience that allows for you to try many different dishes. The flavors that the chef imparts in these dishes are truly a work of art. If you want to take your taste buds on a culinary journey then I'd highly advise you to check this place out!!

R. S.

Great food (chicken bao was my favorite)😋 Friendly staff ❤️👍🏼 Slow service 😬

A. R.

Great place to eat. We tried the classic, pork and chicken baos and they were all great. Most of what we ordered were in small plates so its best if you are not too hungry. Come in a few minutes early as there is usually a line outside. Also the line is in the opposite side of the street.

E. H.

Wonderful, delicious bun bao. Sadly, portions were a bit small for the price. Staff were friendly and efficient, calling people in from the queue on the opposite pavement as soon as tables were ready - most people talk about a half hour wait, but we only waited five or ten minutes. because it had opened only a few minutes before. We watched many people come straight in and sent back out again after having the queue pointed out to them.

Y. J.

These have been the best baos I have eaten so far in my life. There was only two of us when we went but the line up moved quickly. I definitely recommend the fried chicken bao. It was also ranked top 10 on the Time out food guide for London so you really can't go wrong!

w. e.

The taste is good however not worth waiting..And the service is.. If you are curious you can try..

R. S.

Small cosy place. Tried to come here before but was too busy. Really glad i made it this time. Had the confit pork and lamb buns which were great. Also had the fried chicken side which was equally as good. Everyones food in the group looked great and no complaints. Would come again

N. B.

Awesome food if you've never had Bao before! The quality of food was of a good standard, and the ambience of the restaurant is great despite it being very small. I've had Bao from Big Bao at Leather Lane market though and it's 6.50 for a Bao which is like 3-4 times the size, and there is a lot more complexity to the toppings. So I would probably recommend that over this, but this is still very good.

D. B.

Had to wait in the queue, but it's worth the wait. Fried chicken is excellent. Trotter nuggets had excellent flavor. The aubergine and wonton crisps were a miss, the wonton tasted a bit stale. Wife loved the classic bao, I loved the fried chicken bao. Place is a bit small, but the food and drinks make up for it. We got the pomelo gimlets which were absolutely devine.

H. F.

Almost five stars, but the last time I was here the good didn't hit on that extra special level like it used to. The bao are reasonably priced, but they get you on all the side dishes. Sake and soft drinks are all of super top quality. Get there before it opens or near closing is you don't want to queue forever (although that may be unavailable).

W. R. (.

Mmmm even thinking about the fried chicken is making my mouth water. There isn't many places in London that serve these authentic steamed buns, but this place does them really well. The restaurant is small and the food is tasty, so expect a queue. I can't wait for these guys to open up a few more!

L. P.

Went here on a thursday lunch as otherwise there are hour long queues. Having had their bao at netil Market I had quite high expectations as the bao are undeniably good. However the set menu was a little underwhelming with cold fried chicken and then having to wait ages for my rice (well after me and my partner had finished everything else. I appreciate everything is cooked to order but rice is an accompaniment in my eyes and just awkward to eat on your own so felt rushed. Overall I wouldn't think this is worth the queues as it isn't that cheap and the vibe is very cramped with constant wind if you are sat by the door. I'd hold out and go to netil Market on a Saturday for much better price and service

M. R.

Personally I wasn't a huge fan of BAO. I went in for lunch after waiting maybe 10 minutes outside. I ordered the guinea fowl rice, a classic bun, and a fried chicken bun. The rice was delicious, definitely the highlight of the meal. The classic and fried chicken buns were just ok. The best part of the classic was the bun which was super fluffy, the filling wasn't anything to write home about and luke warm. The fried chicken could have been much better if it had more flavor, I found it a bit bland.

H. J. M.

I went here after reading about their Pork Confit Bao's being a must-try in London, but I think they were overrated. There was a decent amount of pork in the bun, but I would have liked some more to balance out the bun taste. My mom ordered the Fried Chicken Bao, and that was truly delicious! I would definitely go back for those!! There was so much chicken, a delicious sauce and some veggies. The perfect combination!

S. W.

I come back to Bao over and over again, can't resist! Although I would say it's better to come during lunchtime, I've noticed the quality of the dishes are better earlier on in the day. They tell you to order a lot of smaller dishes and 2 baos per person but I tend to order more baos and less smaller dishes. The fried chicken and classic baos are a must, as well as the side salad, fries, and guinea fowl rice bowl!

B. R.

A bit overpriced, but delicious food. There's something about service steamed buns in numbers less than 3 (i.e. one steamer's full) that seems mean, especially when they're about a fiver a pop. But they are spectacularly delicious (especially the pork belly classic), so I'll be back when I'm feeling flush enough to spend 15 pounds at lunch.

O. T.

Delish!

J. O.

Sides were nice (sweet potato fries, salad) and there's a good range of Bao options (we had pork belly, lamb, daikat)... But both those and the fried chicken starters were somewhat underwhelming. Especially for the price point. There's far tastier options in the area and you won't have as long a wait. Leave this place for people that haven't eaten baos before...

S. T.

nice food and service but a bit pricy

a. w.

If heaven exists, it's BAO. The food was incredible especially the fried chicken BAO and sweet potato chips. The staff were wonderful and friendly as well as a lovely atmosphere. Can be very busy and you might have to wait but it's worth it!

T. C.

Delicious selection of Bao buns (Pork, Duck, Lamb and Confit Pork) well as interesting side dishes and drinks. Only draw back is the price, roughly £5 per bun, with sides ranging from £1.50 to £5. Unusual opening times so be sure to check ahead of visit.

A. F.

Small place to eat. Seats by the street window are a plus. The Bao was tasty. Tea came already brewed so we didn't have the chance of seeing the tea leaves and trying a second brew.

D. D.

Arrive around 5.15 and you'll get to sit down at 5.30 for the first set of tables. Really tasty Japanese food. The Cavolo Nero was amazing! Staff are accurate and quick, food is snack like and filling and the interior makes me feel like I'm actually in Japan. Love it

R. Z.

When my original restaurant of choice that night had an hour long queue, BAO seated me right away and had me savouring a fried chicken bao before I knew it. This is the first time I have had bao, and it will most definitely not be the last. This locations decor and layout are exceptional, and even when the restaurant is full it doesn't feel crowded and the service suffers in no way. The staff was very accommodating and guided me through my first bao experience, and their suggestions turned out beautifully. If you've never been, I highly suggest grabbing a friend and trying something new for a change. You wont regret it.

G. O.

I've been to this place a couple of times and definitely it's a place to come back. Delicious bites in Soho. As a negative part, last time I got the side ordered when all Baos were served a while ago and the same side was served to people that came after me.

M.

I've been there twice. I have to mention first that I'm a bit suspicious about the queues outside that place all the time. I think they might generate them at least sometimes on purpose as a marketing gimmick. When passing by I have seen some free seats inside sometimes when they kept people queuing outside (on purpose?!?!). Nevertheless once you do get in the food is good. 5 stars from me.

J. K.

Some of the best Bao Buns! Bit expensive but totally worth it.

F. G.

Have eaten at Bao many times, it's one of my favourite places. Amazing food at reasonable prices. And for once there's a place in London that serves truly fantastic tea.

J. E.

Whilst the portions are quite small, the food was super delicious

A. ..

Delicious!! I have always wanted to dine here but the queue had put me down until yesterday... and it was worth the wait! Different and amazing tastes and great quality! I couldn't stop thinking about when I would come back

H. F.

Very tasty food but portion sizes a bit tiny given the price even for central London! Can’t fault the fresh ingredients and friendly staff though.

M. L.

Taste only two of the bans. Very tasty, recommend!

B. L.

Delicious buns, of course. The classic and pulled pork options are my favourites. There is a good selection of sakes too. You are bound to have to queue outside, but service is quick so the wait wont be too long.

Y. W.

I’m from Taiwan but I have to say Bao really serves stunning food with beautiful Taiwanese flavours! One point to note - the staff confiscated our disposable chopsticks whilst we were waiting for more food. Could have let us keep our chopsticks until we finish lol.

Y. S.

Delicious Food. Friendly Staff. Quick Service. Small Portions. Recommended.

K. M.

Food was great but service was below average. Waited a very long time between dishes with no explanation. However we did get a sincere apology from the waiter. Maybe just an off night.

J. E.

This place was recommended to me so much, so I joined the ever-present queue to give it a go. Flavour-wise, everything was delicious. The original bao and the black pudding and egg were highlights, but the portions are a little small for the price. The Horlicks ice cream bao dessert was tasty but not the revelation it was bigged up as. Overall, a really tasty spot, but I don't think it was worth the 45 minute wait outside in the cold.

M. W.

Always full, nice flavours but way overpriced. Portions seem to have gotten smaller, so you're basically paying £5 for 2 bites. Ridiculous

r. a. c.

Great place to grab a quick dinner. Not intended to sit down for a long time. Gets packed at 6 so go early if you don't want to wait ! All the baos are incredible and entrees are quite tasty as well. Not the best for sharing as portions are small

A.

Delicious! If there is a queue definitely stay and wait, totally worth it.

L. C.

Very nice dining experience! The food was very authentic and some dishes had a smart twist! Definitely recommend the fried chicken and braised beef stripe. No doubt will visit again!

M.

Great food, tiniest venue. Keeping the supply slow while the demand grows. The queue length makes you question if it's worth the wait. Too many times it's really not, considering all the other great eateries around. Edit: Lowered my rating because it's impossible to get in.

A. H.

BRILLIANT. THE MUST-TRY DISHES: 1. Sweet Potato Fries with Plum Pickled Ketchup 2. Pork Confit Bao 3. Fried Chicken Bao

A.

Really great bao spot. The buns are so fluffy! I always bring visitors to London here and it never fails to impress. Also note, the Fitzrovia location is less busy and you can book a table ahead of time.

Y. C.

The baos were quite tasty- the buns were soft but not too spongy, the meats were not dried out and were flavourful. My favourite savoury bao was the confit pork one, then the fried chicken one, then the classic one, then the lamb one. However, the small plates were nothing special and way too expensive for the portion we were given, especially the aged beef rump cap (tasted good, but not worth the £6). The fried Horlicks ice-cream was ok, I wish I had another savoury bao instead. I suggest going quite late at about 9pm if you don't want to queue for that long.

j. p.

Bao might be my favorite restaurant in all of London! The store is super cute and even when it’s crowded, the service is quick! Not to mention, the bao is MADE OF DREAMS! No matter what you get, it is bound to be delicious. My favorite bao are the original and the fried chicken (it has kimchi!). I would eat here everyday if I lived nearby.

T. H.

Cool place — have to get in early to nab a spot, would recommend lining up across the street to secure your lunch. That said, Bao has has fantastic food and great service. Check out their Instagram, it will make you want to try the whole menu.

A. K.

very westernized view of Taiwanese buns but still good food! Don't expect to get full though just small plates. you must try the fried ice cream bun for dessert though it's amazing

A. P.

Very tasty food! Portions a bit small for the price but really flavourful! Bao’s need doubling really. But definitely worth a trip!

L. E.

This is one of my favourite places to eat in London. The meal came in at about £30, including drinks. The buns are an excellent balance of sweet and salty, soft and crunchy. The lamb and classic buns were stand out dishes of the evening. Be prepared to queue.

A. G.

This is a tiny place, but offers a good experience. I was 22nd in line at 11:35 am on a Saturday, with the line formed opposite to the restaurant. So if you want to be among the first wave (of 25 to 30) to eat, please be there a bit early. The hostess comes across and takes each individual party in, one at a time, seats them and then comes out to take the next party in. SO it takes around 2 mins per party. The menu is extremely limited (thankfully), the portion small, to ensure that more is ordered and a variety enjoyed. The price, like everything in SOHO, is steep. Spending 20 pounds doesn't guarantee a full stomach and that's for lunch! But the buns very really soft and fresh. The Pork Confit was just ok- the fired shallots add a really good taste to it, the Lamb a bit too minty/cilantro heavy. But the Fowl rice was really tasty. The wait between the first Bao to the second one was extremely long, and nobody came offering any words or explanation. There is a service charge of 12.6% automatically added onto the bill.

J. O. C. H.

Overrated and overpriced. Taste average. Good service.

J. M.

a little bit disappointed, the food is just ok but the price? include the service charge two of us spent 50 quids. I have to say it is a great concept but compare with few years ago i tried in a festival about bao, I only can say is same quality but with a reasonable price instead

S. K.

Portions are very tiny and I felt it's very expensive. A bowl of sweet potato chips (count of roughly 10) costs 3.50 and a fried chicken bao cost 5 quid which is just a mouthful. You can eat whole bao in one go. Though it's an unique food experience like no other be prepared to wait and pay close to 15£ or so pet head.

X. X.

The food is 5 star - really delicious! - but the price for the portion you get is poor value (it's not a 'cheap eat'). If they reduced the price slightly would be much more of a regular.

P. V.

Fantastic food! There is always a queue round the corner as there are no reservations (maybe try lunch time) but it's worth the wait. The portions are small so buy a couple of buns and other dishes per person.

M.

Amazing food, fairly priced. 100% worth trying. I will be going again at some point. Only downside for me is there isn't much space and you can be sat with random people however for some people that will be a fun experience.

M. C.

3.5 stars for food 2 stars for price The baos are good, but I wouldn't go back and pay such a high price for such small portions after having waited in such a long queue. Even my tea was served in a tiny vessel - for two pounds I would expect more than a few sips.

T. M.

There is usually a queue, it's a tight squeeze inside and it's quite expensive, but service is good and food is excellent. It is pretty much tapas style with small portions so you need to order a few things from thr menu. There is a decent vegetarian selection with something available in each category. The vegetarian bao is recommended.

E. R. A. K.

Had confit bao, some taiwanese fried chicken, and guinea fowl rice. They were all great and very recommended ! Chicken was juicy and the batter was crispy and a tad glutinous. At the time of my visit this was my lunch set. Would definitely come for a second visit !

M. D. s.

Nice place, good atmosphere and attention, tasty BAO but small!

H. S.

Amazing little pieces of heaven in your mouth, always a queue here for a reason, it's worth waiting in the queue but you can get there later around 9/9.30pm to avoid a wait

W. W.

People cue for this place for a reason. Not that I am a fan of cueing for anything. (You need to time it right) Everything from the beef stock to the braised pork bao is amazing. The fried chicken isn't exactly how I like my Taiwanese fried chicken to be tho. Top mark for taste and flavour. Price-wise it's on the high side considering the portion. Highly recommended.

R. M.

Great tasting food. Just very expensive for what's supposed to be a quick bite. But most people who eat here would have queued up for at least 15 minutes to wait for a spot, so must be worth it

R. V.

Classic bao is awesome! Totally recommend sweet potato fries and aubergine with wonton crisp. Location is small, but works pretty well. Fast service.

R. L.

This place is great for a snack. I say this because the portions are really small! The food here tastes amazing though, very flavorful. I recommend trying out the place at least once if you're in London

H. B.

Bring comfortable shoes to wait - but it's worth the wait! The waiting line has a bar table and hooks to put coats and purses. You can order drinks and appetizers while you wait. We waited for an hour. My recommendation is to just go ahead an order a bottle of wine because you will be at barrafina for a long time (between waiting in line and actually eating). The "line" waitress Esmeralda is delightful.

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