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Hours
Sun
12:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Mon
12:00 PM - 3:00 PM5:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Tue
12:00 PM - 3:00 PM5:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Wed
12:00 PM - 3:00 PM5:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Thu
12:00 PM - 3:00 PM5:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Fri
12:00 PM - 10:30 PM
Sat
12:00 PM - 10:30 PM
MICHELIN
What is Travelers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travelers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Ratings and reviews
4.0
Travelers' Choice 2024
MICHELIN
View more on MICHELIN GuideRATINGS
Food
Service
Value
Atmosphere
Details
Someone from this business manages this listing.
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CUISINES
Asian, Taiwanese
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly
Meals
Lunch, Dinner
features
MICHELIN Guide's Point of View
There are some things in life worth queueing for – and that includes the delicious buns here at this simple Taiwanese operation. It is a sweet and unpr...
Read more on MICHELIN GuideBib Gourmand: good quality, good value cooking
Does this restaurant primarily serve Healthy cuisine?
Details
CUISINES
Asian, Taiwanese
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly
Meals
Lunch, Dinner
FEATURES
Seating, Serves Alcohol, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service
Contribute
4.0
966 reviews
Excellent
495
Very good
278
Average
120
Poor
41
Terrible
32
Laura SP
Barcelona405 contributions
Feb 2020 • none
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.
Written February 11, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Charlie66
Alderton551 contributions
Jan 2020 • friends
OK, so this place is a SoHo institution. A survivor par excellence in the openings-closings of this part of London. And here lies Bao’s Achilles heel. Institutions fade and what has struck me recently about Bao is that the queues are not quite as long as they normally are. (I accept that it is January).
The waiters still have their “we’re doing you a favour by giving you a seat” attitude but previously the food always got them off the hook. I’m not so sure anymore. The usually excellent fried chicken was hard rather than crunchy, the the bao buns, especially the “classic” looked like it had been prepared a while ago.
Bao is a tiny place and there is nowhere to hide. Sitting at the bar it was hardly a great experience having the barman packing up, and tidying away his things while we were still eating. A bit of attitude on the way in, and a bit on the way out.
I wouldn’t queue if I were you.
Written February 1, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
No More Bunk Beds Travel Blog
London107 contributions
Aug 2020 • none
Bao is in the Michelin Good Food Guide and I have been hearing so many good things about them. Whilst the service was very good, the food was somewhat inconsistent.
I enjoyed the daikon bao very much; a fluffy sweet bun filled with crunchy fried daikon was flavoursome and had great texture. Mapo tofu, however, made me very sad; the rice was under cooked and the sauce tasted, to me, predominantly of a shop bought sweet chilli sauce and I could not taste the tofu at all (believe me, one CAN taste tofu.)
I also think personally that ÂŁ5.50 for a tiny bao and ÂŁ7.50 for a tiny bowl of mapo tofu is a bit too much.
Service was excellent. Friendly and attentive throughout. Returning of the mapo tofu was handled without any fuss or awkwardness. Thanks to the staff team for their positivity and the welcoming atmosphere.
Written August 9, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
yuri123
4 contributions
Oct 2020 • none
I've eaten at Bao several times but come to the conclusion that it's overpriced and won’t be going back.
The cheapest beer (in a can) is ÂŁ5 for 330ml - that's the equivalent of ÂŁ8.61 for a pint. A G&T will set you back ÂŁ9.
The Taiwanese fried chicken used to be a favourite of mine but last time I had it, it was chewy. I couldn't get a neat bite out of it when using chopsticks. The classic Bao is nice but costs ÂŁ5.50.
Service charge is 12.5% which stings when you've been sat on an uncomfortable stool at a counter getting cold (the front door is left wide open as they're also serving tables on the road outside)
Service was just about acceptable though the two waiters near me were shamelessly gossiping about customers. One of them called me 'mate' - very colloquial and unprofessional.
Finally, they used to have a lunch set menu for ÂŁ15 (+12.5% service) but for some reason have stopped doing it.
Written October 25, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Concordia_1001
London8 contributions
Mar 2020 • none
Went last night for a few bao buns and a drink before the theatre. The buns were delicious but they are quite pricey.
The most eye watering part was the soda, I ordered a soda at around ÂŁ3 expecting a proper can-sized drink...no...it was absolutely tiny! Probably around 75-100ml max!! Three gulps and it had gone. So a sugary, fizzy pop drink that cost around 40p had been marked up 650%. So the soda must be more expensive than the beer - go figure : (
Written March 15, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Amelia C
Enfield361 contributions
Feb 2020 • family
Delicious bao buns! Mon-Fri lunch for £15 you can have a bao bun, a side & rice dish. We tried the fried chicken bun & side, lamb bun, aubergine rice & guinea fowl rice. Each dish was superb & overall filling. Fried chicken my favourite. The Horlicks ice cream bun was also tasty although it is just ice cream in a bun. We tried a couple of the drinks with the peanut milk proving the best. The drinks in particular are small & expensive. It’s not going to be your usual lunch place but a nice treat once in awhile if you can afford it. Get there for 12 to avoid the queues as it’s a small place. Service was good & speedy.
Written February 22, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mark B
Ringwood78 contributions
Dec 2019 • none
Arrive early as there is less queuing - we got a spot within a couple of minutes at around 5.30pm pre-theatre. Delicious bao buns, croquettes, aged beef with soy and sweet potato chips. All excellent with good service - would definitely go again as long as the queue is not too long!
Written January 5, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mobile169456
1 contribution
Feb 2022 • none
I have never written a review for a London restaurant before, but this is the first time I have felt compelled to review a restaurant, simply because I felt that I wouldn't want anyone else to have the same experience.
The baos admittedly, are delicious, but they are so tiny. around ÂŁ5.50 a pop, they can be demolished in literally two mouthfuls. I wouldn't actually call this place a restaurant. I think it is more like a snack bar. The baos are not meals. They are like appetizers.
To be honest, I was really shocked. I have eaten at many many London restaurants, and this is the first time I have felt that I really ripped off. To add insult to injury, not all the baos came out at the same time. We waited ages for the tiny morsels, then only two came out, and the third person in my party had to wait another ten minutes for his bao to come out, and then a little while more for the fries to be served.
The drinks at ÂŁ5 were child-sized.
It is hard to see how big or how small the baos are online because they are not to scale, but let me assure you, they will leave you hungry.
After our 'meal' here which cost us around ÂŁ30 (including 12.5% service charge!) for three baos, a meagre portion of sweet potato fries and a drink, we were famished and headed straight to Chinatown to get some real steamed decent sized baos for ÂŁ2.50 a bao. We should have skipped this place completely in the first place and gone straight to Chinatown.
Service was ok. Not the waiters' fault.
Written February 15, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ConConCorrue
Northwood23 contributions
Sep 2020 • solo
Annoyingly I was meant to know that a sign outside with a sneezing man on it meant wait here. On the other side of the sign (not facing the entrance) it does actually say wait here. I got the classic BAO, it tasted delicious but was tiny and cost ÂŁ5.50. I wouldn't go back.
Written September 2, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
myriam
5 contributions
Sep 2020 • couples
The food was not tasty and it is too pricey for the quantity and quality given. The scallops was disgusting and smelly, the chicken was dry, the lamb was not good and the red sauce on the sweet potato fries tasted so fake. I was very disappointed because I expect better from bao given that their prices are high.
Written September 8, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
FurTeddy
London129 contributions
Nov 2021 • solo
Took me a while but eventually ate at this super cool but very relaxed place.
The staff know exactly what they are doing, whether service, bar or kitchen.
The drinks are simply sensational, whether cocktails, non-alcoholic or beers and house wine. The quality, simplicity and elegance of the glassware is some of the best I have seen anywhere.
I would recommend ordering up to half a dozen items per person if you are hungry, though four is plenty.
I had two buns, trotter nuggets, beef soup, pickles and more and it was all without exception superb. A very cool but relaxed joint that deserves all of its recognition and has set an extremely high standard in the west end.
Make sure you order the fried Horlicks ice cream for pudding, I forgot to but regretted it. Next time..
Written November 5, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Christie-lee
26 contributions
Feb 2020 • none
I would probably rate this higher if the price wasn’t so expensive.
The Bao are ok, they’re tasty and nice enough but not mind blowing to be worth the price they are. They’re quite small and for 2 cost £14 (with a service fee added).
I got the chicken and prawn (special) flavours.
I wouldn’t go back but it was nice to try.
Written March 5, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SelwoodEats
London25 contributions
Feb 2023 • couples
đź”»
Price - ÂŁÂŁ
Fairly priced, they offer a set menu which for lunch which we took advantage of. nice, simple portion- nothing too heavy.
đź”»
I had: Classic Bao, Taiwanese fried chicken, Soy glazed Aubergine, Guine Fowl Shang Rice
đź”»
Food:
The taiwanese fried chicken was great, crispy and juicy at the same time, a little too basic with the spice however, i think its just simple sriracha. The Soy Glazed Aubergine was cold- a little surprising for me, extremely fragrant flavour, wasnt a big fan. The Guinea fowl rice bowl was great, though the 'fowl' part was quite small, its a nice little rice bowl. The star of the show is of course the classic Pork Bao, which was expected was great. Fluffy white bun, Juicy and full of flavour.
đź”»
Ambience/Service:
Great! Very minimalist vibe, it got busy extremely quick but the staff were very attentive and knowledgeable with the menu.
đź”»
Summary:
Though all the other dishes were great i think they were outdone by the Bao here which was miles ahead in terms of flavour. Really good spot for lunch providing there's no queues!
đź”»
Social:
â–ş Instagram: Selwoodeats
â–ş TikTok: Selwoodeats
Written March 17, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ben A
London7 contributions
Sep 2021 • friends
From the moment we sat down we were practically evicted from our chairs. Greeted with a “you shouldn’t be here” we could not wait to leave. Granted, the food was good, although small in size. But that felt like it was a smokescreen which allowed them to get away with below par service. Indeed we were overcharged for our meal and subsequently were extremely disappointed with the service we received.
Written September 16, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Paul C
London15 contributions
Jul 2021 • none
We have two Bao, one is classic and one with spicy pork. Both are very Good. Also have starter scallop, which the sauce is excellent but the scallop itself is rather average. Overall I think the food and the drinks (we had a cold tea and a very small teapot of tea) are over-priced, otherwise I will rate it 5/5.
Written July 17, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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