BAO Borough Reviews Summary

Waiting Time

Pros:

• "There weren't any tables available when we arrived but a staff member took our mobile number and sent us a text once a table had become available."

Cons:

• "Had to wait 10 minutes, when I got it there were loads of empty seats - I guess it’s a crowd control thing, can’t imagine coming here on a weekend."
• "The service was quick and friendly, with a quite unique ordering system."

Food Quality and Taste

Pros:

• "The food in Bao was just amazing! My recommendation… Go for the Baos! Specially the classic one and the prawn! They are really rich in flavour!"
• "Love Bao! Their buns are always very flavorful and consistently good."
• "The 40 day aged beef = 10/10 Taiwanese fried chicken 10/10."
• "Food is banging, especially the fried chicken, ox's heart and chilli sauce."
• "I love this place, feels like I’m biting into a cloud every time I have a bao bun. The flavours are rich, complex, and full of flavour."

Cons:

• "The price was a bit high, to be expected for a food-market, but regardless still felt like a lot for one bao."
• "The food was quite good, and the service is very friendly and helpful."
• "The food is not cheap given the amount of food you get, but I also can't judge the value proposition for you."
• "Really good food, although I do feel it's a bit overpriced for the portion size."
• "The beef tasted amazing, perfectly filled."

Service

Pros:

• "Staff was really friendly too! We sat in the counter and were able to see the chefs doing their magic!"
• "Service was great - staff very friendly and efficient."
• "I had a great time eating for the first time in BAO. Food was exquisite, service was 5 stars."
• "Had such a lovely time at Bao today! Food was insane, definitely worth the money!"
• "Stepping in this restaurant feels like you’re stepping into a portal to Taiwan."

Cons:

• "The staff serving at the takeout window is very friendly. However, the £5 bubble milk tea I bought is quite disappointing."
• "Whilst the service girls were very nice, they never made eye contact so it was hard to get their attention to get served."
• "Despite turning up without a booking on a busy Friday lunchtime, my wait was less than 5 minutes. The staff were so warm & friendly."
• "Had the Bao 15, 15£ for a bao (I chose classic), a choice of small plate (grilled cabbage/fried chicken - I chose chicken) and an aubergine on rice."

Ambiance

Pros:

• "Cute little place in borough market. Great food, pretty spicy."
• "We love their artwork so much that we got one of their posters. If you look above the bar, you can see all the different artwork that they sell as well."
• "The atmosphere was incredible, with people queuing to get in. Service was unique - writing on a mini menu with a whiteboard pen to order."
• "Fun karaoke room downstairs and so much merch!"
• "Lovely Taiwanese food, small portion so order about 4 plates pp."

Cons:

• "The restaurant has a busy vibe and is not the coziest, but the food is worth a try and we will definitely come again!"
• "The dining table is small and densely packed, making it hard to sit if you are a big man."
• "The restaurant also seemed unhygienic as the eggs were next to the chemicals and a server was scratching her head while handling the food."
• "In 2013 Bao was set up by Erchen Chang, Wai Ting & Shing Tat Chung as a market stall in Netil Market, East London."