BAO London

BAO London, A Family Celebration

Usually, I’m not keen on eating at chain restaurants. However, BAO London is the exception.

BAO London was founded by husband and wife Shing Tat Chung and Erchen Chang, along with Shing’s sister Wai Ting Chung. They began a culinary journey hoping to bring Taiwanese cuisine to London’s attention. Today, the popular chain consists of five different restaurants across London, one in Soho, Fitzrovia, Kings Cross, Borough Market, and Shoreditch. I heard about BAO through a friend of a friend, claiming it’s the best Taiwanese food in town.

Each restaurant serves food and drinks celebrating a unique part of Taiwanese culture. Over two weeks, I visited each branch, sampling their specialties. From fried chicken baos to oyster broths, there was plenty to eat.

First stop, BAO Noodle Shop. Located in Shoreditch, it’s the newest branch and my personal favourite. Its signature dish, Beef Noodle Soup, is served similarly to how your granny might serve you Shepherd’s Pie on a Sunday. A tad sloppy, but comforting and drowned in love.

After a few visits to the different restaurants, my bank balance was taking a bit of a hit. The solution, make sure to invite your friends to join you, try all the food, and share the financial burden.

Yes, their buns are what they’re renowned for, but BAO has a wide repertoire of exciting dishes. If you pop in, order a few small plates with your baos. And if you have room, eat dessert. The Fried Horlicks Ice Cream is a must-try.

Each branch has its own personality. BAO Kings Cross is suited for loud groups eating late on a Friday night. Whereas, their Fitzrovia restaurant is intimate and slower-paced. Perfect for a date. The chain accommodates every mood and customer on the spectrum.

Don’t get me wrong, all the restaurants are busy, and customers are in and out fast. But you don’t feel rushed. The staff are welcoming and generous with their time. They sense your tone and are happy to chat or go unnoticed.

All in all, BAO, famous for its long queues, has certainly made its mark. The founders have adapted to London’s fine dining environment, serving traditional Taiwanese cuisine in a modern style, paying a wonderful tribute to parts of Taiwanese culture.

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