Bao Restaurants in London: The Ultimate Guide to London’s Best Bao Spots

London’s food scene is a rich tapestry of global flavours, and in recent years, one humble dish has taken the city by storm: the bao. These soft, pillowy steamed buns, originally from Taiwan and China, have evolved into a modern street food favourite, and Londoners have fully embraced them.

Whether you are a long-time bao lover or a curious foodie looking to try something new, London offers a diverse range of bao restaurants to explore. This guide will introduce you to the best bao restaurants in London, highlight what makes each unique, and help you discover where to find the most irresistible buns in the capital.

What is Bao?

Before diving into the restaurant recommendations, it is important to understand what a bao is. Bao, sometimes known as “baozi” or “gua bao”, is a type of steamed bun that can be filled with various savoury or sweet ingredients. Traditionally, bao might contain pork belly, pickled vegetables, or sweet red bean paste. In London, chefs have experimented with innovative fillings and creative twists, making bao a true culinary canvas.

Why Bao Has Become So Popular in London

The popularity of bao in London can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, Londoners are known for their adventurous palates and love of international cuisine. Secondly, bao offers a perfect blend of comfort food and gourmet innovation. The soft texture of the bun paired with bold, flavourful fillings makes for an unforgettable bite. Finally, many bao restaurants in London focus on high-quality, ethically sourced ingredients, appealing to the city’s increasingly health- and sustainability-conscious diners.

Best Bao Restaurants in London

1. BAO London

Perhaps the most famous name on this list, BAO London is synonymous with the dish itself. Starting as a street food stall at Netil Market, BAO has grown into several brick-and-mortar locations, including in Soho, Fitzrovia, and Borough.

BAO is celebrated for its minimalist design, excellent service, and exceptional buns. Highlights include the classic pork bao with braised pork belly, peanut powder, and fermented greens, as well as the fried chicken bao. Vegetarians will enjoy the daikon bao or the aubergine bao with smoked chilli sauce.

2. Bun House

Located in Chinatown and near Oxford Circus, Bun House offers a slightly different approach to bao. Their buns are Cantonese-style, focusing on filled steamed buns rather than folded buns. The menu features char siu pork, lamb, and even custard-filled buns for those with a sweet tooth.

Bun House is loved for its nostalgic Hong Kong-inspired decor and its authentic flavours, making it a must-visit for bao enthusiasts seeking something a bit different from the Taiwanese-style bao.

3. Daddy Bao

Situated in Tooting, Daddy Bao brings vibrant Taiwanese street food energy to South London. The restaurant offers a relaxed, lively atmosphere and an impressive selection of bao. Popular options include the slow-braised beef shortrib bao and the crispy prawn bao.

Vegetarian choices are equally delicious, featuring tofu with pickled mushrooms and crispy shallots. Their sides, such as sesame cucumber and sweet potato fries, complement the baos perfectly.

4. Mr Bao

Located in Peckham, Mr Bao is a sister restaurant to Daddy Bao and shares the same passion for creating outstanding steamed buns. It’s an intimate spot, ideal for casual dinners or late-night cravings.

Favourites here include the classic pork bao, chicken bao with kimchi, and the shiitake mushroom bao for vegetarians. Mr Bao also offers a brunch menu featuring bao benedict and bacon bao, showcasing the versatility of these buns.

5. Yum Bun

Starting as a humble stall at Hackney’s Broadway Market, Yum Bun has grown into a widely loved brand, often found at various markets and festivals. The steamed buns here are exceptionally fluffy and come with fillings like slow-roasted pork belly with hoisin sauce, miso-marinated mushroom, or crispy tofu.

Yum Bun is a great choice for those seeking a more casual, street food-style bao experience. Their playful approach and commitment to quality make them a regular feature on London’s street food scene.

6. Flesh & Buns

Although primarily known for its Japanese izakaya-style menu, Flesh & Buns offers a build-your-own bao experience that’s become a favourite among Londoners. Diners receive freshly steamed buns alongside fillings like crispy duck leg, smoked pork belly, and grilled seabass.

The modern, lively setting makes Flesh & Buns ideal for group dinners or special occasions, especially for those who enjoy creating their own bao combinations.

Vegetarian and Vegan Options

London’s bao restaurants cater well to vegetarian and vegan diners. Many places now offer plant-based fillings such as shiitake mushrooms, miso aubergine, or tofu. BAO London and Mr Bao, in particular, have excellent vegetarian options that do not compromise on flavour.

Moreover, some restaurants experiment with vegan buns using alternative flours or natural colourings, adding a creative twist to the classic recipe.

Beyond the Bao: Sides and Drinks

A trip to a bao restaurant wouldn’t be complete without exploring the accompanying sides and drinks. Most bao restaurants in London offer Asian-inspired small plates such as Taiwanese fried chicken, sesame cucumber salad, or spicy edamame.

For drinks, you can expect a carefully curated list of sake, Asian beers, cocktails infused with ingredients like yuzu or shiso, and unique soft drinks such as bubble tea or Taiwanese milk tea. These extras enhance the overall dining experience and allow diners to enjoy a full culinary journey.

Tips for Enjoying Bao in London

• Expect to queue: Many of the most popular bao restaurants in London operate on a no-reservation policy and can get busy, especially during evenings and weekends. Arriving early or visiting off-peak hours can help.
• Share with friends: Bao buns are small and designed to be eaten in a few bites, making them perfect for sharing. Ordering a selection to share allows you to try a variety of flavours in one visit.
• Check for specials: Many restaurants regularly update their menus with seasonal or limited-edition baos. Checking social media or the restaurant’s website can help you catch these unique offerings.

Conclusion

The bao has undeniably captured the hearts (and stomachs) of Londoners. From humble market stalls to stylish sit-down restaurants, bao restaurants in London offer an exciting mix of traditional and modern interpretations of this beloved dish. Whether you’re in the mood for a quick street food snack or an elaborate dinner, there’s a bao spot to suit every craving.

Exploring these restaurants is not just about enjoying a delicious meal but also experiencing the creativity and diversity that make London’s food scene one of the best in the world. So next time you’re out in the city, why not follow the trail of fluffy steamed buns and discover your new favourite bao?