Verdict
Destinations
Restaurant · London

BAO Soho

A tiny Taiwanese counter in Soho that turned the fluffy steamed bao bun into a London obsession.

Independent — no pay-to-rank Graded for who you are Verified 2026-06-17How we grade →
The verdict

Worth the table for…

Great for
  • Couples
  • Solo travellers
  • Foodies
Depends
  • Travellers on a budget
  • If you've only got a day
  • Families with kids
  • Local-life seekers
  • Photographers
Not for

—

Worth it for couples, solo travellers and foodies.

What to order

The plates that decide it

  • Classic pork bao — the bun that started it all
  • Fried chicken bao — a reliable crowd favourite
  • Pig blood cake with cured egg yolk — the standout among the xiao chi small plates
Why we say this

Insider secrets & local vibes

The pillowy steamed buns — especially the classic pork — are pitch-perfect and great value.
Not independently verified — estimated
Seats are scarce and walk-in only at the original, so expect a wait at peak hours.
Not independently verified — estimated
A focused Taiwanese menu of buns, xiao chi and a famously good fried-chicken option.
Not independently verified — estimated
What it feels like

Reading the room, traveller by traveller

  • Solo

    Counter seating and fast service make it an ideal quick solo bite in Soho.

  • With friends

    Graze a spread of buns and small plates between two or three of you.

Good to know

Before you go

Cost
£20–35 per head
Time
1 hour
Last verified
2026-06-17
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Independent — no pay-to-rank Graded for who you are Verified 2026-06-17How we grade →