BAO Soho is the original BAO restaurant at 53 Lexington Street, where it has offered a modern interpretation of a Taiwanese xiao chi house since 2015. The compact walk in dining room keeps the experience lively and informal, while years of Michelin Bib Gourmand recognition reflect the care behind its concise dishes.
Soft bao are made in house and steamed in bamboo baskets imported from Taipei. The classic version combines braised pork, peanut powder, fermented greens and coriander, while beef short rib, fried chicken, prawns, daikon and glazed tofu provide spicy, crisp, rich and meat free alternatives.
Small dishes include house pickles, smacked cucumber, crisp tripe, cheese croquettes, soy glazed aubergine and cull yaw dumplings. Taiwanese fried chicken sits beside comforting rice dishes, while beef noodle soup, dan dan tofu noodles and braised pork with prawn noodles give the menu more substantial bowls.
Fried Horlicks ice cream, chocolate sorbet in fried bao and Taiwanese pineapple cake provide distinctive sweet finishes. Sake, beer, wine and cocktails use flavours such as plum, pomelo, sweet potato and citrus, while the weekday set menu offers a compact route through the Soho selection.
Address: 53 Lexington Street, Soho, London W1F 9AS, United Kingdom