LDNReview
photo credit: Rob Greig
Bao
Included In
Soho is full of important landmarks. There’s the water pump on Broadwick Street where a famous smart person figured out a cure for cholera. There’s Berwick Street Market, where Oasis took the picture for the album you probably spent a huge chunk of your teenage years being moody to. And then there’s Soho Square, where everyone hangs out in the summer and gets baked in the middle of the day. Last but by no means least, there’s the queue at Bao on Lexington Street.
Although they take reservations now,the queue for Bao has been an official London landmark since the day it opened. Deemed so by us. Because day in and day out, from midday to midnight, you’d find dozens of people are waiting to get into this Taiwanese bao shop.
The question we always grappled with is: had these people, queuing for steamed buns as if they were waiting for rations during World Wars, completely lost their minds? Or was it worth it?
photo credit: Rob Greig
photo credit: Rob Greig
photo credit: Rob Greig
photo credit: Rob Greig
We’re not sure we’d ever have waited 45 minutes just for the Taiwanese buns they’re best-known for, but we would always enthusiastically join the queue for almost everything else on the menu. The small plates, which are modern takes on traditional Taiwanese dishes, are the best things to eat. In fact, they’re some of the most exciting things to eat anywhere in town. The trotter nuggets and beef soup with braised daikon, are true must-orders. And the Taiwanese fried chicken is essential.
Just remember this is an in-and-out kind of place, but it’s perfect for bringing a couple of friends so you can order everything on the menu. And don’t be surprised if you want to order a second round of everything.
Food Rundown
photo credit: Stan Lee
Pork Confit Bao
Classic Bao
Daikon Bao
photo credit: Stan Lee
Taiwanese Fried Chicken
photo credit: Stan Lee
Aged Beef With Aged White Soy Sauce
Trotter Nuggets
photo credit: Stan Lee
Pig Blood Cake
photo credit: Rob Greig