BAO Soho
A tiny Taiwanese counter in Soho that turned the fluffy steamed bao bun into a London obsession.
The call
Worth it if you're traveling as a couple and you're traveling solo.
Short answer
Is BAO Soho worth it?
BAO Soho deserves a place on most first itineraries. Go early or reserve ahead. Crowds are part of the cost.
The answer depends on your budget, time and travel style; the breakdown below shows who gets the most value.
Why
- 01
Minimal, bright and quick — you slide onto a stool, eat a few perfect buns and move on.
- 02
Charming and cheap, if cramped.
Is it a fit?
Go if
You're traveling as a couple
As a couple, BAO Soho is an easy yes.
You're traveling solo
Solo, BAO Soho is an easy yes.
Food is a reason to travel
BAO Soho rewards a trip built around food & drink.
Think twice if
You're watching the budget
BAO Soho can strain a tight budget. Go only when it is a priority.
You only have one day
Keep BAO Soho only when it outranks a half-day elsewhere.
You're traveling with kids
With kids, BAO Soho needs the right timing and tolerance.
You prefer local life to spectacle
BAO Soho offers some local authenticity, but not enough to make it the reason to go.
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
Plan it well
- Cost
- £20–35 per head
- Allow
- 1 hour