BAO, Soho

Netil Market stalwart BAO will open their new restaurant on Lexington Street in Soho at the beginning of April. Specialising in Taiwanese cuisine fused with influences from Taipei streetfood and from culinary adventures across the China, the menu and concept are both refreshingly simple and deliciously authentic.
The signature bao (meaning 'bun' in Mandarin) takes pride of place on the menu. Made to a secret recipe developed over five years, the traditional steamed buns will be handmade each day and come filled with a range of ingredients including braised pork, lamb shoulder or daikon, a type of radish.
Smaller snacks and other more substantial dishes will also be available. We can’t wait to try the lamb tongue fries with curry dip, or the Daikon tots with century egg: both reproducing exciting tastes of China, in the heart of central London. It can all be washed down with Oolong and cold Foam tea, as well as infused liquors from Japan. The house cocktail mixes with Shochu with plum shrub, Peanut milk, Barley Shochu and honey.
The restaurant itself promises to complement the straightforward, pared back cooking. Wooden cladding on walls and a ceramic-tiled floor keep things clean and simple, and Ercol stools will be dotted along a low bar.
BAO don't take reservations, and the menu looks so mouthwateringly good we're expecting all of Soho to be clambering for a seat when it opens its doors – so get down there early before the crowds catch on.
BAO opens on Lexington Street 7 April for lunch and dinner.

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