Bao Soho London - Restaurant Review & Guide

Bao Soho London is a Taiwanese Street Food restaurant in London. This guide to Bao Soho London covers the menu, the vibe, the location and how to book a table at Bao Soho London.

Bao Soho is a cult favourite London restaurant serving Taiwanese steamed buns and small plates with bold, comforting flavours.

Read on for our review of Bao Soho London, what makes Bao Soho London stand out among restaurants in London, and how to book Bao Soho London on ReelTrip.

About Bao Soho London

Since its arrival in the heart of the capital, Bao Soho London has transformed from a popular street food stall into a pillar of the local dining landscape. Located at 53 Lexington St, London W1F 9AS, United Kingdom, it remains a focal point for those seeking authentic flavours within a minimalist setting. This mid-range establishment focus on quality over complexity, providing a stripped-back approach to Taiwanese street food dining that is often imitated but rarely matched across other London restaurants.

The queue outside is a common sight in this part of London, a testament to the enduring appeal of the kitchen's specific craft. While the city has seen many trends come and go, Bao Soho has maintained a consistent reputation for precision and depth of flavour. It represents a specific movement in the London food scene that values regional specialities served with efficiency and style. For those looking for where to eat in London without the fuss of white tablecloths, this spot offers a reliable and high-quality experience that celebrates traditional techniques within the United Kingdom dining industry.

About the restaurant

The story of this space is one of rapid growth followed by sustained excellence. Originally starting as a market stall in East London, the founders brought a unique vision for Taiwanese street food dining to a permanent brick-and-mortar site. It helped redefine what a modern Taiwanese Street Food restaurant could look like in the United Kingdom, moving away from cluttered aesthetics toward a refined, wooden, and functional interior. The operation is tight and professional, designed to move people through while maintaining a sense of care for every dish that leaves the pass.

The restaurant operates on a first-come, first-served basis, which has become part of its local identity. While the concept of queuing might deter some, it ensures a fast-paced energy that suits the Soho environment. The staff are knowledgeable and efficient, helping newcomers navigate the menu while keeping the high volume of covers moving smoothly. This is a place built on the strength of its product, where the food speaks louder than any marketing campaign could. It stands as a prime example of how niche international cuisines can find a dedicated home among the best Taiwanese Street Food in London.

The food and menu

The menu is anchored by the signature steamed milk buns that give Bao Soho its name. These are handmade daily using a specific flour that creates a soft, cloud-like texture. The Classic Pork Bao is the essential order here, featuring slow-braised pork belly, peanut powder, and fermented greens. The balance of the rich, fatty meat against the sweet nuttiness and sharp acidity of the greens is the reason this dish became an instant icon. Another staple is the Fried Chicken Bao, which uses soy-marinated chicken and sichuan mayo to deliver a satisfying heat and crunch.

Beyond the buns, the kitchen offers a selection of small plates that showcase broader Taiwanese influences. The Trotter Nuggets and the Pig Blood Cake with egg yolk are for more adventurous diners, offering textures and deep umami flavours that are hard to find elsewhere in the city. For those who prefer vegetables, the mapo tofu or the blanched greens with ginger dashi provide a lighter contrast to the richer meat dishes. Each plate is designed to be shared, allowing a group to sample a significant portion of the menu in one sitting. This variety makes it one of the most interesting London restaurants for fans of punchy, fermented, and soy-based profiles.

Drinks and wine list

The beverage programme is curated to complement the salty and spicy notes of the food. A standout feature is the selection of Taiwanese teas, which are treated with as much respect as the wine. Oolong teas from various regions offer a floral and earthy counterpoint to the fried components of the meal. For those seeking something cold, the milk teas are a popular choice, providing a creamy and sweet finish or accompaniment to the spice-heavy small plates.

On the alcoholic side, the list is concise but effective. There are Japanese whiskies and a small selection of sakes that align with the East Asian focus of the kitchen. The beer list frequently includes independent breweries, offering crisp lagers and pale ales that cut through the richness of the pork belly. Even though the focus is on street food, the drink pairings are thoughtfully considered to ensure that the palate is refreshed between different courses. This attention to liquid detail sets it apart from more casual takeaway-focused spots in London.

Atmosphere and design

The interior is a study in functional minimalism. Light wood dominates the space, from the long communal counters to the high stools. Large windows look out onto Lexington Street, allowing natural light to fill the room during the day and providing a view of the passing Soho crowds at night. The lighting is focused and warm, creating an intimate feel despite the proximity of other diners. It is not a place for a long, sprawling lounge, but rather a sharp, energetic environment that reflects the speed of city life.

There is a distinct lack of clutter on the walls, with the design focusing on the clean lines of the architecture and the activity of the open kitchen areas. The sound of the steamers and the chatter of the crowd create a lively backing track to the meal. It is an honest design that does not attempt to distract from the food. This aesthetic has become a hallmark of the Bao Soho brand and has influenced several other London restaurants that have followed in its wake. The atmosphere is casual yet deliberate, making everyone from solo diners to small groups feel welcome.

Location and setting

The restaurant is situated in one of the most culturally active districts of the United Kingdom. Soho is known for its history of entertainment and its dense concentration of quality dining options. Positioned on Lexington Street, the restaurant is a short walk from the shopping hubs of Oxford Street and Regent Street, making it a convenient stop for a mid-day break or an evening meal before heading to a nearby theatre. The surrounding streets are filled with independent boutiques, record shops, and historic pubs, providing plenty of context for a full day of exploration.

The setting is quintessentially central London, where narrow streets and heritage buildings house some of the most innovative businesses in the country. To find this level of quality Taiwanese Street Food in London within such a central location is a major draw for both residents and visitors. While the area can be hectic, the internal environment of the restaurant offers a sense of ordered calm. It acts as a perfect gateway to the rest of the West End, providing a high-quality fuel stop in the middle of the city's creative heart.

Why book here

Choosing to eat at Bao Soho means engaging with a piece of modern culinary history in the city. It remains one of the most consistent performers in the capital, delivering high-impact flavours for a mid-range price. The reservation policy is generally walk-in only, which adds to the spontaneous feel of the experience. It is the ideal location for those who appreciate precise cooking without the formality of a traditional seated dinner. Whether you are a fan of the classic pork bun or want to explore the more complex small plates, the kitchen delivers a high standard of execution every time.

As a leader among Taiwanese Street Food restaurant options, it provides an accessible yet deep look into a specific regional cuisine. The combination of its central Soho location, the iconic status of its milk buns, and the vibrant atmosphere makes it a must-visit. For anyone putting together a list of the best London restaurants to visit, this spot is a non-negotiable entry. Bao Soho London continues to set the bar for quality and character, ensuring a memorable experience for anyone who appreciates the craft of simple, powerful food.

Explore more in London

Other restaurants nearby: Casa Fofo, The Harwood Arms, Akoko, AngloThai, Helene Darroze at The Connaught.

Explore the area: London travel guide, York, Edinburgh, Manchester, Liverpool.

Practical Information for Bao Soho London

Address: 53 Lexington St, London W1F 9AS, United Kingdom

Opening hours: Mon – Sat: 12:00 – 22:00, Sun: 12:00 – 18:00

Frequently Asked Questions about Bao Soho London

Where is Bao Soho London?

Bao Soho London is located at 53 Lexington St, London W1F 9AS, United Kingdom.

What cuisine does Bao Soho London serve?

Bao Soho London serves Taiwanese Street Food in the heart of London.

How do I book Bao Soho London?

You can book a table at Bao Soho London directly through ReelTrip using the booking link below.

Book Bao Soho London

Ready to dine at Bao Soho London? Book Bao Soho London on ReelTrip.