Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    Bao & Bowls

    4.6 (28 reviews)
    Closed 12:00 pm - 9:30 PM

    Order Bao & Bowls Takeout or Delivery

    Bao & Bowls Photos

    Business Info

    BAO & BOWLS ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?

    You might also consider

    More like Bao & Bowls

    Recommended Reviews - Bao & Bowls

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    Anna D.

    Super exciting to see this pop up in this part of town - the bao buns are $1 each (minimum order 4) until September 10! The bao buns were my favorite thing here despite being pretty doughy, especially the bottom. It was such a good size though, and very juicy with a lot of protein inside. Super hot so treat it like soup dumpling! The Chewy AF fried noodle ($15) which is basically a Shanghai fried flat noodle - it was just okay to me, a bit saucy but not sauce enough? I wish it had just been stir fried. The spicy cucumbers ($8) fell very short - it looked like it had been prepared days ago, and wasn't very spicy. Some seating inside but did not seem to have a bathroom.

    Austin L.

    This spot has a great priced BB Combo starting at $19.99 which has good portion of food! You can pick an app, entree, and your choice of pan fried bao to create a delicious combo, and also try some of their other foods on the side. This is what I ordered: - Shrimp Crunch Roll - Jumbo wonton in chili oil * BB Combo - O.G. Beef Stew Noodle - Classic PanFried Pork Baos - Bopcorn Chicken * BB Combo - King's Chicken Steak Rice - Classic PanFried Pork Baos - Cucumber salad I enjoyed the crunchy shrimp rolls and packed wontons with a nice peanut spicy sauce. The cucumber salad and popcorn chicken both had so much flavor and made perfect sides in the combos. I was so pleasantly surprised by the tender chewy beef and nice long noodles blending so well together. If you get the beef noodle soup for the BB Combo, it's $3 more but I think it's worth it. The fried chicken steak on rice was also crispy and hearty. The rice was soft and fresh and it tasted like they poured a brine of some sort over the rice. They have a tablet for you to order inside or you can order with the cashier. The food came out after 10 minutes which was pretty quick. There's a few tables inside to eat and two tables right outside.

    Nicole N.

    Heard about Bao & Bowls' pan fried buns so I had to check them out!! I was impressed because it was like a crossover between soup dumplings 小笼包 and pan fried buns 生煎包! First, I loved the amount of soup and filling inside. It was flavorful and the soup will squirt if you take the right bite. Second, the top part was thin enough that it felt like a soup dumpling but the bottom part of crunchy and thick enough like a pan fried bun. The texture combo was kinda fun! The rest of their menu wasn't as exciting. I personally liked their jumbo wonton in chili oil 红油抄手, especially with the mustard leaves 荠菜 filling and the thin, chewy skin. However it wasn't that unique and could have been spicier with the chili oil. The fried noodles with beef 牛肉粗炒 were pretty standard. Decent chew with the noodles with a typical stir fry sauce. The store itself is kinda small with limited seating. I went late afternoon so there wasn't a lot of people. Food came out quick. Maybe it was the dishes we tried, but besides the pan fried buns which bumped them to a 4-star, I'm not sure I would come back especially for the price point.

    Beef The O.G. Beef Stew Noodle
    Jasmine C.

    Came on a Saturday afternoon for lunch and ordered the combo sigh beef noodle stew, popcorn chicken, and 2 pan fried pork and chive baos. Overall pretty good! The soup was flavorful but not too heavy and the beef was soft and tender. The noodles were a bit overcooked and the popcorn chicken were more like schnitzel nuggets. The baos were hot and juicy but it was a little too much dough for me. Maybe they were having a slightly off day. There's not too much seating inside but service was kind and answered all our questions.

    Art
    Seby I.

    Two month new spartan eatery with Taiwanese Sichuan cuisine. Located on East 13th Street between First and Avenue A in a bright setting with wooden bench and seating. No restroom. Sunny takes the order and serves it. I had the Classic Pork Pan Fried Bao ($10). Four piping hot baos were served. I had to be careful not to burn my tongue. The broth inside was flavorful and extremely hot. The meat was tender and dipped into the spicy oil delicious. I managed to finish all four. This is a very reasonably priced eatery in this neighborhood to pick up or eat in. Worth checking out.

    hot chicken saucy noodle, Shredded Beef w.Pepper Fried Noodle-
    Irene C.

    Food was decent, but tbh nothing you can't get in Chinatown for cheaper. The chicken saucy noodle would be better if it was spicier or cold, and the beef noodles weren't spicy at all.

    IG Nycfoodiegirl
    Jodie L.

    Love their beef noodle soup, the beef is thick and so tender. The chicken steak is crispy but the bao here is perfect, crispy and juicy in the center. Self service and great spot when you are craving Taiwanese comfort food

    Crab buns
    Jenny L.

    Not impressed by this place!! I'll stick to my favorite buns place in Flushing, Queens!! The beef from the noodles soup was the only thing that was pretty good & tender!! Otherwise, the pan fried buns tastes weird!! Not recommended!!!

    Golden pork schnitzel with
    Janet W.

    This tiny store front in the East Village boasts a nice menu of Taiwanese comfort food. Too bad the beef noodle soup has been sold out each time I have tried to order it so if that is the dish for you, go early for lunch or dinner. Flavor is decent but still not quite what one would get in Taiwan. We tried the schnitzel with noodle and rice and also the chicken with rice dish. We also added the pan fried buns for good measure. The service is good and staff is friendly - you order at kiosk or at the desk and food is brought out to you promptly. Price isn't cheap but then again what in New York is cheap these days. This would not be my first choice for any buns and baos in the City, but still a decent option.

    Pig trotter over rice and beef noodle soup
    Calvin H.

    The food was great. The pig trotter the thick cut slices of beef were all super tender. However, the star of the show was the pan fried buns. It was a soup dumpling and fried dumpling combo. Will definitely be back!

    Pan Fired Pork

    See all

    2 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    10 months ago

    Helpful 14
    Thanks 6
    Love this 12
    Oh no 0

    9 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Anna D.
    200
    527
    1785

    11 months ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    10 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    6 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    7 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    9 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    9 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    9 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    9 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    9 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1
    Photo of Calvin H.
    162
    72
    145

    9 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of John C.
    5
    119
    2

    7 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    9 months ago

    The OG beef stew is so good! Fresh noodles and scrumptious thick slices of beef that melts in your mouth. It is a perfect cold weather meal.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    10 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    11 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    10 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    10 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    10 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    Ask the Community - Bao & Bowls

    You might also consider

    Verify this business for free

    People searched for Shanghainese 22,167 times last month within 15 miles of this business.

    Verify this business

    Shanghai 21

    Shanghai 21

    4.2
    (2.2k reviews)
    1.4 mi
    $$

    A Chinatown Must‑Visit for Dumpling Lovers…read more I was in New York on a work trip, and my colleague - a proud local - promised to take me to the best dumpling spot in Chinatown. Let me tell you, he did not exaggerate. This place absolutely delivered. The moment we walked in, the atmosphere hit me first: colorful, lively, buzzing with energy in the best way. It's hip without trying too hard, and everything felt clean and well‑kept. Service was lightning fast, too - dishes were coming out almost as quickly as we could order them. Now, the dumplings. Amazing. Truly some of the best I've ever had. Perfectly cooked, packed with flavor, and paired with a savory sauce that made every bite even better. Even the little dipping sauce was delicious. You can tell they take pride in what they serve. A couple of tips for anyone planning a visit: * They're cash‑only, so make sure you come prepared. * Reservations are encouraged - this place is clearly a go‑to spot, and for good reason. If you're in Chinatown and craving dumplings that actually live up to the hype, this restaurant is a must. I'll definitely be back next time I'm in the city!

    Shanghai 21 in three words: Flavorful. Filling. Affordable!…read more Note: They only accept cash! We only intended to come here for a couple share plates and then bounce around to a few other places however, it was so good we ended up ordering more than originally intended and were very satisfied with our meal! As a group of 5 we all ordered a plate and shared around the table. The two favorites were the Soup Dumplings w. Pork and the General Tso's Chicken! Definitely would return for these items! The restaurant is clean, service was quick, and it's a very casual place. The food is served hot and fresh, which is something so simple yet very standout. We are from the West Coast and this was easily some of the best Chinese Food we've ever had. If you're looking for a warm, delicious, and affordable meal this is your spot!

    Photos
    It's only cash as of 6/10/2026
    It's only cash as of 6/10/2026
    D13. Szechuan Style Wonton
    D13. Szechuan Style Wonton
    O7. Double Sauteed Pork over Rice

    See all

    O7. Double Sauteed Pork over Rice
    Joe's Home of Soup Dumplings

    Joe's Home of Soup Dumplings

    4.5
    (891 reviews)
    1.9 mi
    $$

    Was exploring NYC with my boyfriend last week and randomly walked by Joe's Home of Soup Dumplings…read more Being obsessed with soup dumplings I had to go in. We were lucky enough that we came on a Friday around 2 and they were still having lunch specials. We started with the pork soup dumplings (of course). And they were everything and more. They were so full and hot and steamy and perfect. I'm still thinking about them a week later. For lunch I went with the Seasame chicken and my boyfriend got the general tso chicken. Both came with a spring roll and my boyfriend opted for pork fried rice. I'm not trying to diss Miami but we don't exactly have good Chinese food down here. After one bite of this Seasame chicken, my world changed. It was the best sesame chicken I've ever had, and I'm not exaggerating. It was fried but not greasy, the sauce was sweet but not overly sweet. You could literally taste the Seasame. I'm not even lying when I tell you, I planned to take some as leftovers but I ate it all...it was so good. My recommendation to you is run, don't walk, like sprint over here if you're in NYC and want super delicious Chinese food. Also shoutout to everyone who attended us. They were all super nice and made our experience so great!

    Food was under seasoned. Scallion pancakes - 3 stars…read moreOrange chicken- 4 stars Beef Lo Mein- 3 stars Pork dumplings (Pan fried)- 3 stars All of the food was not salted. It's too bad because it was fantastic last time. Service was 4 stars. Food was quick.

    Photos
    Joe's Home of Soup Dumplings
    Young Chow Fried Rice
    Young Chow Fried Rice
    Hong Kong Hot and Sour Soup

    See all

    Hong Kong Hot and Sour Soup
    Cheli

    Cheli

    4.2
    (493 reviews)
    0.3 mi

    Came in late in the evening on a Thursday while it was quite busy, but my party of 2 was seated in…read moreabout 10 mins. Service is super efficient, to order food you use a tablet at the table and order drinks from the servers. The dining room is beautiful and kind of peaceful. I saw quite a few large parties so this spot seems good for groups. We started with the truffle pork soup dumplings which might be the best I've ever had. The soup was the perfect temperature and so so flavorful. I would come back just for the dumplings. The mapo tofu and sauteed green beans came next, and we ordered two sides of plain white rice which came in a generously sized bowl. Portion sizes are large here, we had plenty of leftovers. We went for more familiar dishes, which were so well done, but all the different dishes flying through the dining room looked incredible. Will definitely be coming back to explore the rest of the menu.

    It was Lunar New Year and a few of my asian boxing friends and I decided to celebrate since this…read moreyear is the year of the horse and sheeps are supposed to be lucky. This was the first time I hung out with these ppl outside of boxing class so I was very excited. I did get a bit overserved with sake and other stuff and resulted to being an inconvenience. Haven't hung with them since, which I guess is what it is. Some ppl will make a decision off of one incident and others will have grace. My friends were unfortunately the first type of ppl. Anyways, regardless of all that, just talking food and drink, there was a decent wait even when everyone in our party was there. They will not seat you until everyone has arrived by the way. The drinks were limited from a variety standpoint so we just share lots of sake. Foot was pretty good but nothing to write home about. Personally do not think I would seek this place out, but if I happen to be in the area and I am hungry, I would. Also, shout out to Nelson our server who was super sweet.

    Photos
    Emperor Qianlong's dynasty
    Emperor Qianlong's dynasty
    Wone soaked chicken
    Wone soaked chicken
    Qianlong's Favorite Eel

    See all

    Qianlong's Favorite Eel
    Nan Xiang Soup Dumplings - Koreatown

    Nan Xiang Soup Dumplings - Koreatown

    4.6
    (1.6k reviews)
    1.2 mi
    $$
    Catering service
    Large group friendly

    First off: Best soup dumplings we've had since we had some in Shanghai. If you're considering…read moregoing, I hope this is the gentle push you need. We wandered over here after visiting the Empire State Building; it was only a five minute walk away! We went after watching the sunset, so around 8-ish, and were pleasantly surprised we didn't have to wait for a table. The atmosphere was bright and lively, but not too much to bring our seven-year-old. We ordered: PORK DUMPLINGS-- best thing we ordered. My. Goodness. The broth was perfectly seasoned and silky. Was always a little sad after the last bit of soup from each dumpling was slurped. ;) Meat inside was tender and flavorful and the wrapper wasn't too thin or thick. Just the right thickness to keep the soup inside until you were ready, but not so thick that it was too chewy or distracting from the contents. Also ordered, the SPICY BEEF DUMPLINGS as recommended by our server. They were yummy. Tasty soup and beef had a deeper flavor. Not too spicy. Next time, we will probably just order extra pork dumplings or try something new. We ordered the SCALLION PANCAKES. I prefer my scallion pancakes thinner. These were a lot like the thickness of a dense pita. Still enjoyed them-- still a nice texture that was both soft and crispy, perfectly greasy, and flavorful. CRISPY CHILI CHICKEN (or something like that) was good but nothing special. Had some heat but not too spicy. CUCUMBER SALAD-- was a nice cold addition to the meal. Loved the sesame oil, just wish there was more, as well as more flavor. We ended up pouring a little soy sauce on top and that helped. I thought it was nice to chase a bite of crispy chili chicken with a bite of cucumber. WHITE RICE-- we ordered three orders of rice that was perfectly prepared, but way too much for three adults. Not complaining, but each bowl would have probably been enough for two adults. Can't wait to return!

    The Lucky Six Soup Dumplings at Nan Xiang in Koreatown are absolutely amazing! It's the perfect way…read moreto sample six different soup dumpling flavors, and every one was delicious. The wrappers were thin and delicate, the broth was rich and full of flavor, and you can really taste the quality of the all-natural ingredients. One thing that really stood out is that this is the only place I know that offers both the savory and the sweet version of Fantuan. If you've only had the traditional savory Fantuan, do yourself a favor and try the sweet one too--it's a unique treat that's hard to find. Whether you're a longtime fan of soup dumplings or trying Nan Xiang for the first time, this place is definitely worth a visit. I'll be back again soon!

    Photos
    Nan Xiang Soup Dumplings - Koreatown
    Nan Xiang Soup Dumplings - Koreatown
    Nan Xiang Soup Dumplings - Koreatown

    See all

    Tri Dim Shanghai

    Tri Dim Shanghai

    4.0
    (634 reviews)
    3.3 mi
    $$
    Full bar
    Fine dining

    Love love the food ! The crispy rice soup and design your entree are always terrific !…read moreThe service is always excellent Its my fav restaurant on the upper eastside

    I generally gravitate to Chinatown-type restaurants, but with InKind credits to redeem, we ended up…read moreat Tri Dim Shanghai. And I'm glad. We'll certainly return! Shredded crispy duck is lean, crisp (living up to its name) and in my estimation, perfect! A half order is $33 and comes with crepes and what I guess is thin-cut celery and hoisin sauce. Our other two dishes merit maybe four stars. I had high hopes for prawns with black bean sauce and minced pork, but there was little pork and the dish was under-seasoned. Beaten egg white, a component of the sauce, was almost raw and when separated from the black beans, runny and unappealing. When I inquired about 'vegetarian delight,' our server suggested creating our own dish. Four sautéed vegetables for $16. I went with bok choy, broccoli, mushrooms and fried tofu. I asked for a flavorful sauce. I believe we got garlic, but it was too subtle, not garlicky enough.. Service is on-the-ball. Ambience is lovely. And Saturday night, hours before the dreaded snowstorm, the restaurant was busy. Reservations recommended.

    Photos
    Red cooked short ribs pumpkin casserole
    Red cooked short ribs pumpkin casserole
    Shanghai braised duck appetizer is a perfect way to start the weekend!
    Shanghai braised duck appetizer is a perfect way to start the weekend!
    Red Cooked Short Ribs in Hang Chow Style 红烧牛仔骨

    See all

    Red Cooked Short Ribs in Hang Chow Style 红烧牛仔骨

    Bao & Bowls - shanghainese - Updated August 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...