Rovelyne P.

Went here on a Sunday lunch when we happen to be in Waterloo over the weekend. The place is sooo hidden in the alley that we spent almost 10-15mins going around the block just to look for the spot. Ended up calling the restaurant to get further instructions from the employee The baos were decent. We ended up getting the chicken katsu, fried chicken, and crackling belly baos. Chicken bao was bland, katsu had big portion but tasted okay.. If I were to come back, I'd order the porkbelly all over again. So much flavour & the crispiness of the porkbelly edges complimented the softness of the bao. Nice amount of pickled veggies too. Baos were $6+ each. Ordered thai iced tea which was around $4, but disappointed because it was watered down. Waited for food for about 10-15mins. Overall, 3/5.

Melissa A.

Me and my friend wanted to go specifically for their halal options. It's in a kind of remote area that can feel a bit tricky to access if you're not familiar with the UW area. The atmosphere was not our type of vibe so we opted to eat outside instead. It felt kind of fratty and our cashier was cold. The actual baos though were amazing. It was our first time trying baos in general. We got the two halal chicken ones. They were full of flavour, satisfying to eat, and a pretty big portion size for the price. I would recommend trying (especially in the summer where you can enjoy the baos outside on the nearby benches). I will mention though, another time we ordered them off Doordash and took them with us to a local park. They weren't as good as the first time. The chicken was hard and chewy and there were less toppings. I'm glad the first experience was the best one.

Sarah M.

Bao Wow Bao has been a long time favorite of our for 3 years now Today we tried three different kinds. #1 Dynasty Duck This one was the most expensive bao out of the bunch but it did not disappoint. It had a rich flavor and texture and the sauce that went on it was both salty and sweet (bottom) #2 & #3 Avocado Banger The avocado was super soft with a crispy shell. The sauce almost tasted amazing as well. This option is perfect for vegetarians or avocado lovers (right and far left) #4 Sriracha Tofu This one had soy sauce on it and tasted amazing with the tofu. It was crispy and delicious. This is one of our go to at Bao Another personal favorite is the Katsu Chicken! We always get that one and wanted to try something different this time.

Kevin C.

I have mixed feeling for this location. The food is definitely 5/5, but there are other things that I did not like that makes me deduct their stars. The general feeling that I get is that Bao's management is quite stingy and cheap. They don't really turn on AC during the summer and it's quite hot eating in there. The wifi also sucks there, it doesn't connect and is very slow. Given that it's a basement location, I expect wifi to be basic necessity (since data won't work). The other thing that gets me is that you must pass by those overflowing garbage cans (from Sage) before you reach the restaurant. Sometimes you want to eat outside (during summer) and you can definitely smell the garbage where you're eating. Furthermore, they are a bit dishonest about their business practice. They encourage and ask if you want to make your meal "combo". However, unlike fastfood chains or other restaurants, their combo does NOT make it cheaper or anything. They only add more food to your "combo" at ITS ORIGINAL PRICE minus $0.5 (seriously? that's it?), you save nothing. My combo amounted to $20 and it's definitely not what I expected (adding kimchi fries, then you need to pay more if you want bulgogi). Like I said, the management seems quite stingy and cheap. The Thai Tea is also ridiculously small and it's quite expensive. I recommend you guys buying Chatime and bring it to the restaurant (it's a much better choice and value). If you really want Thai tea, go to Mimo Thai (it's nearby) or My Thai. The sandwiches are also quite over-priced. I understand they have a monopoly over viet sandwiches here in Waterloo, but it's still not an acceptable price range. Food quality is high, and I love their bao and baguette. The chalk-drawn menu is also creative and intriguing. But due to my explanations above, I'd only do take out there and buy my drinks somewhere else.

Morissa E.

I love this place! The bao's a little pricy for how small they are but the quality/flavours make it worth it. My favourite is the chicken katsu. Only thing I haven't loved was the thai tea. I would note that the location of this place is odd. Parking can be difficult. Overall, this is a place I have recommended to many and it has never let me down.

Kelly C.

I'm always satisfied with my orders at here their soft and fluffy baos are stuffed with super fresh and flavourful fillings! this place is kinda hidden but I highly recommend!

Martin L.

The Bahn Mi is overpriced, I ordered a Dynasty Duck BM and I was expecting just duck meat. I got my order with a lot of fatty parts, and little duck meat. I know that meat usually comes with fat, but the order I got is just an insane amount of fat. Next time, don't just give all the fat to one customer's order.

Sunny W.

I saw the great reviews on Yelp so I had to come check the place out! There is only one vegetarian option, the Avocado Banger. The avocado was great, but the bao was cold and it was really lacking in sauce. However, price is reasonable. If you come, make sure you get the Thai milk tea! It's a specialty here and it's got a really unique flavour to it. This restaurant is a cozy place beneath an apartment, so it would probably be hard to find without guidance from friends that have already been there. It is a very popular food place; there was a line out the door. Verdict: Probably will not come back, as there is only one vegetarian option. However, there are lots of options for meat-eaters!

Rency L.

Need a pick me up after an intense study session? Head over to Bao Sandwich Bar! My favourite baos: Katsu Chicken, Five Spice Belly, and Seoul Beef. The kimchi bulgogi poutine is a must order - it's loaded with crispy fries, marinated beef, and crunchy kimchi. Bao Sandwich Bar is definitely not the cheapest option for sandwiches, but their ingredient-led, contemporary cuisine is worth the price. This place is a true hidden gem. It's located in the back of a condo building near Lazaridis. The space is small but inviting with rustic wood finishes, blending in with the Asian fusion flare. It's perfect for a casual relaxed meal yet cute enough for a special night out.

Megan C.

Pretty freaking yum, kinda pricey for the portion you're getting. Got it when it was free thank you daddy wealth simple.

Mich D.

Ok i really wanted to love this place. Three of us got the everyday combo $69 plus tip so it was not cheap. I did live the kimchi fries and duck dynasty bao. The rest was just a large chunk if protein in a soft bun. The pork fat was still clear/ white. We said something and they did give us another one that was better cooked so I give them that. But the proteins are just to big . Cut the pork in half and give two slices, lighter breading on the chicken....if they did a kimchi and beef bao with that garlic sauce I could eat 10 . It's a popular so they got something but it could be so much better

Julius C.

This is a lowkey place (behind a building and under stairs) with an exceptional atmosphere. Immediately the restaurant gives the feeling that you really are about to digest something delicious from the aromas and colourful chalk menu. I insisted for the kind worker to order for me after her repeated effort to remind me that her taste buds are biased. To my liking and not surprise, what she ordered (i believe a chicken katsu and pork-belly bao) was absolutely flavourful. For less than $10 these baos may look small but are stuffed and filled with taste. Also she provided me with the most optimal napkin count MVP. Definitely recommend this to any foody or anyone who just wants to be satisfied and feel full.

Mary T.

I was in Waterloo for work a few weeks ago. Naturally, snow was in the forecast. When it was time for my manager and me to go out and grab some lunch, the snow had just started to fall. My manager suggested going here before we were in Waterloo. We are both foodies, so we had already made our food plans. Priorities! The eatery is in a nondescript area. It's in what seem to be a residential apartment complex, across from Wilfred Laurier University. I had to cycle around the block twice to find parking on the street. When we were walking over to the restaurant, we figured out that there is a parking lot. I still don't know whether parking is for everyone or for residents only. Anyway, it was packed when we got there. I asked a clueless male student whether the two bench spots next to him were free. He seemed like the typical student who lacks social skills. Ah, memories of being an undergrad! I ordered a combo consisting of two baos (you can also do a banh mi instead), a side, and a drink. I went with the five-spice pork belly and duck baos, kimchi bulgogi triple-fried fries, and a Diet Coke. The baos were excellent. I loved the five-spice pork belly one more. The duck was decent, but the pork belly was far more flavourful and tender. The kimchi bulgogi fries blew my small mind. OMG! I could have ordered it as my main meal and would have been content in my little happy world. My manager had no idea how to order. It's funny that we are both good at planning. However, I am better at it when it comes to looking at menus and figuring out what I want. I guided him through the combo process, which the woman at the counter appreciated. Our combo choices were similar, except that he ordered the fried Nemo bao instead of the pork belly one. You can order takeout or dine in. It does get busy at lunch on a Friday afternoon. It did clear out by the time we left. I went back and ordered a couple of cookies -- chocolate chip and corn. So good! The downside is that orders are handled sequentially, so I had to wait ten minutes for two cookies. Since Waterloo is a university town, there is free wifi here. The wifi password is on the board by the main doors. I'd definitely come back here for some tasty eats. I told both my current co-op students about this place. They both live within walking distance, so I'm a bit envious! (72)