I was out Christmas shopping and about to head on the L back home so I decided to grab a pork bao to go. The place is in Water Tower place in the entrance so I thought it would be a quick stop since it's not really a restaurant, but a stand. I had to wait 10 minutes for it! But I have to say this was the best dumpling I've had and I can be really picky with dumplings. read more

Thw worst Chinese food I have ever had. Both taste and quantity were bad. Ordered all cegitable with rice. I thought, it would have lots of veggies. But it came with 90% white rice and just small cut veggies which when mixed with rice was not even visible. Had to leave in between and eat something else. Its expensive and you will be hubgry within few hours. Not recommended at all. read more

you can't beat baos for a snack while walking on michigan avenue, they are great read more

Wow Bao - Chinese Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I'd say this place is watered down asian food for the throngs of tourists on Mich Ave. None the less, I find it to be a nice change of pace for lunch....especially if you work on Mich Ave and are QUITE tired of the same old options. Teriyaki chicken and pork baos were both tasty, as well as the spicy peanut noodle side salad. The combo is about $6.50, which is pretty good for lunch in what is the tourist mecca of Chicago. read more

I had the Mongolian Spicy Beef and the Thai Curry Chicken! Both were amazing. I love that the meats come in this doughy steamed substance! I didn't try the other flavors but it's the perfect snack and since it's only $1.39 a piece, it's the perfect way to keep the hunger at bay. read more

Every time I am in Chicago, I look to stop by Wow Bao. They need one of these in Cincinnati! I've tried all of the buns, and they are all good. I particularly like the spicy Mongolian beef and spicy kung pao chicken. A few of these with the pomergranite ginger ale always hits the spot for me. The only challenge someone may have is seating as you then have to go up to the food court seating area, or go out to the street (in warmer weather). I've also enjoyed the potstickers and bowls, but always come back to get my buns steamed! read more

These things are highly craveable. They're also relatively healthy, too, which is always nice. A total tourist spot, but hey, good is good, right? read more

I am a huge fan of Asian food and seeing this chain spread across Chicago is very cool. The Baos are good. They have a wide variety of flavours that really expands the experience of baos. To be honest with you, those baos jump in to my mouth. They are very tasty. They are a good introduction to Dim Sum. Their other dishes like the rice bowls are good as well. Check it out. read more

Besides the nice decor and stuff, I don't really see what's so WoW about this place. The buns are way over priced for what it is. It don't taste bad, but it just taste like any bao you can get at any chinese bakery for alot cheaper. I was expecting something more different, like a big soft bao with yummy fillings. but eh its just so-so. but i guess this works for those who doesn't eat bao as much as i do. read more

Just a trendy fad? Maybe. Authentic? Nope. Fast and delicious? Yes! Sometimes you're just in the mood for a fluffy, twisty, meat-filled bun. I don't know if it's the presentation, the name, or the surprising texture (probably all of the above), but this place has some kind of spell over me. The fact that you can buy them frozen and that they're just thrown into the steamer doesn't even put me off. More bao please! read more

I am big fan of Wow Bao. Tasty, healthy, quick lunch. I have only tasted the baos and the pot stickers so cannot vouch for the rice dishes. My fav ones are the edamame, curry chicken and chocolate baos. read more

This place is delicious. The seating is upstairs. Check it out. So yummy!

Every time I visti Chicago, I have to go here. It is very good. I wish the bun were bigger so it wouldn't be too pricy for just one bun. The mongolian beef is good, it is spicy and I love spicy food. The BBQ pork was way too sweet but that is not too surprising for oriental food in America. The Thai curry chicken is so so. Anyway, love it. Everybody should try !!!!!!! read more

wow bao indeed. little tender, soft buns full of juicy meat marinated in delicious sawces. i love it! i also love the fact that they have different flavors. more sawces the better! the bbq one is the best by far though. also the spicy ones are actually pretty spicy, so if youre not a brave, strong sawce bawss stay away from them. only downside is that they're kinda small, so you have to eat more than one. thats why you buy the six pack! ugh i want some now... read more

I have worked across the street for a long time but only recently tried Wow Bao. The bbq pork bun blew my mind! I did not know what to expect when a friend described the dumpling with pulled pork in it. I'm a sucker for anything pulled pork related so I got one just as a snack. It was fast service, the food was served quickly, and in the end it was delicious. The only thing is I wish they had more seating. There is some if you go up the escalator to the second floor. read more

Wow to the Bao! My first time going to Wow Bao was in the year 2004. I was hanging out with friends at Water Tower, trying to decide what to have for lunch= McDonalds or Wow Bao. Looking back I'm glad we went to Wow Bao. Ever since then I tried almost every freshly steamed, savory asian bun they offered! read more

Service is very quick. Definitely one of my favorites for a fast lunch. I loved the teriyaki chicken bao.

I came here for the first time with a group of friends and we each ordered a different kind of bao and all of them were very good! A pleasing experience here. read more

I got their lo mein bowl with spicy Kung pao, and dumplings. The dumplings were pretty good, but I was not impressed by the bowl. The pieces of chicken were very tiny, almost like leftover scraps, and the noodles did not taste like lo mein at all. read more

Instant gratification! I got the mongolian beef filled bao and my friend go the curry chicken bao. We were so pleased. Especially after walking down the Magnificent Mile in chilly weather. They have seating area upstairs, and if you are super hungry, you can get a set of 6 bao. read more

I went here today for lunch and was hoping they were big Chinatown-style bao - I was dissapointed, they were too tiny! Good for a snack I guess or if you've never had the real thing before. read more

When it's freezing outside Bao warms my hands as I shop on Michigan ave. When it's hot I will take some Bao to the beach and sit and watch the waves come in. Several years ago Bao replaced caramel corn as the treat I need while on the mag mile. It's cheap, it's filling and it tastes good. It's also an easy snack to stop and get when tourist friends are in town because Bao seems like some crazy strange invention to them. The line is never too long and the people working here are always nice. read more

I LOVE this place. You can get a cheap meal here that is ridiculously tasty. This is a great option for vegetarians looking for a quick meal as the vegetarian bao are delicious. You can also buy packs of six frozen bao to enjoy at home. Surprisingly they are almost as good at home as they are there! I've tried all of the different flavors of bao here and have yet to be disappointed--the most frustrating thing about eating here is deciding which kinds of bao to get! Such a great place--get three for a meal or grab one for a snack! read more

I go to school right across the street and I swing by here for cheap, quick baos all the time. I don't eat meat, so I only get the Green Edamame baos, but those are all I need as they are super healthy, filling, and delicious. read more

Fast, tasty (I had Thai Curry Chicken and Beef Teriyaki) and didn't make me feel all 400 lbs. for hours thereafter! The dumpling form is particularly well-calibrated to fend off overindulgence. read more

I ate at the Wow Bao in the lobby of Water Tower Place. I had the rice bowl, with chicken and cabbage. After paying, I moved to my left and watched them prepare the dish. It struck me then - of course they don't prepare the food here! The chicken was prepacked. You search for, and select your plastic fork and knife, put your dishes on a tray, and then take two escalators up to the "dining" area. Careful that you don't fall! You then must find an open table, and chairs for the people in your group. The chicken/cabbage was terrible - watery (from the cabbage). The ambiance is loud, but it is rather interesting to watch people come and go up the escalators. Next time: have the rice, not the cabbage. Also, don't try to get fast food on Michigan Ave - go West. read more

"hot Asian buns" the smell of the bao is enticing. good to drop by for a snack, but you'll find better tasting bao at dim sum places. read more

Great place with an unique concept. They are conveniently located in the front of the Water Tower building. Their Baos (hot asian buns) are DELICIOUS! I have tried their Thai Curry Chicken and Chicken Teriyaki. The Thai Curry Chicken was was much tastier, while the Teriyaki was good but the sauce was a bit lumpy. Next time I likely will try their spicy mongolian beef and spicy kung pao chicken. They make all of their Ginger ales from scratch and they actually have REAL fresh ginger in them (eat your heart out Schweppes). I had the pomegranate ginger ale and it was very refreshing. Prices are very reasonable and they have this cool kiosk that you order from. Who knew fast food good actually be this interesting?! Will definitely hit this place up again for some quick good eats next time I am in the area. read more

WoW bAoS is a big wow factor for sure. the bao buns are soft, warm, perfectly seasoned (not too salty, or TOO SAUCY) which makes for a perfect mouthwatering bun in your mouth. every bite is memorable, even though its pretty small.. the terriyaki chicken bowl is very skimpy on the chicken and vegetables for $6. but i dont think i've had jasmine rice that was so fresh and fluffy.... the bowls is something i would have once in a while but nothing crazy to go over.. overall if i were to judge this based on the buns, it would be a 4. but for the bowl too, -1. :0 HAPPY EATS ! read more

Wow Bao, I never knew you existed before but I already wish I had met you earlier... These little buns were quite a treat while roaming North Michigan Avenue. The curry and kung pau were delightful. Warm, soft buns and option for meat or veggie filling. Ordered the 6 pack to get a varied selection. Not a big fan of the BBQ as it was somewhat too sweet. Ginger ale was too ginger-y Friendly staff Would be great to have as a quick no mess lunch read more

Fun quick stop during a full day of shopping! LOVE the touch screen kiosk you order from too. It literally took 67 seconds to get my food from the time I ordered it!! Many variety of buns to choose from and a cheap way to give your taste buds a little adventure. The sweet coconut buns are a MUST!!! read more

its so wierd, but the different locations have slightly different menus! The best location is 225 n michigan, which has the bowls with noodles, and an awesome chicken spring roll, and a pad thai chicken salad. the only thing that doesn't jive with me is that the things that aren't supposed to be spicy , are! because of allergies to tannins, i cant eat several of the bao, or anything with berries or broccoli. That leaves me the curry chicken, which is YUMMY.. BUT -- it's been really spicy lately. I don't know if corporate changed suppliers.. but in the last two months, it's WAY too HOT. read more

The Mag Mile Wow Bao is imprisoned within some mall or another, a sterile space crammed with expensive tourist shops and occupying no more than about 20 or feet of space. The menu is different than the location across the river, and there isn't very many places to sit inside to enjoy your food, but the food is still the food. The bao are great. Ordering and payment is through the kiosks, which greatly speeds up the process. Again, ignore what everyone else says (listen to me, Yelp, me and only me), and just order the BBQ Pork. Go with tradition. Don't forget the ginger ale. It really is excellent on a hot day. So yes, the location lacks the charm of the larger Wow Bao's, but if you need a quick bite, you're in luck. read more

Perfect place to brief food moment during the shopping spree :) Their Mongolian beef, curry chicken, and Kong Pao chicken baos are delicious. The noodle salad with peanut sauce is also wonderful. You can eat till you are somewhat full but never to the extent of unable to wear your fav skinny jeans. Although the low cal and the taste are the cons, I won't recommend long-term intake because of the additives seem a little intense. I got soooo thirsty afterwards... read more

I love this place! It's a quick and casual place to grab a quick bite in Water Tower Place. I recommend the curry bao and teriyaki bao, and my wife loves the ginger soup. Hard to find a better bang-for-the-buck on Michigan Avenue. read more

This store makes me feel like I'm in my hometown. The teriyaki bao is so delicious. It's good place to get snack

Awesome pho and Thai broth! Cheap, fast and fresh! A great find and I plan to go often.

Very tasty bao and chicken herbs broth. However just acknowledge that the combo of 2 baos and the herbs broth is more expensive than separate buy. Is that a cheat? read more

Solid consistent food! This is my family's Go To take away joint when in a pinch. Delish consistent food ... All the time. Check it out!

The chicken is terrible, it tastes like a roast that's been sitting in a crockpot and it's overpriced for the portion you receive.