London's international culinary scene is on fire and one of our favourite snacks to chow down on is bao. Chances are, you've sunk your teeth into these steamed buns stuffed with all sorts of deliciousness, but do you know the best spots for it? Serving everything from soft-shell crab stuffed bao through to sticky pork-filled buns across Chinese and Taiwanese hotspots, this lot have got the goods... and they're tasty. Here's our guide to the best places for bao in London.
Last edited by katie kirwan
Last updated on 15th October 2025
For some of the tastiest bao in the capital, venture to Aldgate's Yuu Kitchen on Commercial Street. Head chef Jon de Villa is flaunting a fabulous Southeast Asian-inspired menu filled to the brim with fluffy goodness. Think fillings of wagyu, buttermilk chicken, salmon, pork belly, aubergine and more.
Brought to you by the Bone Daddies team, the izakaya-inspired Flesh & Buns can be found in Covent Garden and Fitzrovia serving up authentic Japanese eats. Enjoy designed-to-be-shared dishes such as DIY steamed buns with a multitude of fillings on offer, as well as hirita buns, sushi plates and much more, alongside a selection of Asian-style drinks like frozen yuzu margaritas and whiskeys. What's more, they host fantastic brunches here as well.
If you're looking for Chinese food in Brixton, then head over to The Courtesan for tasty eats and burlesque to boot. Think dark wooden tables, Asian-inspired paintings and a menu that includes steamed buns stuffed with gujurati-spiced pumpkin, pan-fried duck and mushroom, or wagyu and ribeye.
Craving some bao? In London Bridge, you can head to Amazing Grace for unforgettable Asian cuisine with a twist. Whether you're ordering individual buns or a mixed platter, you can enjoy everything from pulled beef brisket to tofu with charred broccoli as fillings. It's not just the food that's impressive here though, as this renovated church boasts gorgeous stained glass windows and state-of-the-art audio-visual displays creating 3D projections. What's more, they also host brilliant live music events here on a regular basis.
Fancy your bao with a Korean twist? Head to On The Bab where you'll find street food staples with a kick. Serving up everything from bao with breaded prawns and mushroom fritters to Korean fried chicken and bulgogi beef, we guarantee you won't leave hungry.
Lucky Cat by Gordon Ramsay is inspired aesthetically by the drinking dens of 1930s Tokyo - sleek and dark, it's the ideal spot to bring a date for a spot of Asian fare. And of course, there are bao buns on the menu, among other delights like maki and sashimi. Our attention is caught by the bonito fried duck leg bao (£34) with spicy hoisin and cucumber, and other fillings such as tofu and hot avocado (£15) and lobster siu mai (£23.50).
Sister restaurant to Peckham's (always fully booked) Mr Bao, Daddy Bao is another legendary location where buns stuffed with prawn, tofu and chicken are paired with Japanese cocktails and a cosy, lantern-lit date night setting.
With a noodle shop and additional sites in areas such as King's Cross, BAO Borough offers counter dining in a stylish and minimalist setting. Enjoy bao flavours such as curry cheese, shortrib and fried chicken, alongside other Taiwanese eats.
Bun House comes from founders Z He and Alex Peffy with interiors designed by He's Five Line Projects. You'll find it in the heart of China Town serving its signature Cantonese buns filled with rich, egg yolk yellow custard as well as savoury options like pork, chicken and beef. Grab three for £11 or steam your own at home from £21 for a set of six.
Travel up to witness sky-high views among a low-lit, contemporary space adorned with red lanterns and trees at Hutong at The Shard. The restaurant comes from Hong Kong's Aqua Group and serves a delicious range of cuisine from Northern China. Our favourite dish? Why it has to be the pan-seared ginger lobster bao bun of course.
