The Absolute Best Bao in Chicago [Updated 2024]

Having sampled 12 incredible baos from various corners of this vibrant city, I’ve honed in on what makes a bao truly special.

From the pillowy softness of the bun to the flavorful fillings, each establishment brings something unique to the table.

In this article, I'll share my top picks, highlighting the must-try spots and what sets them apart.

So, whether you’re a bao aficionado or new to these delightful treats, join me on this delicious journey through Chicago's bao scene!

Take a Bao Eats

Highlights
Succulent looking bao
Fast delivery and beautiful packaging
Personalized notes with every order
Delicious chicken dumplings
Kind and attentive service

Take a Bao Eats in Chicago truly elevates the bao experience with their succulent looking bao that practically beckon you to take a bite. Upon ordering, I was pleasantly surprised by the fast delivery and the beautiful packaging that made the whole experience feel special. Each bao arrived not just warm but also lovingly adorned, as if they were little edible gifts.

One delightful touch was the personalized notes included with my order. It’s those little details that show how much they care about their customers! The delicious chicken dumplings were a savory revelation, perfectly seasoned and bursting with flavor. Each bite took me on a culinary journey, reminding me that good things come in fluffy, doughy packages.

The service was exceptionally kind and attentive, making me feel right at home. It’s evident that Take a Bao Eats takes pride in their work—not just with the food, but with creating an experience that is both playful and professional. If you're hunting for the best bao in Chicago, look no further. This charming spot has captured my heart, and my taste buds are forever grateful!

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BITES Asian Kitchen + Bar

Highlights
High quality, aesthetic food
Delicious soft shell crab sliders
Attentive and friendly service
Nice outdoor seating area
Happy hour until 6:30

At BITES Asian Kitchen + Bar, bao enthusiasts are sure to be delighted. As I approached this chic spot, the inviting outdoor seating beckoned me to enjoy my meal al fresco. Upon entering, I was greeted by an attentive and friendly staff who instantly made me feel at home.

I decided to sample their infamous soft shell crab sliders, which could easily be mistaken for bao if you squinted just right. Nestled between perfectly steamed buns, the crab was crispy on the outside and tender within, creating a delightful textural ballet that danced on my palate. Each bite was a flavorful explosion, showcasing a harmonious blend of spices that left me craving more.

The ambiance was youthful and vibrant, with an aesthetic that complemented the innovative menu beautifully. To my delight, the establishment boasts a happy hour until 6:30, adding an element of charm and value to my evening.

If you’re on a quest for extraordinary bao options in Chicago, BITES is not to be missed. For those in pursuit of culinary adventure, this spot delivers both in taste and experience. After all, who doesn’t love a little crustacean magic in their bao?

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Saucy Porka South Loop

Highlights
Excellent food
Gluten-free options available
Fusion menu items
Quick service
Great for lunch or dinner

First off, I have to say that the food at Saucy Porka is simply excellent. The baos are packed with flavor and the ingredients are fresh and delicious. As someone with dietary restrictions, I was thrilled to see that they have gluten-free options available, which made my meal even more enjoyable.

But what really sets Saucy Porka apart is their fusion menu items. They combine traditional Asian flavors with Latin American influences to create unique and exciting dishes. It's like a foodie adventure in every bite!

The service at Saucy Porka is also top-notch. Despite being busy during lunchtime, the staff was quick and attentive, making sure everyone got their food in a timely manner. It's a great spot for a quick bite during your lunch break or for a sit-down dinner with friends.

Overall, I highly recommend giving Saucy Porka South Loop a try if you're looking for some of the best baos in Chicago. It's an experience that combines fantastic flavors with excellent service, making it a perfect spot for any occasion!

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Qing Xiang Yuan Dumplings

Highlights
Best dumplings ever
Reservation recommended
Quick service and delicious food
Beautiful tea presentation

First of all, let me just say that these are the best dumplings ever. I mean it. The texture is perfect and the filling is flavorful without being overwhelming. My taste buds were doing a happy dance with every bite.

One thing to note is that reservation is recommended because this place gets busy quickly, especially during peak hours. But don't worry, the wait is definitely worth it.

The service here is quick and efficient without sacrificing quality. From the moment you sit down, you're greeted with a beautiful tea presentation that's almost too pretty to drink (almost).

As for the bao, they have a variety of options available and each one packs a punch of flavor. I particularly enjoyed the pork belly bao which had a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors.

Overall, I highly recommend Qing Xiang Yuan Dumplings for anyone looking for an authentic and delicious Chinese dining experience in Chicago. And trust me, you won't regret it!

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urbanbelly

Highlights
Korean Asian Fusion
Udon noodle with egg and kimchi bowl
Great for group setting
Travel-friendly and filling food
Friendly and accommodating staff

Firstly, I have to say that the Korean-Asian fusion cuisine at urbanbelly is a game-changer. Their menu offers a range of dishes that are perfect for sharing with friends or family. One standout dish was their udon noodle bowl with egg and kimchi. The combination of the savory broth, chewy noodles, and spicy kimchi made my taste buds dance in delight.

The restaurant itself has a casual vibe, making it great for a group setting. The staff were very friendly and accommodating, ensuring we had everything we needed throughout our meal.

Now let's talk about their baos! They offer two options: pork belly and tofu. I opted for the pork belly bao which was perfection. The bun was fluffy and soft while the pork belly was tender with just the right amount of fat to balance out the flavors.

What impressed me most about urbanbelly is that their food is travel-friendly! They package their food in such a way that it stays warm and fresh even after an hour-long journey back home.

Overall, I would definitely recommend urbanbelly to anyone looking for a unique dining experience with delicious Korean-Asian fusion cuisine. Don't forget to try their baos - you won't regret it!

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Min's Noodle House 渔家重庆小面

Highlights
Delicious noodles and dumplings
Flavorful soup with a kick
Filling and big servings

First of all, let me tell you that this place is a hidden gem for those who are looking for authentic Chinese cuisine. As soon as I walked in, I was welcomed by the aromas of steaming hot noodles and dumplings.

I ordered their famous "Spicy Beef Noodle Soup" and it did not disappoint. The soup had a flavorful kick that hit my taste buds just right. The beef was tender and the noodles were cooked to perfection, which made it a perfect comfort food on a chilly day.

One thing that stood out to me about Min's Noodle House was their generous servings. The bowl of soup was definitely filling and could easily be shared with a friend or two.

Overall, Min's Noodle House is an excellent choice for those looking for delicious Chinese comfort food in Chicago. Their noodles and dumplings are exceptional and their soups will keep you warm on even the coldest of days. So if you're around the area, make sure to stop by and give it a try!

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Wow Bao – Theater District

Highlights
Creative menu
Amazing dumplings
Fast-casual dining
Great service

First of all, let me just say that the menu at Wow Bao is absolutely creative. From their signature baos to their delicious dumplings, every dish has a unique twist on traditional Asian flavors. Speaking of their dumplings, they are nothing short of amazing. The fillings are perfectly seasoned and the wrappers have the ideal texture.

The atmosphere at Wow Bao is perfect for anyone looking for a fast-casual dining experience without sacrificing quality. I was able to order quickly and easily and my food came out in no time at all.

But what really stood out to me was the great service I received from the staff. They were friendly, efficient, and willing to answer any questions I had about the menu.

Overall, I highly recommend checking out Wow Bao – Theater District if you're in Chicago and looking for some delicious bao. Their creative menu, amazing dumplings, fast-casual dining experience, and great service make it a must-visit spot for any bao lover. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you!

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Wow Bao - Water Tower Place

Highlights
Quick bite options
Vegetarian options available
Express service
Tasty baos

First of all, let me just say that if you're in a hurry and need a quick bite to eat, this place is perfect. The express service ensures that you won't be waiting long for your food.

As someone who follows a vegetarian diet, I was pleased to find that there were several vegetarian options available. I tried the spicy Kung Pao veggie bao and it did not disappoint! The filling was flavorful and well-seasoned.

But what about the baos themselves? Well, I have to say that they were tasty! The dough was soft and fluffy, and the fillings were generous. Each bite was like a flavor explosion in my mouth!

Overall, I had a great experience at Wow Bao - Water Tower Place. It's a great spot for anyone looking for a quick bite or wanting to try some delicious baos. If you're looking for an affordable yet tasty meal option in Chicago, check out Wow Bao!

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Wow Bao – Lakeview

Highlights
Perfectly steamed dough
Flavorful fillings
Affordable with rewards program
Must-try chicken egg rolls

Firstly, the perfectly steamed dough in their baos is a game-changer. The texture is soft and fluffy and melts in your mouth with each bite. Secondly, the flavorful fillings are the stars of the show. From classic pork to spicy Mongolian beef, each filling has its own unique taste that makes it hard to choose just one.

What impressed me even more was how affordable Wow Bao – Lakeview is, especially with their rewards program where you can earn points for every purchase and redeem them for free food. It's a great way to indulge without breaking the bank.

While their baos are amazing, don't forget to try their must-try chicken egg rolls as well. They're crispy on the outside yet juicy on the inside, making them a perfect addition to your bao feast.

Overall, Wow Bao – Lakeview definitely deserves a spot on my list of the best bao restaurants in Chicago. With their delicious baos, affordable prices, and tasty egg rolls, it's no wonder why they have become a popular spot among locals and tourists alike.

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Chiu Quon Bakery & Dim Sum

Highlights
Authentic Asian pastries
Famous for pork buns and egg tarts
Oldest bakery in Chinatown

Upon arriving, I was immediately greeted by the delicious aroma of authentic Asian pastries. As someone who loves trying new things, I couldn't resist trying their famous pork buns and egg tarts – and boy, was I not disappointed! The pork buns were pillowy soft and filled with savory meat that melted in my mouth. The egg tarts were also to die for, with a buttery crust and a creamy custard filling that left me wanting more.

What sets Chiu Quon Bakery & Dim Sum apart from other places is the fact that it's the oldest bakery in Chinatown. This means that they have had years of experience perfecting their craft – something that definitely shows in their amazing food.

Overall, my trip to Chiu Quon Bakery & Dim Sum was definitely worth it. Their selection of baos is impressive and will surely delight any foodie looking for some authentic Chinese pastry cuisine. If you're ever in Chicago's Chinatown area, make sure to stop by this bakery and indulge in some delicious bao goodness!

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Oiistar

Highlights
Best ramen
Juicy pork
Fast service
Spicy kick

First and foremost, Oiistar has the best ramen I've ever had in my life. But since we're talking about baos here, let me tell you about their pork bao. It's a game-changer! The pork was so juicy that every bite felt like a trip to heaven. The bun was perfectly steamed and had just the right texture to complement the filling.

The service at Oiistar is also top-notch, they were fast and attentive without being intrusive. And if you're someone who likes a little bit of a kick in their food, then their spicy bao is a must-try! It's not for the faint-hearted though, as it packs quite a punch.

Overall, I'd say that Oiistar certainly deserves a spot on the list of best baos in Chicago. Their pork bao is an explosion of flavor that will leave your taste buds dancing with joy. Plus, with their fantastic ramen options and quick service, it's definitely worth checking out. So next time you're in the Windy City and craving some baos, make sure to give Oiistar a visit!

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MingHin Cuisine

Highlights
Open until midnight
Delicious Peking Duck
Fresh Sweet and Sour Sauce
Attentive staff
Excellent Dim Sum

First of all, the restaurant's hours are a god-send for those late-night cravings as they're open until midnight. But let's get down to what we really came here for...the baos.

The bao selection at MingHin Cuisine is impressive, but there was one standout for me: the Peking Duck Bao. The duck was perfectly seasoned and cooked to perfection, with just the right amount of crispy skin. But what really took it over the top was the fresh sweet and sour sauce that accompanied it. The flavors danced in my mouth with each bite.

Aside from their baos, MingHin Cuisine also offers an excellent selection of dim sum. I highly recommend trying their har gow (shrimp dumplings) and siu mai (pork dumplings).

But let's not forget about the staff - they were incredibly attentive and made sure our dining experience was nothing short of fantastic.

Overall, if you're looking for some of the best baos in Chicago, look no further than MingHin Cuisine. With their delicious Peking Duck Bao, fresh sweet and sour sauce, excellent dim sum selection, and attentive staff - they've definitely earned a spot on my list of favorites!

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