Seemor
BAO BoroughBWorth Trying
13 Stoney St, London SE1 9AD
· Taiwanese restaurant, Karaoke bar
· 4.5/5 Google (2901 reviews)
Reservations · Delivery · Takeout
Energetic Taiwanese small-plates spot by Borough Market with standout baos and fried chicken, tight seating, QR ordering, and prices that add up with small portions.
Why it gets a B for overall quality
BAO Borough delivers excellent food quality with standout baos and fried chicken that justify its strong reputation, but inconsistent execution—including scattered reports of undercooked chicken—prevents a higher grade. The prime Borough Market location and efficient QR ordering create appeal, though tight seating and peak-time service variability limit the overall experience. Worth visiting for the creative Taiwanese plates, but expect small portions and occasional service friction.
Restaurant Summary
Right beside the market bustle, BAO Borough feels warm and buzzing, with stools, tight tables, and quick-fire plates streaming out after you order by phone. One diner put it simply: "We kept adding dishes because each bite was full of flavor." Seating can be snug and waits happen at peak, but staff are often friendly and efficient once you are settled. The cooking leans contemporary Taiwanese with charcoal skewer smoke, crisp fried chicken, and baos that are small but vivid. The approach is creative without fuss: prawn shia song and classic pork bao win the most praise, while mushroom rice and beef rice bring comfort. Expect strong flavors and a bit of oil here and there; desserts divide opinion. Families do fine here thanks to familiar kid-pleasers like fried chicken, nuggets, and ice cream baos. Portions are small, so plan on a couple of dishes per person. Vegetarians and vegans have several options, but gluten-free choices appear limited based on recent reviews, so check before you go.
At a Glance
- Excellent baos and fried chicken with creative charcoal-driven plates
- QR ordering and pay-at-table make the experience smooth
- Portions are small and costs add up with multiple plates
- Service can feel rushed or curt at the door during busy periods
- Limited gluten-free accommodation reported by diners
What Sets It Apart
- hybrid_qr_table_service
- charcoal_grill_focus
- private_karaoke_room
What People Love
- The prawn and classic pork baos pack big flavor
- Crispy Taiwanese fried chicken
- Mushroom or beef rice bowls that feel comforting
- Fast, convenient QR ordering and paying
Points of Concern
- Small portions mean you need multiple dishes per person; budgets should account for add-up pricing
- Door policy and seating can feel brusque when busy; some guests felt rushed
- Occasional reports of underdone chicken indicate a need for tighter QA
- Review patterns show limited gluten-free accommodation despite general allergy prompts
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleHybrid
Average Cost£24-36 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- Start with a bao and a grilled veg (hispi or cucumber), share one rice bowl, then add a fried chicken plate; expect £24-36 per person before drinks.
- If you like heat, look for items tagged spicy and consider the yellow chilli skewer.
Perfect For
- Casual market meal where you graze on small plates
- Pre- or post-stroll bites with friends and a quick drink
- Group karaoke nights downstairs
- Solo bar bite with efficient QR ordering
Location Insights
Area: Bustling market district drawing locals and tourists; energetic, informal dining with high footfall.
Safety: Well-trafficked and generally safe; busy and crowded at peak times.
Nearby: Adjacent to Borough Market stalls, near London Bridge station, surrounded by casual eateries and pubs.
BoroughA trendy area with a rich culinary scene, featuring historic market spaces, contemporary restaurants, and a mix of traditional and modern dining experiences.
Borough Market AreaA renowned food destination with artisanal markets, gourmet restaurants, and a high-end culinary culture that attracts food lovers from around the world.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday12:00–22:00
Tuesday12:00–22:00
Wednesday12:00–22:00
Thursday12:00–22:00
Friday12:00–22:30
Saturday12:00–22:30
Sunday12:00–21:00
Available: Reservations, Delivery, Takeout
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