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Daddy Bao - Taiwanese Restaurant TootingA-Worth Trying
113 Mitcham Rd, London SW17 9PE
· Taiwanese restaurant, Asian restaurant, Brunch restaurant
· 4.7/5 Google (894 reviews)
Reservations · Delivery · Takeout
Lively Taiwanese-fusion spot with standout baos, friendly service, and creative small plates; great for dates and cocktails, but portions run small and timed tables can feel rushed.
Why it gets an A- for overall quality
Daddy Bao delivers solid A-grade performance through exceptional food quality anchored by flavor-forward baos and creative Taiwanese-fusion small plates, paired with attentive, knowledgeable service that guides diners confidently. Thoughtful design and cozy ambiance create an inviting neighborhood destination, though cramped seating and occasional consistency dips in portions prevent grade A territory. Strong local loyalty and reliable execution across visits position this as a competitive neighborhood favorite worth seeking out.
Restaurant Summary
A neighborhood favorite with warm, lively energy, Daddy Bao draws people in for soft baos, small plates, and cocktails under cozy low lighting. Service is often praised as friendly and on-the-ball, with staff guiding first-timers through the menu. One diner put it simply: "We felt looked after from the moment we sat down." Expect a buzz at peak times and timed seatings that can feel brisk. The cooking leans contemporary Taiwanese with playful fusion flourishes—think gochujang hollandaise on brunch baos, yuzu soy with tataki, kimchi fritters, and a specials board that keeps things fresh. This culinary approach feels creative and approachable: bold flavors without stuffy formality. Most plates hit, though a few guests mention occasional over-salt or smaller fillings on certain baos. Families can do well here with kid-friendly picks like fried chicken, fries, and milder baos (pork belly, chicken). That said, portions are small, so plan on sharing a few items. If spice or pickles are a concern, ask for gentler options—the team is helpful. There is no explicit kids menu, but simple choices exist and work fine for many children.
At a Glance
- Flavor-forward baos and dumplings with creative fusion touches
- Friendly, knowledgeable service that guides ordering
- Great date-night vibe with cocktails and cozy design
- Portions run small; plan 3-4 items per person
- Timed tables can feel rushed during busy periods
What Sets It Apart
- taiwanese_bao_with_brunch_twist
- downstairs_cocktail_bar
- rotating_specials_board
- tick_box_ordering
What People Love
- Soft, well-balanced baos with standout brisket and pork belly
- Crispy, flavorful fried chicken and excellent dumplings
- Welcoming staff who know the menu and make smart suggestions
- Cozy, buzzy room that feels special without formality
Points of Concern
- Small portions and occasional light fillings make value feel mixed for some diners
- Peak-time seatings can feel rushed with early bill prompts and table return reminders
- Seasoning can skew salty on a few dishes (fried chicken, some sauces)
- Allergy handling is unclear—one complaint of refusal suggests calling ahead to confirm policies
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost£28-40 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- For a balanced spread: 1 x brisket bao + 1 x pork belly bao + dumplings + a fresh special
- For vegetarians/vegans: shiitake bao, tofu bao, sesame aubergine, edamame, cucumber
- For milder palates: chicken or pork belly bao, fries, edamame; ask to ease heat or pickles
Perfect For
- Sharing a mix of baos and small plates on date night
- Cocktails and bites before or after nearby bar hopping
- Casual catch-ups where flavorful food is the focus
- Brunch with a twist for adventurous eaters
Location Insights
Area: South London high street stretch with independent eateries, bars, and a mixed residential crowd; lively evenings and weekend buzz.
Safety: Generally safe with steady foot traffic; standard urban awareness around late-night hours.
Nearby: Near Tooting Broadway area with cocktail bars (downstairs bar noted, plus nearby spots like Goldfinch/Good Measure) and transport links.
TootingTooting is known for its bustling high street with a strong South Asian influence, offering a wide range of affordable and authentic ethnic eateries alongside trendy cafes and pubs. The area has a lively, community-oriented atmosphere with a growing reputation as a food destination, attracting locals and visitors alike.
Tooting BecTooting Bec is a quieter, more residential part of Tooting, known for its proximity to Tooting Bec Common and a more relaxed dining scene with a mix of local pubs and small independent restaurants.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday
Tuesday17:00–21:45
Wednesday17:00–21:45
Thursday17:00–21:45
Friday12:00–15:00, 17:00–22:45
Saturday11:30–22:45
Sunday11:30–21:45
Available: Reservations, Delivery, Takeout
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