Bao Mary is a new dumpling-focused restaurant in London’s Marylebone
Bao Mary is the latest iteration of London’s beloved Bao chain, this one focusing on dumplings and quick cold dishes for time-tight customers
London’s go-to bao bun destination, BAO, is opening a new location, BAO Mary, on 8 May. This sixth iteration (the first, BAO Soho, opened in 2015) will be located on James Street in Marylebone, not far from Oxford Street, making it a perfect destination for after-work dinner, post-shopping lunch, or a convenient middle ground for friends scattered around town.
BAO Mary, a new London hotspot
Each of BAO locations has a different focus (the Shoreditch location focuses on noodles, the Borough location is buns, and so on) and BAO Mary will place a premium on dumplings, as well as quick cold dishes for time-pressed visitors looking for a satisfying alternative to fast food.
Set across two floors it is also the only BAO location that is open for all-day dining, serving from noon until late into the evening seven days a week.
As always with BAO, the interiors are impeccable, designed once again by MATHs, the in house design studio at BAO, led by co-founders Shing Tat Chung and Priscilla Wong. For BAO Mary, MATHs modelled the two-floor space after a Taiwanese dumpling house and incorporated classic dinner elements. On the ground floor, the wood-panelling gives the snug space a cosiness that visitors can enjoy as they sit on retro white stools at low tables, or at the counter with a view into the kitchen.
The dumpling-focused menu features Boiled Cull Yaw Dumplings, filled with succulent mutton sourced from Cornwall and served with red chilli sauce; Boiled Prawn Dumplings; and Pan Fried Mushroom Guo Tie Dumplings, the restaurant’s take on vegan potstickers with a black garlic dip.
When it comes to cold dishes, visitors can enjoy Soy Braised Lu Wei Assorted Vegetables, inspired by the Taiwanese carts that simmer a cornucopia of produce in a soy-heavy broth; street food-style Majiang Noodles, flavoured with sesame paste; and Ox Tongue with Chilli Oil.
Hot mains are also on offer, including BAO classics like the Bone Marrow with Cured Egg and Mi Gao Rice, as well as Taiwanese fried chicken chops.
Wallpaper* Newsletter
Receive our daily digest of inspiration, escapism and design stories from around the world direct to your inbox
Mary Cleary is a writer based in London and New York. Previously beauty & grooming editor at Wallpaper*, she is now a contributing editor, alongside writing for various publications on all aspects of culture.
-
Aesop’s Salone del Mobile 2024 installations in Milan are multisensory experiences
Aesop has partnered with Salone del Mobile to launch a series of installations across Milan, tapping into sight, touch, taste, and scent
By Hannah Tindle Published
-
Dial into the Boring Phone and more smartphone alternatives
From the deliberately dull new Boring Phone to Honor’s latest hook-up with Porsche, a host of new devices that do the phone thing slightly differently
By Jonathan Bell Published
-
Berlinde De Bruyckere’s angels without faces touch down in Venice church
Belgian artist Berlinde De Bruyckere’s recent archangel sculptures occupy the 16th-century white marble Abbazia di San Giorgio Maggiore for the Venice Biennale 2024
By Osman Can Yerebakan Published
-
First look at Samba Room, London’s innovative cocktail lounge packed with Brazilian energy
London’s Samba Room, an extension of SushiSamba, is a dynamic bar, lounge and private dining space designed by Fabled Studio
By Tianna Williams Published
-
The Connaught Bar shakes up home cocktail making with first book by Phaidon
'The Connaught Bar: Recipes and Iconic Creations' by Phaidon allows anyone to elevate their cocktail making at home, for every occasion
By Tianna Williams Published
-
Claridge’s new restaurant is a beacon for art deco elegance and fine dining
Claridge’s new restaurant, designed by Bryan O’Sullivan, is a redefined London brasserie richly layered in decadent style and cuisine
By Melina Keays Published
-
Josephine is a classic French bistro in London, built on comfort and authenticity
Josephine opens in London’s Chelsea, serving up French bistro classics and family recipes
By Tianna Williams Published
-
Step inside London’s first Scottish deli, dishing up wee plates and hearty scran
Auld Hag-The Shoap is London’s first Scottish deli. Discover fridges and countertops brimming with produce celebrating the best of Scotland’s culinary heritage
By Tianna Williams Published
-
NoMad London introduces afternoon tea with a New York twist
NoMad London serves up an afternoon tea menu spanning from elegant finger sandwiches to elevated New York street food classics
By Tianna Williams Published
-
First look inside St John at Fortnum & Mason, bringing nose-to-tail to Piccadilly
St John at Fortnum & Mason opens for three weeks, securing your nose-to-tail fix while the restaurant’s Smithfield home is refitted
By Robert Johnston Published
-
BAO and Dover Street Market mark Year of the Dragon with baked goods and merch
BAO partners with Dover Street Market to celebrate the Year of the Dragon, presenting signature bakes, exclusive DSM x BAO products, and an installation ( until 11 February )
By Mary Cleary Published