Mr. Bao has just opened its doors on 293 Rye Lane, Peckham serving a combination of traditional and home comfort Taiwanese delights.
Previously a run down shop on busy Rye Lane, co-founders Frank Yeung and Nick Birkett have transformed the space into Peckhams latest and greatest hotspot. The decor reflects the exciting food, with a 75 year-old map of the Asian coastline nestled in amongst bashed copper furniture in the intimate space.
“We’ve loved bao buns since we first tasted them in the Far East. We chose Peckham because we believe in the spirit of the area,” Frank and Nick said.
To begin your bao experience, the restaurant offers a variety of assorted starter dishes, including XO pork + Chinese chive dumplings, taiwanese sausage, avocado tofu and our favourite sesame spinach – its nutty and teriyaki taste won us over completely.
Mr. Baos buns are the signature to the restaurant. Modest in size, it is easy to devour a fair few but with a great selection who would mind. The menu boasts a braised pork, pickle and peanut powdered bao and Made in Shoreditchs favourite ‘Bao Diddley’, a pulled free range chicken bao with kimchi and wasabi mayo. The buns are extremely soft and delicate and Frank explains it is because “the dough is proved three times, to make it like clouds”.
For dessert, a sweet bao is offered ‘Bao S’More’, a fried bao with melted chocolate and topped with a toasted marshmallow. A light and sweet finish which is delicately balanced.
If all this isn’t enough, original drinks are on offer including authentic cocktails, ‘The Imperial Concubine’s Smile’ a lychee, vodka, elderflower and green tea mix, this is subtle yet delicious. ‘The Inspector Wears Skirts’ is another to try, fusing jinzu gin, namazake, apricot brandy, passion fruit and fresh lavender. For an even more eclectic taste of Taiwan, try the aged teas flown in specially or the Taiwanese beers.
Other highlights for Mr. Bao include very friendly and attentive staff, the millionaire’s bacon ribs, a buzzing atmosphere which showcases the newest injection of Asian influence in Peckham.
Mr. Bao’s ingredients are locally sourced with their butcher, builder, glass supplier, timber supplier, sign makers and artists all from Peckham, supporting the local businesses and continuing the rise of Peckham.
A restaurant definitely worth the a visit, its food, atmosphere and authenticity make it a great Taiwanese experience for those in need of a few baos…
Opening hours for Mr. Bao,
Tuesday – Friday 12 – 3 for lunch, 6 – 11 for dinner
Saturday & Sunday 11 – 3 for brunch, 6 – 11 for dinner
For more information visit,
http://www.mrbao.co.uk Mr. Bao, twitter Mr. Bao, facebook Mr. Bao, instagram
