Xiao Bao Biscuit — Restaurant in Charleston

Very inflexible chef and management

We went with our two little children (2 and 3 years old) and asked for non spicy food recommendations (they don’t have a kids menu). The server recommended steamed dumplings and Thai fried rice. We ordered Sichuan fried fish and Mapu Tofu as well for us adults. Once the food arrived my daughter started to cry after eating the dumplings, so I tried and realized that the sauce it was lying in was chili oil, so pretty spicy, especially for children and even the meat inside had a bit of chili flakes. Al so the fried rice turned out to have chili flakes inside. So we asked our server, if we could have only steamed dumplings without the chili oil. He answered that usually their policy doesn’t allow alternations to any dishes, but he will help to double check with the kitchen. Shortly after he came back and apologized that the chef is not willing to serve the food without the chili oil. For reference. We lived many years in China and we know that the dumplings are simply steamed a d then the oil can be added optional. So it wouldn’t be a big deal at all to simply skip the chili oil at all. However, they were not willing to offer it.

So I got a bowl of water from our friendly waiter to clean the dumplings from the chili oil. Besides that our two kids could only eat plain white rice. Our neighbor table had bread buns filled with Korean chicken. So I asked if we could maybe have only the buns, as the chicken was spicy as well. Our server checked again and came back with plain rice, telling that that’s the only non spicy dish he can offer.

This never happened to me in any restaurant to be so inflexible. Especially considering that the prices are on the higher level for the small amount of food they were serving. If we would have been in a fast food chain, fine, but not in this kind of restaurant category. The chef also wasn’t willing to remove or reduce the price of the dishes that ended up to be spicy instead of not. Clearly the server told us ahead they were not spicy. BTW, they also don’t offer high chairs, so I am sure, this restaurant doesn’t like to serve to families with young children. Also, our Mapo Tofu wasn’t tasty. Other dishes were good for adults...

Xiao Bao Biscuit in Charleston is an absolute delight that adds a deliciously flavorful touch to a day of relaxation and indulgence. Following a rejuvenating treatment at The Spa of Charleston, my visit to Xiao Bao Biscuit was the perfect culinary crescendo, offering a dining experience that elevated my senses and satisfied my cravings.

From the moment I walked in, the vibrant and welcoming atmosphere of Xiao Bao Biscuit set the stage for an unforgettable meal. The charming décor and friendly ambiance created a warm and inviting space that was ideal for savoring their culinary creations.

The menu at Xiao Bao Biscuit is a celebration of flavors and culinary artistry. Each dish is a harmonious blend of ingredients that come together to create a symphony of tastes and textures. The bold and inventive combinations showcase a true passion for creating dishes that not only nourish the body but also captivate the palate.

The post-spa experience was heightened by the friendly and attentive staff, who ensured that every aspect of the meal was a pleasure. Their knowledge of the menu and willingness to accommodate special requests added a personalized touch that made the dining experience even more enjoyable.

As a perfect conclusion to my spa day, Xiao Bao Biscuit exceeded expectations and left me craving more. It's a culinary gem that seamlessly combines creativity, flavor, and comfort, making it an ideal destination for anyone seeking a memorable dining experience after a day of pampering.

If you're in search of a dining adventure that beautifully complements the tranquility of a spa treatment, Xiao Bao Biscuit in Charleston is a must-visit. Prepare to embark on a culinary journey that ignites the senses and leaves you with a lasting sense of contentment. It's an experience that celebrates the art of good food and good living, and it's deserving of...

TLDR: As a foodie of Asian heritage, I had hoped better, especially since we went here on a very strong recommendation.

Apparently, people who love this place, love it. Those who don't, don't. I am in the latter category.

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Before I begin, two observations: This place is off the beaten path a bit, but was still less than 50% capacity at 7:30 Sat night. Seems like all the recent reviews are either 5 star 'best restaurant in Charleston' or 1 star 'the food was not good.'

THE GOOD: Service was prompt, friendly, and attentive. THE BAD: We had the okonomiyaki, the bao, and the jiao zi, and to drink, a Hanoi 75. Okonomiyaki: this should be a pancake like texture, not mush. The bacon and pork candy were salty and overpowering, the base dish itself underwhelming. Bao: the bun was good, I found the pork itself overcooked and the sauce on the pork completely overpowered the bite. Couldn't taste the green apple and peanut in the dish, this dish is close to being really good but the execution is off. Also, we had to put the bait together ourselves. I just found that weird. Jiao zi: the wrapper was way too thick, and the filling was just ok, had a lot of ginger and not much else flavor wise. I'd normally expect a softer thinner wrapper, and flavorful pork filling with a good balance of ginger, and a light sauce that compliments the dish instead of drowning it in sodium. This dish is again, close to what it should, but fumbled at the 5 yard line. Hanoi 75: a $12 price tag for a $6 gin and tonic. There were some other ingredients in it, but all I could taste was g&t. It didn't taste bad, and yet somehow still stole a piece of my soul. I did not even finish the drink, and that’s saying a lot for me.

SUMMARY: If the food is your priority, this ain't it. If the hang is your priority, this could...