Bao Dumpling — Restaurant in West Lafayette

I am in from New York on a research trip to the university. On my third night I discovered Bao Dumpling on Doordash and ordered. I was very disappointed when I looked at the order as I waited and discovered they had run out of the shrimp and pork chili oil wontons. I wanted to substitute in another item but they did not answer the phone and Doordash was no help. Regardless, the food arrived thanks to the "Dasher" and I was absolutely delighted with the flavors. The Dan Dan noodles were bursting with Ma and La (Spicy and Numbing flavors). It's rare that Sichuan peppercorns are used to proper effect, but these noodles were properly numbing. The ground pork was soft and salty and delectable. They were absolutely delicious. The Pork and Scallion dumplings were sublime, the filling properly juicy, savory, and flavorful. Even the pickled cabbage was spot on, as good as any I've had at my favorite restaurants in Flushing, Queens in New York, where the Chinese locals dine, so you know it has to be good. To find this quality of Sichuan flavors in the middle of Indiana was a wonderful surprise and I will be ordering from Bao Dumpling again tomorrow night, as it's my last night in the area and I want to try other items on the menu. The only misgivings I have are that I should have asked for dumpling dipping sauce (though it wasn't entirely necessary thanks to the dumplings being quite flavorful). I also should have asked for a side order of chili oil, as I enjoy the fragrant addition to dumplings. All in all, I highly recommend ordering or dining in from Bao Dumpling if you like authentic Chinese flavors. Really excellent food!

*Just to be clear, the three star service review is really just because I tried to call to add to my order because they were out of the wontons and no one answered the phone. I have no doubt the service is just fine if one dines in. The food is...

I love everything that is offered here. I am a current student at Purdue and I really miss the authentic Chinese food I used to have for dinner every night. This is probably the best Chinese restaurant near campus. No hate to any of the other restaurants but they don't really offer handmade dumplings, haha. The dumplings here are really tasty and probably the best part about it is that I didn't taste any MSG in it. MSG just gives food a particular sweet taste that is rather odd so I don't really like it too much. Plus, at standard Chinese restaurants, they usually serve frozen packaged dumplings that contains MSG. Without the MSG, you can really taste the filling more. Just be careful when eating the dumplings because they are sometimes filled with juice lol. I also really like the noodles here, it's chewy(a good kind of chewy not the kind where it takes you 3 years to swallow it lol) and its just really tasty overall. The owners here are all very nice and welcoming as well. I believe it is family owned and there's usually just the same 3 or 4 people that work there. They are very accommodating and whenever you usually ask for anything they are there to help. They also over a self-serve dipping sauce station and they have a wide selection of various sauces that you can mix to dip your dumplings in. My only slight complaint is that some of the dishes are sort of salty but that might just because of my low salt tolerance idk. Everything here is pretty much perfect though and everything on the menu is good. I'll probably end up going here...

This restaurant is the definition of a hidden gem and is hands down the best food I’ve ever eaten. Everyone needs to come here at least once, so they can understand how truly incredible it is.

All of their dumplings and wontons are absolutely amazing, and the minced beef noodles is a particular favorite entree of mine. I also love the atmosphere of the place, it’s so inviting and warm. The employees and family are so welcoming and kind, and I’ve never had a less than exceptional meal here. Sure, the prices are a bit high, but it’s more than worth the price. I’d pay double what they ask for if I get to eat the delicious pork wontons with chili oil again. Not to mention their awesome service station with all the minced garlic and chili you’ll ever need!

Growing up in a Filipino/Taiwanese household, I was initially disappointed in the diversity of cuisine here in West Lafayette, along with the quality of food provided at most Asian restaurants around here. However, Bao Dumpling has truly exceeded all of my expectations and reminded me of home, not only satisfying my stomach but giving me a warm feeling of peace. Bao truly makes each item with love, and you can definitely feel it in their food.

I love this place so much and regret not finding it sooner during my time here in West Lafayette! If I ever come back, it would only be to enjoy an amazing meal from this establishment again. There’s truly nothing like it. Wherever I go next, I hope to see you there someday, Bao...