BAO WOW — Restaurant in Hà Nội

If you’ve ever wondered what happens when a bao bun decides to dress up for a night out, Bao Wow in Hanoi is your answer. Hidden in the leafy lanes of Tây Hồ, this spot takes the humble bao and gives it a personality upgrade—cheeky, bold, and surprisingly refined.

The menu reads like a passport: Thai basil tempeh for the plant-based crowd, char siu pork for the nostalgic, and for the carnivores? The “Big McKenna” is the kind of burger-meets-bao fusion that makes you rethink fast food. Imagine a McDonald’s Big Mac that went on holiday, discovered quality beef and better tailoring, and came back with a tan and a witty accent. Add American cheese, secret sauce, and a soft steamed bun, and you’ve got comfort food that feels oddly sophisticated.

Bao Wow is also a quiet champion of inclusivity. Craft beer lovers will find local brews on tap, cocktail drinkers can explore well-made classics, and those who prefer to keep things sober will be surprised by the care put into mocktails—fresh fruit, sparkling accents, and just enough garnish to feel special. It’s the kind of place where you can have a mid-day drink without guilt, because the vibe leans casual and sunny rather than serious and boozy.

Space-wise, it’s friendly to groups. After a round of golf, rolling in with a dozen friends doesn’t feel like a logistical nightmare, though calling ahead is wise. The staff are used to managing lively tables, and the energy matches the food: bright, welcoming, and just a little mischievous.

In short, Bao Wow isn’t trying to be “authentic” in the strict sense; it’s authentic to itself. And in Hanoi’s sea of options, that’s something to celebrate—bao in one hand, cider...

Priced like an upscale restraurant, it was the quintessential example of the gentrification of Dang Thai Mai. Expect 1 banh bao dough taco thing to run about 60k or 70k and a person might need 2 or 3 to make a meal. That means spending 120k-210k easily for 1 person, add a drink for about 30k and you could have gone to an upscale restaurant instead for the same price. The food itself wasn't terribly remarkable for fastfood- though it was indeed clean.

The facility was simple outdoor seating with an overhead tarp in case of rain and the open kitchen let people see that they're keeping things clean which was really good to see. Staff were friendly and polite.

As much as I wanted to like the place, I still cringed while eating here. The price is prohibitive for most locals and the menus weren't even offered in Vietnamese so the aura of "comparatively rich white people displacing locals" was strong.

I'm not trying to say anything bad about it, but the food wasn't especially good while it was sold at disproportionate price, hence 3 stars.

1 time was more than enough to take in this novelty for me, especially when the same amount i spent on dinner for 1 there can pay for a fresh seafood dinner for 2 at other places. The business model seems good though and I don't doubt they will do well as English teachers need a place to congregate, drink, and snack. If thats not you and you're simply looking to experience food in Hanoi feel free to skip this one as there are better...

Parents - this place is SO responsive to kids. We had barely sat down when we were given a BINDER of colouring pages to choose from, crayons (twist-ups not shitty waxy cheap ones) and kid friendly mugs of water with metal (👍👍) straws. They also brought out complimentary plain bao buns, all on kid friendly plates with good quality toddler-friendly utensils.

Kids orders were taken first as our toddlers were hangry. They were also given little cushions so they could sit up on the big chairs and reach their meals. Their popcorn chicken was delish and they ate it all.

Food for us adults were great, the Black Tuna was a stand out for me. Aperol spritz was great. Music playlist was nostalgic and perfect for a Friday night.

Fans cranking kept mozzies and sweat away which kept us all very comfortable. We loved the funny Halloween skeletons decorating the place, and we absolutely loved the red button disco in the bathroom, great moment. Got some of the dessert bites and hibiscus tea to bring home. Staff are ultra attentive and considerate, always helpful and communicative and intuitive with their service.

Loved this place for years since Iived here but it just hits different as a mum, chefs kiss, will be back again...