Member Article

Taiwanese market stall traders to open first restaurant in Soho

Founders of BAO, the 6 seat bar and market stall on Netil Market will open their first restaurant, which will also be called BAO, on Lexington Street in Soho, on 7th April, 2015.

Behind the Taiwanese-inspired restaurant are Erchen Chang (24) and siblings Shing Tat (28) and Wai Ting Chung (29).

They will be supported by Karam, Jyo and Sunaina Sethi - the family behind Trishna, Bubbledogs, Kitchen Table, Gymkhana and Lyle’s restaurants.

Shing, Wai Ting and Erchen have travelled extensively across Taiwan, China and Asia over the years – cooking and eating together.

Along with their travels, BAO also takes inspiration from the Xiao Chi, or ‘small eats’ restaurants in Erchen’s hometown of Taipei, and other cities.

The trio’s signature Bao (steamed milk buns) will take pride of place on the menu, created by husband and wife Head Chef team Shing Tat and Erchen, who have spent years developing their secret recipe.

BAO has been designed by Shing Tat, working with Royffe Flynn Architects, and deploys a stripped back feeling with wooden cladding and paneling on the walls, ceiling fans and a ceramic tiled floor.

A low, long bar will stretch half the length of the room, with Ercol stools. Shelving will store house-made pickles and preserves such as mustard greens and Taiwanese Golden Kimchi, and there will be handmade, natural clay pottery in greys and taupe.

Shing Tat said: “After years of travelling, recipe experimentation and cooking at Netil Market, we are thrilled to have secured our first restaurant in Soho,

Wai Ting said: “Shing and I grew up in our parents Chinese restaurants, and we are looking forward to carving out our own traditions”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ellen Forster .