Bao Bao Cafe, New York NY

Got takeout with colleagues ~2PM on a Tuesday. It was packed with people eating and lining to order. The restaurant was also very busy preparing orders, so it was a 10 minute wait. They also ended up forgetting my colleague's order, so the total wait time was longer.

I got the popcorn chicken, mild. For the portion size, it seemed worth it! Unfortunately the vegetables and the chicken itself were really salty. The popcorn chicken was also a bit too spicy for me, so it was not fun. I think if they decreased the salt (and clarified the spice levels), this would be my go-to place while in the area.

They have a fridge of drinks. I thought it was amusing that the soy milk uses Canadian soybeans (I'm from Canada). Lots of seating inside, whether you come alone or with 4-person groups.

Overall, would recommend trying this place out.

So disappointing to find a bug inside my hotpot noodle. I have been a constant customer for a few years, which means I like the food here- but I found these same bugs twice already within a week. First time, I excused it because it could happen.but today again?

The soup was good! But I ordered to eat at the restaurant and I didn't like the soup that came with plastic control and so plastic

I come here for lunch most three days a week. It's fast, delicious, and very reasonably priced. I tried most of the dishes on the menu, and I was never disappointed. I am so happy to find this reliable place. The staff here are super friendly and helpful. One time, I needed to charge my phone, and they brought me a charger so I could use my phone while charging it. I definitely recommend this place.

Took my family there, the order came super fast. The food awesome and the atmosphere really chill. The girl who was taking the order was super sweet too. I would definitely recommend anyone traveling around this area.

I am extremely disappointed with the service at this place. Both the waiter and cashier were incredibly rude. Despite clearly communicating my order, they failed to provide any verbal feedback or acknowledgment. The overall food pick-up experience was equally unpleasant. When I inquired about my order, they coldly placed it on the counter without offering any response, as if I did not deserve a simple verbal interaction. This lack of courtesy and disregard for customer service left me deeply dissatisfied

If you use mealpal avoid this place they even told me they purposely reduce the portions for mealpal customers. Dishonest establishment.

I was there in January 2022
Wonderful, well seasoned, tasty, great service, so anyone who likes a little pepper is in the right place.
I recommend the experience.

This place is so good. I definitely over ordered for myself. I came while my bf was working. I got popcorn chicken, Chinese tea egg, and the little hot pot. Everything is so good and I'm definitely determined to finish it. The popcorn chicken is well seasoned. The tea egg was perfect and makes me want to try to make my own. The hotpot flavor brings me back to childhood. I would definitely come back.

Bad taste and bad service. The best way to describe the taste is that you won't remember what you just ate.

Didn’t look like much when we came in and I almost turned around. /but wow so glad we didn’t. I ordered their hotpot—so rich and delicious with mushrooms and bok Choy and just the right amount of heat. Noodles were chewy and delicious—I think they were Mung bean noodles but they were so good. My wife got popcorn chicken—crispy and delicious: would go here again!

Ordered spicy popcorn chicken. Delicious! $12 for the meal included rice, egg, and broccoli. The spicy was so HOT! But i’d order it again.

The service is the worst. They don't even offer you water. I asked for the popcorn chicken and it was too salty I couldn't eat it don't waste your money in this place

Great food but beware, their medium spice level is very spicy. Unless you are looking to completely clear out your sinuses, I would stick to mild. I’m an avid spice consumer and it got to me. Super tasty though, 100% recommend!

Hidden gem in midtown for cheap food. Food tastes good served with reasonable serving sizes. Set up is more like a fast food restaurant, you order and pick up food from the counter and pick your own seat.

Small friendly restaurant/snack. Reception of pleasant staff, with prices quite correct for NYC. The baos were very good. The most classic ramen but at a very affordable price.