Bao Bao Cafe
A bustling Taiwanese eatery in NYC serving up flavorful noodle soups, crispy popcorn chicken, and other street food favorites.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, quicker service
Bao Bao Cafe
Best Time
Fewer crowds, quicker service
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A bustling Taiwanese eatery in NYC serving up flavorful noodle soups, crispy popcorn chicken, and other street food favorites.
"The spicy beef noodle soup is a must-try, offering a deeply satisfying and warming experience. "
🌶️ Spice Level Caution
Even 'non-spicy' dishes might have a hint of heat. Ask staff if you're sensitive to spice.
🍜 Noodle Preferences
You can often substitute noodles, like glass noodles, in your soup.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Spicy Beef Noodle Soup
Midtown Location
Rich, flavorful broth with tender beef and customizable noodles. A must-try for noodle soup lovers!
Popcorn Chicken
All Locations
Crispy, savory bite-sized chicken pieces. A popular snack or side dish.
Pork Belly
All Locations
Tender and flavorful pork belly, a highly recommended dish by many visitors.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Navigating the Menu
Timing Your Visit
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🌶️ Spice Level Caution
Even 'non-spicy' dishes might have a hint of heat. Ask staff if you're sensitive to spice.
🍜 Noodle Preferences
You can often substitute noodles, like glass noodles, in your soup.
💰 Surcharge Awareness
Some reviews mention a 20% surcharge; clarify this with staff upon ordering.
📸 Review for a Treat
Leaving a positive review might get you free popcorn chicken.
Tips
from all over the internet
🌶️ Spice Level Caution
Even 'non-spicy' dishes might have a hint of heat. Ask staff if you're sensitive to spice.
🍜 Noodle Preferences
You can often substitute noodles, like glass noodles, in your soup.
💰 Surcharge Awareness
Some reviews mention a 20% surcharge; clarify this with staff upon ordering.
📸 Review for a Treat
Leaving a positive review might get you free popcorn chicken.
💡 Hidden Gem Vibes
A good spot in busy areas like Times Square for a quick, tasty meal.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Bao Bao Cafe offers a convenient and quick dining experience with popular Taiwanese street food like popcorn chicken and flavorful beef noodle soup. While many appreciate the speed and reasonable prices, some reviews point to inconsistencies in spice levels, smaller portion sizes, and occasional unclear surcharges. The semi-self-service model contributes to its fast-paced nature.
"We passed by on a chilly day looking for a hot soup and the beef broth delivered that filling taste. The order was handled reasonably fast. The vegetables and ramen were decently filling. The noodles were all on the bottom in a plate format.
There was a 20% surcharge added that when I asked the staff couldn't tell me what it was either."
Kin
"Not recommended. I ordered a non-spicy beef noodle soup, but it still arrived with red oil and a hint of spice. Good thing I’m not allergic to chili—otherwise lunch might’ve come with a trip to the ER.
The noodles were very thin and soft, with no chew at all. Honestly, even basic ramen has more bounce. The broth looked dark and full of promise, but the flavor never showed up. The beef slices looked thick, but tasted like…nothing. Let’s just say it was beef without a soul. The cabbage was no help either—completely bland, floating there with a quiet sense of despair.
At $12, the portion was also on the small side. For many people, one bowl of noodle soup probably wouldn’t be enough to feel satisfied.
Sure, $12 for beef noodle soup near Times Square sounds like a deal. But to me, a low price doesn’t excuse poor quality. The food did come out quickly, and being self-service means no tipping worries. Also worth mentioning: many of the “good reviews” are false—they hand out free popcorn chicken if you leave a positive review."
Eirene
"Loved the atmosphere and the central location. The food was just okay - the bam bam noodles were bland, the popcorn chicken (free, if you review) was okay. I really liked the spring rolls - they were truly the hit for me. Place your order and pay at the counter and then get served at the table."
Natalie Pote
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Bao Bao Cafe has multiple locations, including one in Midtown near Times Square and another in the Financial District. You can easily reach them via subway lines like the N, Q, R, W, or 1, 2, 3 trains depending on the specific location. +1
Yes, all Bao Bao Cafe locations are well-served by public transportation, making them convenient to access via subway and bus routes throughout Manhattan.
For the Midtown location, consider stops like Times Square-42nd Street or 34th Street-Herald Square. For the Financial District, stations like Wall Street or Fulton Street are nearby.
Parking in Manhattan can be challenging and expensive. It's generally recommended to use public transport to reach Bao Bao Cafe.
Depending on your starting point, walking might be an option, especially for the Midtown location which is close to Times Square and Broadway theaters.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Bao Bao Cafe operates as a casual eatery, so no tickets are required for entry. You order and pay at the counter.
Opening hours can vary by location and day. It's best to check their specific hours online or on their social media pages before visiting.
There is no admission fee. You pay for the food and drinks you order.
Bao Bao Cafe is typically a walk-in establishment, and reservations are not usually accepted due to its casual, fast-service model.
Some reviews mention receiving free popcorn chicken for leaving a positive review. It's always worth asking about any current promotions.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The spicy beef noodle soup is highly recommended, as is the popcorn chicken and pork belly. Many visitors also enjoy their Taiwanese buns and iced black tea. +1
While known for its spice, some reviews indicate that even non-spicy versions can have a hint of heat. It's advisable to confirm spice levels with the staff if you are sensitive.
Portion sizes can be on the smaller side, with some reviewers noting that one bowl of noodle soup might not be enough for a full meal.
Information on specific vegetarian or vegan options is limited in reviews. It's recommended to inquire directly with the staff about available choices.
Prices are generally considered reasonable, especially for the location. A bowl of beef noodle soup was noted at around $12, with some reviews suggesting fair pricing.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the vibrant presentation of dishes like the beef noodle soup and popcorn chicken. The cafe's atmosphere, especially the buns and iced tea, also makes for great shots. +1
Yes, the colorful dishes and the general vibe of the cafe make it a good spot for Instagram photos. +1
Daytime visits will offer natural light, which is generally best for food photography. However, the evening ambiance can also provide a unique aesthetic.
The steaming bowls of beef noodle soup, the golden popcorn chicken, and the uniquely shaped Taiwanese buns are all visually appealing and make for great photos. +1
Yes, visitors are welcome to take photos of their food and the cafe's interior.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
🍜 Noodle Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Famous Beef Noodle Soup
One unique aspect mentioned by a Reddit user is the ability to substitute glass noodles for the standard ones, catering to different preferences.
Despite some critiques on noodle texture and portion size, the overall flavor profile of the broth and the quality of the beef are frequently lauded. It's a dish that encapsulates the comforting and bold flavors often associated with Taiwanese cuisine, making it a signature item at Bao Bao Cafe.
Navigating the Service Style
However, this service style has also led to some confusion and negative experiences. One review mentioned a 20% surcharge being added to the bill, with staff unable to clearly explain its purpose.
Despite the self-service aspect, some reviews highlight the friendliness of the cashier staff, noting their helpfulness and positive attitude.
The Popcorn Chicken Phenomenon
Interestingly, some reviews point out that the popcorn chicken is sometimes offered for free to customers who leave a positive review.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit