The three founders of BAO – the six-seat bar and market stall on Netil Market – will open their first restaurant, which will also be called BAO, at 53 Lexington Street in Soho, on 7th April, 2015.
Behind the brand new 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.
“After years of travelling, recipe experimentation and cooking at Netil Market, we are thrilled to have secured our first restaurant in Soho”
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.
BAO’s interior will be designed by Shing Tat, working with Royffe Flynn Architects, and will deploy 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. At each place setting there will be chopsticks, and a jar of their own secret recipe hot sauce, all overhung by flat enamel pendant lights.
“After years of travelling, recipe experimentation and cooking at Netil Market, we are thrilled to have secured our first restaurant in Soho,” says Shing Tat.
“Shing and I grew up in our parents Chinese restaurants, and we are looking forward to carving out our own traditions,” says Wai Ting.
