Great Bao

This is by far one of best bao places that I have ever been too in my life. I still think about eating the pork belly bao when i’m back in LA. I really wish that they had something like this in my area. This joint is definitely one of the hidden gems in Las Vegas. When you take the first bite of the pork belly you’ll first taste the crispiness of skin and when you get to the center, the belly just slowly melts in your mouth. The pork belly is cooked perfectly, not overly cooked or too crispy. It doesn’t taste fattening like other places where they would keep a big chunk of fat to just get rid of it. This place is different, it really doesn’t have that fatty taste to it. And the chef makes sure to utilize that part of the belly so that it brings out all the favors of the dish. It is so good. I still miss it. I tried the duck, belly, and the asian noodles, ice coffee and the tea. The asian sesame noodles was so good too. It has this tropical kick to it. Mmm… The noodles tasted so fresh and the sauce I really don’t know how they made it, but it was good. I highly recommend this place it. If you are tired of eating out at buffets, definitely checkout this place out. I’ve been to about 5 buffets here and yet I can say, this place left a lasting impression. Everything that I ate and drank here was really top of the notch. Now that I’m back in LA I wish ate more of it.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
1. Pork Belly Bao: ENGROSSED* (5+/5)

It seems that the Great Bao has relocated to the Fat Choy restaurant in the Eureka Casino. This is at least what the waitress had told me in the restaurant. I enjoyed the bao and the Fluffy ice at Fat Choy. But their service seems to be disorganized. The two waitresses/​hosts/​bus boys/​cashiers were running around trying to do everything at once. I hope Fat Choy seeks out Robert Irvine and his Restaurant Impossible team to get them organized. I do not think Fat Choy is losing money based on the crowd of people on Sunday but I am sure they can make more.

If this is a new trend of having tasty steamed buns («bao» if you read it in Cantonese) following a foot race I’m loving it!
I had the pleasure of ordering and eating from this food truck (
) back in December after participating in the Las Vegas Great Santa Run as it and another dozen or so food trucks were all lined up in the race assembly area ready to feed the nearly 10,000 Santas who turned out for the event.
The Great Bao truck was easily one of the more popular trucks with a steady line of people ordering food and another group waiting for their orders. I waited too, but it was until the crowds diminished before I put in my order. The menu was pretty simple (
). They basically had four types of steamed buns, bagged chips and refreshments. The buns were pretty inexpensive at $ 3.50 each or 3 for $ 10. The 3 bao combo also included a drink and a bag of chips!
I’m not sure what I was thinking when I placed an order for 2 buns instead of 3. I didn’t realize my mental breakdown until I had paid for my order. Maybe it was the temporary meltdown of having run hard for a short distance race or maybe I was just wacky from seeing all that red from the people in Santa suits at every direction I turned. Anyway, I ordered 1 Roast Duck bao and 1 Pork Belly bao and nothing else since I had collected an armful of race refreshments from other event sponsors.
By this time the staff had their routine down to perfection, and my made to order steamed buns (
) were ready lickety-​split.
The Roast Duck bao was delicious. The plum sauce was just sweet enough as to not overpower the taste of the roast duck, and I loved that they included a piece of green onion which reminded me of the Peking Duck and steamed clamshell buns we enjoy at Chinese banquets. The piece of duck I had, however, was a bit dry and slightly burned as you can probably notice in the photo that I’ve posted.
I lucked out on the Pork Belly bao as they gave me a huge piece of pork belly with very little fat on it. Even though there was a sauce, a smidgeon of what looked like minced pickled veggies and a sprig or two of fresh cilantro all I could really taste was the delicious pork belly and the subtle sweetness of the steamed bun.
This was my first experience with any Las Vegas food truck and I liked it … a lot!

The three magic words I read off of Great Bao’s menu: Roasted Duck Bao. The word «duck» alone sold me.
Roasted Duck Bao: Slices of lightly sweetened roasted duck, green onions, and cucumber slices, all tucked in a pocket of dough. Everything about the Duck Bao was delicious, but what stood out to me was the softness of the dough. I’ll admit that I was slightly hesitant about trying the Great Bao because I’ve had too many experiences when I’ve eaten buns made from similar dough that was either doughy or tough and dry, but Great Bao has perfected its recipe.
I’ve already made a mental note that when I cross paths again with Great Bao, I’ll have to try the Pork Belly Bao and have seconds on the Roasted Duck. By all means give Great Bao’s tasty little sandwiches a shot if you happen to spot the truck.

Attended the First Food Truck Smackdown held at the grand opening of Fairway Chevrolet. Great Bao was one of the competitors. The staff at the truck were friendly. The Pork Belly Bao we got to sample had good flavor, loved the soft bun and crushed peanuts on the pork was a pleasant surprise, but the pork was half fat, and the fat was slimy, white and cold, we all pulled the fat off and ate it without. I’ve had pork belly before and it was nothing like that.
They ended up losing the Smackdown, I wasn’t surprised.

Tried great bao for the first time a week ago. I came with an open mind and heart, especially hearing so many wonderful things about this place. I was left disappointed.
The woman working the food truck was not friendly at all, never said one word to us. No hello, how are you, or even hey this is what is popular on our menu. My friend and I got the pork belly boa and we weren’t fans. I had never had such a doughy bun, it was pure white and looked as it wasnt cooked. im sure it was. The pork was completely fatty and i usually like that but paired with the weird douchy texture i wasnt a fan. Loved the little carrot and minced toppings on top but it wasnt something i would try again.
If i do comeback, i’ll br trying something else for sure.

NOM NOM NOM. Is that enough? Made from scratch, cooked to order. Soft bao buns. I think the tofu bao is my absolute favorite and the pork belly is my very close second! It’s a good deal too — one drink and three bao for just $ 10!

Brilliant idea!
I am a huge fan of duck and pork belly and combine that with baos… equals amazing! Yes, it is located in an awkward location (nail salon) but whatever. For 3 baos and a drink of your choice its only 10 bucks. I got two pork belly’s and a duck.
The make everything right to order so it does take quite awhile… our group waited for about 30 minutes or so… then again it was two people taking orders and making the food all together. I have to say i liked the duck more but the pork belly was really good as well. It was very flavorful and they aren’t stingy with the meat.
Wish we had a place like this in OC. So for something different I suggest driving here and off the strip and trying this out! Be prepared to wait though.

OMG! This place is pretty darn adorable. It is a tiny little store front in the middle of a beauty salon. Who would have thought such tasty little baos would come out of place like this.
What a great deal 3 baos and an italian soda for $ 10! We ordered the pork belly, pulled pork and roasted duck. My favorite was the duck I devoured it, literally. The special of the day was the pulled pork bao which I highly recommend as well. We also ordered the sesame noodles however, they were a little bland they could have used a little more garlic or sesame something to give it a little more kick.
The best part is the little extra term of endearment they add to your soda. he he! (Lovely Lauren, that’s me.) ;) A must try when in Vegas.

I live close to Chef Sheridan’s Great Bao establishment now. This place is perfect for an after-​the-​gym treat.
Chicken, roast duck, pork belly, and never before sampled tofu and shrooms was ordered. The tofu and mushroom bao was suggested by the Chef. Adding the tofu and mushroom bao to my favorites. The combination of the different mushrooms and tofu made a lasting impression with my palette. Thank you for the suggestion.
Solid food. Will keep up the support.

Definitely lives up to all the 4 & 5 star ratings!
I walked into the salon and was greeted by Jenny. Very friendly and hospitable, asking and addressing every customer by name. I ordered the trio for $ 10, which includes a drink. She even asked how I heard about Great Bao, so of course, I told her from the rave reviews I read on Unilocal.:)
Very tasty. The bun was extremely soft (I’m a bread/​carb lover). Even though the pork bao was very tasty, I’d have to say I liked the tofu-​mushroom one the best. I know, I know, I should’ve ordered the duck. What was I thinking, attempting to be semi-​healthy with my ordering?! Next time, I will.
There were no other customers while I ate, so Jenny spoke with me about their food and business. She was very nice and I’d have to say, I probably received better service from her than the 5-​star restaurants I’ve recently visited. She explained the ingredients, thanked me for giving their food a try, and invited me back. Being from the service industry most of my life, you’d think that sounds easy, but you’d be amazed how many food industry employees do not do that these days. She made my first visit here very enjoyable!
Highly recommend it. It is strange to be in a salon ordering food, but you won’t regret it. With some time & great word of mouth about their awesome baos, hopefully they won’t be in there for long! :)

Who would have thought that some of the best food in Vegas would come from the smallest restaurant in town… a 6 seater inside a hair salon? You guessed it, Great Bao.
Pork Belly Bao — softest steamed bun you can find, imagine eating a cloud. Crisp, fresh, veggies. The star of course is the Pork Belly. Fatty, juicy, but not overpowering, i could literally eat 15 of these. it’s like crack!!!
Offers noodles, and smoothies too. Kudos to Sheriden Su. A real gem of Vegas!

I’d like to officially thank Unilocal and my GPS for this find! This restaurant is more of a pass through between the chef and his little burners and you and a couple teeny, tiny tables, all located inside a sprawling beauty salon in a huge strip mall. They close early — like 7pm — but act like your Grandma and eat your dinner early, damn it!
The 3 Bao + drink (delish Italian soda) special for $ 10 is a steal for the fun, fresh uniqueness. I chose three different bao fillings:
— Peking Duck, complete with crispy skin, crunchy veggies and Hoisin sauce
— marinated chicken with cilantro and lime
— Pork Belly with cucumber, green onion and Hoisin sauce
Whichever I was shoving in my mouth at the time was my favorite. And the buns, so soft and squishy, were utter perfection.
I got to speak to the owner and his wife (?) while he was preparing my food. I told him Unilocal had brought me to him, and he said they’re getting huge press from us and local papers (I just went on their website and saw they’ll be closed for a week coming up for filming a TV show! Get in there now before the mad rush!!). Now that I’ve tried their bao, I can see why they’ve already got a devoted following.

Incredible «Chinese sandwiches»! (I promise I’m Asian).
There is no other way to describe the excellent, deeply flavored pork belly, chicken, and roast duck, perfectly balanced with pickled and fresh veg, sandwiched in a Chinese steam bread. (I know, its called bao).
It sounds like this food is served from a food truck right? It’s not. It’s served from a hair salon and day spa. Very logical.
Regardless, the quality of the food and its presentation are excellent. The steam bread, perfect. Gently flavored, moist, chewy and pillowy at the same time. The pork belly is well rendered. Juicy but not greasy. Tender pork, fatty heaven! The roast duck, dense and moist, with smoky ducky goodness capped by crispy skin. With the addition of the veg, each bao achieves the sweet, sour, salty, bitter flavor and textural balance. Other versions are also offered including a vegetarian tofu and mushroom bao.
Really good eats that can be appreciated even by those who think Chinese food is General Tso’s Chicken with shrimp fried rice.
Prices are reasonable for the quality. $ 3 and change for a single bao. $ 10 for three bao and a drink.
They do sell out so check their Facebook page or Twitter feed before going.

I came in here because I heard so much about it on Unilocal and different local weeklies. I’m glad Unilocalers told me that it was in the Spa Salon because I would have never found it.
It was evening when I came in so it was rather quiet throughout the place. I like quiet. I walked up to the counter and recognized Jenny. We volunteered for a Unilocal event the week before. I tell you she’s good at sales and passing out Unilocal flyers.
Ok, back on track, she explained the menu to me and I ordered the sesame noodles and the combo bao special. As I was waiting, I was served a duck consommé. how fancy. Did not expect that at all and it was the first time I’ve had duck consommé. It was surprisingly good especially with the mini diced carrots.
Noodles next, I did not think the noodles was going to be such a large portion but I finished it all, really quickly mind you. It was simple and to the point. I know it’s not traditional but I would have liked mine to be really spicy. Nothing like spicy noodles to open up your appetite.
And next the baos, I had pork belly, duck and vege. Because I’m generally not a bun/​white bread eater, I ended up eating the inside and left a lot of bao. Insides of all the baos I had were seasoned perfectly and had great flavor. Of course my favorite one was the pork belly. You can never go wrong with pork belly.
Looking forward to my next visit. Hope you are well Jenny and Sheriden. Like I said you have a niche business and thank you for opening and providing us with great baos!

Arrived at 11:15am, no lights are on in the café…
«Are they not open Today?» I asked,.
Receptionist at the counter answers after a long pause– «They usually come in at 11:30″…“Huh???»
Waiting in the car, another couple comes in wanting to get their Bao on… No dice…
11:20…11:30…11:45am
Check the Unilocal App for their hours…11am-7pm…in green letters, Open…
Oh well, Plan B… ALOHA!!!
Unilocal 365 CHALLENGE-(144/365) «Out of Order»

The lady that attended to all our needs was very friendly. She also looks familiar, but I can’t quite remember from where. hm.
My friend and I got the comBAO for $ 10 (including a drink). It’s in these buns that I’ve been familiar with when I was younger and living in China — or someplace like New York. I got duck, beef, and pork belly. I preferred the duck the most. I’m going to try the tofu and chicken next, but definitely will be getting duck again. Not so sure about the chicken and pork belly. I love pork belly in general though. but chicken’s not my thing so it’s okay.
Their drink choices seem pretty extensive for such a small joint. Awesome. It’s in a salon so after you get used to the smell of all the hair products, you’ll be able to enjoy your food: D. Plus, service is awesome so that’s always a plus!
I’ll be back soon.

This bao is indeed great.
Very impressed with this little food shop inside a salon. Sheridan was incredibly friendly and even asked my name and made some chit chat with me while I waited for my food. He made the bao and sesame noodles with such care. It was fun just to watch.
I ordered the combo (pork belly and beef, since he was unfortunately out of duck) with iced tea and a sesame noodle bowl with tofu. The food was delightful and very delicate. The noodles were spicy and delicious. I really enjoyed the tofu and mushrooms on top. They had great flavor and texture. The tea was fantastic too. Freshly brewed and had great depth. Like others have said, I wish the pork belly was slightly crispier, but it was still a solid dish!
I was really looking forward to the duck, but I guess that just gives me all the more reason to return.

It’s been years since I’ve had hair on my head. So what am I doing inside a salon? Late on a Friday night, no less?
The answer involves three simple letters. BAO.
I’ve been wanting to check this place out for a while. I was in the area and found out via twitter that they were open late this Friday evening. (They’ve been staying open late on Friday nights for the past few weeks).
This cute little café is the epitome of random. Nestled within a pretty large salon, you will find Chef Sheridan Su and Jen Jen (it said that on her t-​shirt) behind a small hole-​in-​the-​wall counter. It’s a very intimate setting and you get to watch them preparing your food. As such, I think I picked the perfect time to try this place for the first time. With no one else around, it felt like I was in their home and as they were fixing me a late night meal, we chatted back and forth getting to know one another.
With a couple as friendly and adorable as Sheridan and Jenny, I was immediately a fan of Great Bao, but how is their food?
I went with the ComBAO. This allows you to pick any three bao plus a drink for $ 10 (tax included). I opted for duck, pork, and chicken. The bread was so light and fluffy. I like theirs better than The Chairman truck. Each bao had something I liked and I fully enjoyed them all. But if I had to pick one, I’d probably go with duck. Honestly though, that’s only ever-​so-​slightly ahead of pork, followed closely by chicken. According to Chef Su, I was the first to try a chicken wing version – the chicken bao is usually made with breast and thigh meat.
As for the drink, I went with a peach Italian soda with cream. It was surprisingly delicious. For some reason, it reminded me of a guava drink – very refreshing. After I was done with my three bao, Jenny asked me if I was ready for three more bao. What? I was so confused. Then she hands me a basket with three tiny balls of some sort of honey-​biscuit-​something-​or-​other. Funny and cute. Well played Jenny.
So a big thumbs up on the delicious food, the tasty beverage, the friendly service, the intimate atmosphere, and the quirky location inside a salon. Plus, I always love meeting awesome small business owners. Everything about Great Bao Asian Café is simply fantastic.

This is one of the more unique locations for an eatery — inside a hair salon. But, make no mistake, what you’ll find amid the massive space filled with hair products and styling stations is a tiny counter just past the reception desk that serves up some delicious food.
Don’t be scared. It’s ok to ignore the receptionist as you walk by her — although a smile might be nice. Make your way to the counter and what you’ll find is one of the nicest chefs in town, who also has an impressive resume. His previous position was as executive chef of Comme Ca at the Cosmopolitan. The intimate setting of the Great Bao café allows you to chat with the chef as he’s cooking up your order. Think of it as a personalized foodie experience unlike any other.
The sesame noodles ($ 6.48) with chicken, cucumbers, carrots, bean sprouts, and sesame vinaigrette is excellent and a hefty portion if you’re hungry.
The duck bao and tofu bao are very good but, the real show stopper is the pork belly. It’s as tender, succulent, sweet and savory as you’ll find. Together with the peanuts, cilantro, and greens it makes for a delicious dish that will make your mouth water. You can get three bao and a drink for $ 9.25.
They do have a couple two-​tops in the salon you can eat at and they’re planning on getting additional outdoor seating soon.