Xiao Bao Bao — Downtown
About This Spot
Stepping into Xiao Bao Bao in downtown Salt Lake City feels like slipping into a warm, familiar corner where time slows just enough to savor a comforting bite. This modest Asian eatery hums with quiet energy, its casual and inviting pace perfect for those seeking a moment of pause amid the city's bustle. The space is unpretentious but thoughtfully curated, reflecting a blend of cultural threads that tease curiosity before a fork ever reaches your mouth.
At the heart of Xiao Bao Bao is a genuine exploration of flavors — a delicate balance between tradition and playful fusion. Soft, pillowy bao buns arrive with fillings that are carefully crafted to surprise and soothe in equal measure. Whether you find yourself exploring the tender, warmly spiced pork nestled in a Char Siu Bao or the vibrant, garden-fresh notes of vegan options like eggplant-tofu, each bite is a quiet invitation to connect with the stories behind the ingredients. The presence of a Chilean-inspired bao adds a unique twist, enriching this experience with a personal touch seldom found in typical Asian eateries.
The mood is comfortable and pared-back, with friendly staff who offer a sense of hospitality that feels sincere rather than scripted. There’s an understated joy in watching the soft bao dough giving way to fillings bursting with flavor — the kind of comfort food that feels homemade, but with a thoughtful edge. Paired with refreshing cucumber salad or a carefully brewed Hong Kong milk tea, the meal settles in like a reassuring conversation between old friends.
For those mindful of dietary preferences, the vegan and gluten-free offerings stand out as vibrant choices, each carrying its own vivid personality within the gentle bao embrace. It’s a spot where vegetarian cravings are met with as much care as those for richer, meatier fare, proving that comfort can arrive in many forms.
Whether stopping by for a quick bite or lingering over a thoughtfully prepared multi-course moment, Xiao Bao Bao invites gentle discovery—an exploration of Asian flavors anchored by human moments and the simple pleasure of sharing food that feels both familiar and new.
What’s Available Here
-
Outdoor seating - Delivery
- Takeaway
- Dine-in
- Fast service
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Solo dining
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Wheelchair-accessible car park
- Coffee
- Comfort food
- Quick bite
- Small plates
- Vegan options
- Vegetarian options
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Counter service
- Dessert
- Seating
- Casual
- Trendy
- Locals
- Tourists
- University students
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
- Credit cards
- Free of charge street parking
- Paid street parking
- Dogs allowed
Location & Hours
| Monday | Closed | |
|---|---|---|
| Tuesday | 11:00 AM - 02:30 PM , 04:00 PM - 07:00 PM | |
| Wednesday | 11:00 AM - 02:30 PM , 04:00 PM - 07:00 PM | |
| Thursday | Closed | |
| Friday | 11:00 AM - 03:00 PM | |
| Saturday | 11:00 AM - 03:00 PM | |
| Sunday | Closed |
Guest Reviews
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Chloe Agyin 19 Dec 2025
I’ve been wanting to try this place for a while because I was excited that they had vegetarian and vegan options. I tried the Eggplant-Tofu, Bok Choy-Shiitake, and Black Sesame. The flavors blew me away; however, they left me wanting due to the lack of filling. The prices are reasonable for what they offer and the staff member that helped me out was delightful. I will be coming here again.
Morgan Smith 03 Dec 2025
Trying the food at the primary location did not disappoint. The dough was soft, gently sweet, and so pillowy. The flavorings inside are absolutely delicious! As someone who really cares for vegetables, each one of the veggie bao has a big punch of flavor that I love! It's absolutely fantastic if someone is looking for excellent Chinese comfort food, especially during the chilly season (which is now).
Jim Smit 17 Nov 2025
Small soft bao, very tasty filling (not enough), not a place to ball on a budget. ~$10 for 2 bao. Probably need 4-6 bao to be a meal.
Mikiel 16 Nov 2025
Unbelievably soft bao, very tasty filling, not a place to ball on a budget but it was well worth the price! Very fun atmosphere, see photos, and a decent variety to choose from. We both got combos with their iced tea and cucumber salads then shared a large order of their wonton soup, I also got one additional bao. Spent about $50 for the lot of it.
Anita Watson 04 Nov 2025
Found this little place by happenstance and it was lovely to come in for a quick bite. One of the owners is half Chilean and the two others are Chinese and they created a great fusion bao in honor of one of the owners Chilean heritage. As a Chilena who loves both Chinese and Chilean food the empanada boa was an awesome treat. Very cute, clean and great staff. Food was good and their Xia Bao Bao is a good price point. I love a great presentation with great food and they hit both. The carrot salad was wonderful.
roachie h 25 Oct 2025
Happened to walk by when I was at a teacher training and decided to stop at this little gem. I ordered a pork cabbage bun, a Halloween sesame special bun, and a matcha latte. So cute and friendly and quaint. I hope this place stays around. The sesame bun was soft and sweet and the pork cabbage bun was soft and just as I expected.
Brittney Ma 06 Oct 2025
I was very excited to try this place out and glad I did! Right when we walked in, we were welcomed by the staff. The decor was really cute too! The menu was simple and had both meat and non-meat options, which was a good variety. We ordered the Cha Siu Bao, Pork Cabbage Bao, Chicken Curry Bao, Dessert Coconut Bao, and a Hong Kong Milk Tea. The Baos were good, with the Cha Siu being my favorite. I wish the pork and curry had a bit more salt, but it wasn’t bad. The dessert Bao was good too and not too sweet. The Hong Kong Milk Tea was pretty decent, but I didn’t see any sugar available for me to add - not sure if it was in the back and just had to ask for it, but I was in a rush and didn’t go back to check. Overall, good experience to try this new place out.