Mean Bao

This used to be my go-to bao chain (at the Bathurst location), and I recommended it to everyone I knew!
I moved away for 2 years, and now that I'm back I'm extremely sad to see that they too have fallen deeply into shrinkflation :(

$10.50 used to get you 2 bao that were a decent size with a good amount of filling and toppings.
$10.50 today gets you 2 half-sized bao buns with one piece of filling each, in a small, sad little box. It was such a bummer, and I likely won't be back.

The staff were really nice though for what it's worth.

Great taste and quality. However new way of packaging baos is not convenient. Before it was wrapped, now they are in a bowl. Which means that if eating by hand, oil will run down with a high probability of causing a mess.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Pork Belly Bao

Good stuff

Good stuff

Here is one of my favorite places to have lunch when I'm downtown.
Food is fresh, quick, and fairly priced.
I recommend a visit, in the summer you can go upstairs and enjoy your lunch outside. 2m walk.
The problem is no place to eat there, not a deal-breaker, but it would be nice to seat close.

Vegetarian options: Yes. You have vegan options available.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 4

Recommended dishes: Pork Belly Bao

Major crummy letdown from the Crispy Tofu and Mushroom Enoki Bao Buns, they lacked any excitement, love or creativity and were so bland and stodgy. The portion of tofu and filling is somewhat concerning and the value of money would be a negative figure for a review if it were possible.

Probably the worst bao I’ve ever had

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 1

Service: 4

Probably the worst bao I’ve ever

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 1

Service: 4

I get there mapo tofu often, maybe not as often now. It still tastes very good, just that when did it become so extra spicy? I wish I was told beforehand..

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 4

Recommended dishes: Mapo Tofu

Pork belly was very tender and tasty—flavorful but not overly salty. The curry chicken is also very good. Highly recommended.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

bought pork belly bao and braised beef bao, paid 17$, very small bao, taste so so, not worth it.

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 3

Service: 4

Mean Bao is located in the Bay-Adelaide Centre in the PATH walkway and is primarily open to serve office workers during the workday. The location offers pickup service in person or through apps like Ritual. The staff is very quick and has a convenient pickup spot. There are no dine-in spots at this location but there is a large nearby sitting/food court area.Their menu is simple and straightforward. We always order the Cold Noodles dish which is a delicious option that includes soba noodles topped with carrot, cucumber, pickled radish, red cabbage, cilantro, peanut, and tofu with a side of garlic chili soy sauce. Although the dish may seem small, it is just the right size and tastes good! The signature pork belly bao is a must-try item at Mean Bao. The bao is juicy, and the toppings of cucumber, green onion, and hoisin sauce in the steamed bun. The only downside is that the bao can be a bit on the expensive side, but for the quality, it is worth it. It is recommended to order ahead for pickup, as there can be long line-ups during lunchtime.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Cold Noodles Salad

Got the Mapo Tofu bowl ($13.50). On the pricey end for the portion size.

A great little place for lunch, they serve a small doughy bread filled with a variety of items. These are known as boa and you order them individually. They are quite filling, thus likely two is enough or possibly three depending on your appetite. And they are not very expensive either. So you get a good meal for a fair price (about $6.50 each), this also allows you to get two different flavors so you get some variety. The storefront is very small but it is quick as you take it to go in their nice little cardboard boxes. Definitely a good choice for lunch if you work in the area.

The quality of the beef garnered them one more star than I would have given otherwise for that overpriced, underfilled bao I just ate. Old cilantro, limp bok choy (didn’t even give me the correct filling) and peanuts and sugar nowhere to be seen. Major regrets with this snack choice.