Discover the Charms of Bao Now: A Street-Food Bar at The Old Biscuit Mill

Welcome to Bao Now, a vibrant street-food bar nestled in the heart of The Old Biscuit Mill. Are you ready to embark on a culinary adventure like no other? Keep reading!

Step into Bao Now and prepare to have your taste buds tantalized by the bold flavors and exciting textures of our signature dish – the bao. A bao is a heavenly fusion of fluffy steamed buns and delectable fillings, creating a taste sensation that will leave you craving more.

At Bao Now, we believe in the power of food to bring people together and create unforgettable experiences. As soon as you walk through our doors, you’ll be greeted by a warm and inviting atmosphere, where the sounds of sizzling pans and delighted laughter fill the air.

Our menu offers a variety of enticing bao options, each with its own unique flavor profile. From classic favorites like BBQ pork and crispy chicken to innovative twists like our vegetarian-friendly mushroom and tofu bao, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

But Bao Now is more than just a food destination – it’s a celebration of street-food culture and the vibrant flavors that define it. We take pride in sourcing the finest ingredients and using traditional cooking techniques to ensure each bite is bursting with authenticity and flavor. It’s like taking a culinary journey through the bustling streets of Asia right here in Cape Town.

Whether you’re a seasoned bao enthusiast or new to this delightful dish, our friendly staff will guide you through the menu and help you find your perfect match. We’re passionate about sharing our love for bao with our customers and creating an experience that is both memorable and satisfying.

So why wait? Join us at Bao Now and discover the irresistible charm of our street-food bar. Treat yourself to a feast of flavors, ambiance, and camaraderie that will leave you craving more. See you soon at The Old Biscuit Mill!

I have to tell you about this amazing restaurant called How Bao Now. It’s the kind of place you really hope does well because the people who run it have put in so much hard work. The owners are two chef’s named Matt Van den Berg and Carla Schulze. They were working at a famous restaurant called The Test Kitchen when the pandemic hit.

So, there I was, stuck at home for what felt like forever. No restaurants open, no tasty meals to be had. But my buddy Matt and I, we refused to let our cravings go unanswered. We were determined to bring something special to the table, something bursting with flavor.

“Asian flavors,” I said to Matt, “that’s where it’s at.”

And so, the idea was born. A bao bar with a twist. We brainstormed all sorts of mouthwatering combinations: BBQ pork belly, crayfish Malay, brisket and kimchi, Szechuan fried chicken and beef short rib.

With our plan in hand, we knew we needed a place to make it a reality. That’s when we thought of the Oranjezicht Market. It had that perfect vibe, a bustling atmosphere that matched our ambitious vision. We wasted no time and reached out to secure our own stall.

Within two short weeks, we were up and running. Our stall was a hit, and customers flocked to us. It was such a thrill to see our idea come to life, to share our passion for bold and exciting flavors with others.

Two months later, when TTK reopened, my partner Carla and I found ourselves back in the grind of long shifts at the restaurant. People often looked at us like we were crazy, trying to juggle a new business venture while working in the demanding world of fine dining. But we were determined to rise to the challenge. Luckily, Luke, our mentor and friend, offered unwavering support and patience throughout it all.

Then, in September 2020, Luke made the difficult decision to close TTK. It was a bittersweet moment for me. On one hand, I was sad to see our beloved restaurant go. On the other hand, I was presented with a new opportunity. I was offered a job at La Petite Colombe in Franschhoek, and without hesitation, I accepted. To this day, I continue to work there, honing my skills and learning from talented chefs.

Meanwhile, Carla’s path led her to an exciting adventure in Switzerland. She was chosen to run The Pot Luck Club pop-up, a pop-up restaurant in a beautiful European country. It was an incredible opportunity for her, and she currently resides there, bringing her culinary talents to a whole new audience.

A place to call our own

Something amazing happened on December 1, 2021. There was an opening at the Old Biscuit Mill, and we were lucky enough to snag it! It’s this awesome little space that can fit up to 25 people,” says Matt. Carla chimes in, “Yeah, it’s got so much potential. We’re super excited about what we have in store!”

Casual and delicious grub

When we had the opportunity to delve into street food, Carla and I were thrilled. We have a deep appreciation for fine-dining, as it was our starting point and the cuisine we truly adore. But we were drawn to street food because of its bold flavors and accessibility. So we decided to infuse our fine-dining expertise into this culinary style.

Alongside traditional options like pork belly and beef short rib, we introduced a jackfruit bao that’s entirely vegan but boasts a remarkably meaty taste. Surprisingly, it has become one of our best-sellers at the market. We’ve witnessed people coming back just to ensure that it’s genuinely vegan!

Since our humble beginnings, we have received incredible support from our customers, which we attribute to our dedicated and hardworking team. Their unwavering commitment is truly commendable.

If you’re itching to try a bao but can’t wait for them to get their liquor license, no worries! You can bring your own booze for now. Their baos are reasonably priced, ranging from R75 to R85. Plus, they love to mix things up by running specials, ensuring that you always have a reason to keep coming back for more.

Curious about when the perfect time is to sink your teeth into a bao? Well, how about right now?

Here’s the lowdown: They’re open from Wednesday to Saturday, between 11am and 4pm. If you need to get in touch, shoot them an email at howbaonowbao@gmail.com. And if you’re wondering where to find them, look no further than 375 Old Biscuit Mill.