Mr. Bao Kitchen

A Night at Mr. Bao Kitchen: Where the Dumplings Slay and the Service... Delays! Honey, let me spill the PIPING HOT tea about Mr. Bao Kitchen! Your queen has ARRIVED with the full dish on this dumpling destination! 💅✨ Listen up, darlings! The moment I strutted into this establishment, I was LIVING for their aesthetic – that adorable bao mascot is giving me LIFE! But then... the drama began! First off, those tea cups were serving FILTH! I mean literally, they were DIRTY! Not just "needs a touch-up" dirty, but "do I see someone else's lipstick?" dirty! Mama had to work a quick change and snatch fresh cups from the shelf because the waitstaff was busier than me during Pride month! But we're all works in progress, aren't we dears? They just opened – we'll cut them some contour slack! The hot and sour soup? Honey, it needed some PERSONALITY! Had to pump that vinegar like it was my signature fragrance. But then came those pan-fried buns, and GAWD! They were sickening! Perfectly crisp bottoms (something I can appreciate), with insides juicier than backstage gossip! Though they came out hotter than my summer runway look and nearly BURNED a queen! Where's the warning label, sweetie? The intermission between courses was longer than my wig collection. But those soup dumplings finally sashayed to our table and they did NOT disappoint! Thin skins that didn't break? That's more reliable than some of my backup dancers! And those green onion pancakes arriving last? That's like saving your reveal for after everyone's gone home! But they served FLAKY REALNESS. Crisp, never soggy – just like my humor! Overall, the food was giving me LIFE, but the service needs choreography lessons! Four stars, and that's being generous, darlings! XOXO, Your Culinary Queen 👑

Mr. Bao Kitchen is currently in soft opening in downtown Mountain View, located right next to Sakoon. If you’re a fan of Shanghai-style xiao long bao, I highly recommend giving this place a try. The interior is spacious, clean, and welcoming, with warm and friendly service. One of the highlights is the glass kitchen window, where you can watch the chefs hand-make dumplings on the spot—a great touch that adds to the overall experience. We ordered several dishes, and each one had something to offer: Pork Xiao Long Bao: Six large dumplings per order, filled with rich broth and tender pork. The skin is medium-thin and well-crafted. Compared to similar restaurants in the Mountain View area, this is easily the best xiao long bao I’ve had around here. Crab & Pork Xiao Long Bao: A unique flavor with a nice balance of crab richness without being overpowering. While I personally prefer the simplicity of the pork version, this one is definitely worth trying. Shanghai Sheng Jian Bao: Ever since Top Dumplings closed, we’ve struggled to find a worthy replacement. Although Shanghai Lao Nong Tang in Sunnyvale still offers them, the rest of their menu is less appealing. These sheng jian bao are very similar in flavor to Top Dumplings, with crispy bottoms, juicy filling, and generous size—an excellent surprise. Potstickers: Surprisingly delicious! They’re larger than average, with a juicy filling that includes both meat and greens, giving a well-balanced, fresh flavor. The bottoms are pan-fried to a perfect crisp, and there’s even broth inside—something you rarely find in potstickers. Radish Pastry (not on the menu yet – we were lucky to try a sample): The pastry had wonderfully flaky layers without being greasy, and the filling was flavorful. I truly hope this makes it onto the regular menu soon. Overall, Mr. Bao Kitchen focuses on authentic Shanghai flavors, offering dishes that are not too greasy or overly salty, which makes it a refreshing option for modern palates. With so many handmade noodle and dumpling shops opening in Mountain View, this place stands out. If they can maintain their quality, it has the potential to become a local favorite. I highly recommend it to anyone who loves Shanghai cuisine or handmade dumplings—this spot is definitely worth checking out!

Had a quick lunch here on a Saturday, the soup dumplings were excellent. We also ordered dry fried green beans and garlic cucumber, portions were generous for both. Service was attentive and fast. No outdoor seating.

If you are looking for delicious food. This is the place to go. Bring you and your family, we love this spot.

Both steam soup dumplings and wonton are very tasty. Freshly made worth the wait!