Nice concept, clever name, and an even better slogan. I mean if "Hot Asian Buns" doesn't get your marketing juices flowing, what will? You can think of a million advertising schemes. Of course, most of which will probably end up in a lawsuit. But as a Chinese dude who has probably eaten thousands if not millions (okay, maybe that's an exaggeration) of steamed buns, I just wasn't that impressed. It wasn't bad, really. For someone looking for a quick bite or healthy snack around the area, it's a decent alternative. We tried the thai curry chicken steamed bun, a sample fro-yo, and a pomegranate ginger ale. The employees look like they desperately want to be elsewhere. This particular location charged over $2 for one. The website, on the other hand, said $1.39. Of course, you look around and see "pricing maybe vary by location." Ah ha. We tear open the bun and find a nice combination of chicken and curry flavors. It's just that there wasn't much of it. The rather small bun was devoured by the both of us in a matter of seconds. Not horrendous, but not worth the price they are charging. These things should be around 75 cents each, $1 dollar max. It's cool that I tried a Wow Bao in my life, but obviously it didn't "wow" me. The bun may work for others, just not for me. Some people like their buns small. Others like their buns large and plump. Some like their buns filled with juicy and meaty fillings. Wow Bao, it just wasn't meant for me. read more

Rather under impressed by Wow Bao. What gives! I had a late appointment in the professional suites of Water Tower Place, & wanted to grab dinner to take home with me afterwards. I had tried Wow Bao at a big holiday Yelp event in 2011. The buns tasted great! Today, I bought an order of vegetable buns & a veggie/rice bowl. The rice bowl was just that - RICE. There was a smattering of veggies on top, no sauce. I tried mixing the veggies in, & I still ended up with forkfuls of plain, white rice. :( The bao were tasty as I remembered... unfortunately, I learned they're just frozen bao, steamed before you buy them. Had I known all of this, I may have spent my $$ elsewhere. read more

My first bad yelp review. The orange chicken had cilantro in it and that's about all I should have to say. Bao was decent though. Only get bao and dumplings if you eat hear and you'll enjoy it. read more

Just beside water tower. Wonderful location and wonderful tasty Boa's.been missing this for so long..TRUELY WOW bao. My first experience with Bao was here and I love the variety here. Chicken teriyaki is my favourite and the soy sauce.Grea to-go option. Usually after shopping or in between would visit this place for a quick bite and lots of to-go. Service is fast! place your order and wait in the front usually 10-15 mins and we get the food! Highly recommended!!! read more

Yum I love some hot asian buns... I've had the spicy mongolian beef, it's definitely spicy, but delish, and the thai curry chicken equally yummy. Great to eat when you're on the go and nice on your wallet too! I'm craving some right now just thinking about them! read more

Oh-em-gee. I stayed nearby in the Drake Hotel recently and I had pretty much all of my meals from Wow Bao. Yes, partly because I was too lazy to find other things, but also because it was really good. I only had the meat filled baos (vegetables can't suffer and thus don't taste as delicious) but they were all pretty good. Not great, but decent and tasty. The real reason for this review is the HOT SWEET GINGER TEA. Did you get that? I hope so, because you are a nincompoop if you don't try it. It's the most delicious tea ever and try as I might, I can't figure out how to make it at home. It's sweet, but with that subtly spicy ginger kick. A great treat in Chicago, in November weather. read more

I never thought someone could mess up a rice bowl so bad, but they did. The rice itself wasn't palatable and the meat on top was way too salty. It seemed like the meat was supposed to be inside of a bao. The bao and soup dumplings wasn't too bad, but don't get the rice bowl. read more

I've been there only once and tried the box of 6 and loved it. The next time though I think I'll pass on the vegetable and try another kung pao or Mongolian beef. Since they're steamed instead of being lathered in oil or cheese they're actually quite guilt free so enjoy away! Just don't eat too many of them. read more

I loved these baos. The Mongolian beef one was extremely delicious.

Wow Bao is awesome. We seriously need to get this place in DC! It's quick, CHEAP, and oh-so-tasty. Not too bad for you, either. The edamame bao is awesome and the pad thai salad is really good, too. Everything is in smaller portions so it's perfect for a snack or you can get a couple of things for a full meal. Everything is fresh and has great flavor. If there was a Wow Bao near my office in DC I think I would honestly eat there every day. I love me some hot asian buns! read more

On the rare occasions I go to Michigan Ave, I tend to grab some bao to go from here. Over the years, I have tried every kind except curry, and enjoyed them all. I especially like the two new sweet ones--coconut custard and chocolate-ginger-coconut custard. At $1.39+tax (or you can buy a 6 pack), it is a tasty deal. The only problem? They can be highly addictive. I wish I had another one right now! read more

Wowed by the chocolate and coconut custard baos. Tried the whole wheat edamame, bbq pork and spicy mongolian and all were off for me. Which bummed me out because the outside is soooo good but the fillings were just meh. I did also love the ginger ale. Thumbs up on their touch screen ordering system. read more

I'm a fan of anything that's business model relies on those pillowy buns of goodness AKA "baos" This is in the Water Tower right next to Macy's/Lush. The cool thing is that the baos are served incredibly fast--even if there's a line. There's also a kiosk where you can bypass the line and use a credit/debit card to order. The only reason for not a perfect 5-star rating is because I don't like all of their flavors. I've noticed that some are really delicious and some are just okay, so it's really hard to know what to pick . The Thai Chicken Curry was a little bland, but the Spicy Kung Pao Chicken was fannntastic. The two ladies working were very efficient and got our baos out within a few minutes. read more

Ooh la la. These baos my not be authentic in the Chinatown sense of the word, but sometimes, proximity is what closes the deal. And yes, 845 N. Michigan is much closer to work and home base. I've only had the baos so far, and that's all that I want. Curry Chicken and BBQ Pork buns set my heart on fire. The fillings are delicious, all cozy in their hot dough bun. Tonight I splurged and tried the Coconut Custard bao for dessert. This one is a can't miss-- sweet custard with real shreds of coconut. The staff is on the ball... I had to wait a few minutes for a fresh Coconut Custard bao and I was offered a drink while I patiently anticipated my little treasures. Two times in one week. This may be the beginning of a beautiful obsession. read more

Wow Bao is good, but it could easily be soooo much better. Why the hell don't they have any good sauces to eat with their bao? Isn't that standard when you buy bao anywhere else in the world? They have some basic chili water-oil gunk and ginger something and soy crapsterville sauce. They could have that Korean sweet hot sauce which is like three cents a barrel, and something like that would be perfect. I just don't get it. The other problem is their vegetarian options. They exist, but why on earth aren't they seasoned? I've gotten the soybean bao and the green vegetbale bao, and each just tasted like vegetables and bread with no flavor whatsoever. However, the chicken teriyaki bao are good. Not too original, but quick and satisfying. And I like how this place serves meals on steamed cabbage, too - I love it. The food is hot and satisfying and, depending on what you get, generally healthy. Great fast food. Really affordable and nourishing. It just really bothers me that they could improve the quality with just a sprinkle of seasoning. Everything there just really needs more flavor. Also, this particular location is always out of an item when I go there. read more

It tasted good but it's a giant rip off. The entrees don't give any meat. $12 for about 2 chicken nuggets. Just go to chipotle.

The Thai herb broth is a soul-soothing elixir from the heavens. I fall to my knees in worship of its majesty. Amazingly healthy and cheap (2 bucks!), it's a soup-lover's dream. Always the aspiring chef, I did my due diligence and called corporate, begging for the list of ingredients. The predominant flavors are lemongrass and ginger, but it's ginseng that adds the je ne sais quoi. It'll put pep in your step! The finishing touch is a squeeze of fresh lime juice. Glory! The brilliance of it all. The bao themselves are tasty but they won't make you jump for joy. The salads and bowls of noodles are deceptively bad for you, which is a reminder that it is fast food after all. I skip all that and take two broths to go. In addition to the traditional point-of-sale, there is a futuristic do-it-yourself kiosk which makes for easy ordering, and helps the flow of customers during busy hours. The system is operationally efficient, which is clutch given its small space. Wow Bao is considerably faster and easier to navigate than the labyrinthine food court upstairs, and is absolutely worth a stop. If only there were parking! read more

Warm doughy goodness! I finally tried this place and will definately be back. I had a chicken teryaki bao and my husband has the chicken curry. One was a filling snack and I think 2 would make a great , and really cheap lunch. One complaint is that I'm really picky so I wish that all the ingredients were listed. I appreciate that the nutritional info is posted online and at 160 calories each, the baos are a good low-calorie option. The pomengranite ginger ale was fantastic! read more

A girl can work up an appetite shopping all day, so I really liked having an afternoon snack at wow Bao. The little warm doughy morsels came to me fast, were tastey and fulfilling, and made me crave more!! I want to go back and try the pad thai salad (bc i love ALL things pad Thai) and I want to try all the bao flavors...its like collecting pogs or something, you have to have them all! (did saying pogs date me?? eek!) read more

2-3 buns and you'll be full. It's an Americanized take on the traditional Chinese bao zi (steamed bun). I prefer traditional fillings. At Wow Bao the spicy Mongolian beef is the closest to traditional tasting and probably my favorite of all the options. The ginger drinks are very strongly gingered. Not for me, but my sister seemed to love it. read more

The balls, I guess the baos? I had two with spicy chicken and kung pao chicken. They were not good, barely had any filling in them. I am not impressed, at all. read more

I think they put crack in this stuff. Every time I go to Water Tower, the absolute first thing I MUST do is have 3 baos, no matter the time of day. I usually get a whole wheat edamame (healthy, slightly bland but actually still tasty), and then I mix and match the other two. Once I actually bought the frozen 6-pack, which turned out well at home and was easy to make (i.e. microwave). Love it. read more

This place is new to me, I fell across it meeting a friend. I love it as its cheap, fast, tasty and good for you. I normally have the spice chicken thing which normally comes with rice but instead I take the cabbage. Not only is this saving you oodles of calories but it will probably make you fart for the rest of the day so be warned. Vegetables come with a price which is normally gas!!! Still I have never let that stop me in the past, as I loooove cabbage and vegetables in general. If I am heading home late morning after a serious workout I will normally stop here for the chicken spicy thing with cabbage. I mean come on its only $4.50ish a complete bargain from where I am from (London). I Have to say though vegetables are extortionately priced in Chicago which is really surprising to me. I mean $3.99 for apound of tomatoes what is that about, I could fly home for that. I just came from Luxembourg but Chicago beats Lux and London hands down for the cost of fresh veg. Still luckily there are loads of other things which are dead cheap, I love it here. Another digression. So nice place, its local, I can't compare it to anywhere else as I have only just moved here but I love it! read more

I don't know why I waited so long to try Wow Bao. Well... probably because it's in Water Tower, and my natural aversion to all things there. But--yes, I'll go ahead and say "wow!" These buns are tasty, tasty. I like the thai curry one best, but I have tried them all and wouldn't turn down any of the seven or eight varieties they have. The little filled, steamed buns are by far the closest approximation of the wee meat pies I grew to love so much when living in the UK, but can't seem to find anywhere here in Chicago. The combo deal--you get one of their salads (pad thai or spicy peanut noodle) plus two bao--is the best deal, and surprisingly filling. Compared to other food offerings in Water Tower, Wow Bao qualifies as a genuine "steal," haha. However, now that I have been exposed to the Westernized version of this Chinese street food delight, I am DEFINITELY heading down to Chinatown for more and cheaper versions. read more

Wow Bao is pretty solid. I totally dig the hot asian buns(nice pun, guys!). The price is decent(about $150 per bao a la carte), and the meal deals are reasonably priced. The potstickers are delish, and the herbal broth is great in cold OR warm weather. Nice bonus is that Wow Bao is owned by Lettuce Entertain You, so thier rewards card is good here. read more

What a great little snack! Just the perfect size with some interesting choices. Tried the bbq pork and was not disappointed, especially for less than $2. This location does not have a seating area, so just grab one to go before or after you shop. read more

Still love me some Wow Bao! Their soft, pillowy, steamed coconut custard baos are my favorite. Located inside the bottom floor of the Water Tower, this makes for a great pick me up during a long shopping marathon! read more

Wow Bao. You make my heart sing. You make everything...delicious! Ok, so Wow Bao needs a new review like I need a delicious steamed Asian bun. (Read: Not at all). I doubt many folks outside of my Yelp friendship circle will even read this, but I don't curr because I heart them so much and they deserve all five of my stars. My wife and I have been patronizing the WB (that stands for Wow Bao, for those of you who didn't get it) since forever ago when they first arrived in Water Tower Place. Super jazzed were we when they expanded across the rest of the city (and howzabout a little love for the suburbs, eh?). The steamed buns come in a variety of wonderful flavors. Read all about them throughout the rest of the reviews above and below this one. My favorites are the curry chicken and mongolian beef. Wonderful. I usually get full on about 3-4 of them. They're perfectly portable and great for snacking on as you explore WT Place or the surrounding wonderfulness of The Magnificent Mile. I am in love with their homemade ginger ale. Which is made from real ginger, but thankfully not real gingers. I was scared there for a minute, afraid they might try to cultivate me for their soda. It's not safe to be a ginger in this world, lemmetellya. In other news, I recently discovered that they have these wonderful bowls that are topped with the same fillings they use inside their buns. I had a thai curry chicken bowl. You can pick from rice or quinoa and healthy lunches make me happy, especially since I'm doing this calorie counting thing. The whole bowl was well within my limit. And I was pleased to find that most of the bao themselves hover under 200 calories a piece. This place is awesome. Wow Bao...I think I love you. read more

Steamed buns, the kind you get at Dim Sum places, filled with your choice of half a dozen pan-Asiany fillings Homogenized, but not really in a bad way. And cheap. And different. In a world that needs more alternatives to the Same Damn Boring Fast Food, this deserves to catch on as a concept. read more

We were in a hurry before our river cruise hence we made a quick dash for Baos and ordered the 2 bao combo with vege salad. not too crazy about the Vege salad since it was bland and a lil Uneventful but the Baos were pretty good. It's pricey at $1.35 per bun but then again I pay $2 for a chicken bun at Out the Door in San Francisco and $0.90 at a Chinese bakery place for a really good BBQ pork bun so I would say I don't mind splurging every now and then, if it befits the moment. :P The green curry bun was definitely different but yet tasty and the BBQ pork bun was equally tasty and love the texture of the flour. YUM! read more

Yummy rice bowls (Thai Curry is my favorite) and the baos are delicious Good service Good location read more

I have a deep, physical, heroin-withdrawal reaction when I think of Wow Bao. I get confused and lost trying to think of more reasons to venture into that neighborhood just to have an excuse to drop by Wow Bao. I feel like a schmuck conning friends into going all the way down there with me to visit, essentially, a food stand, but man is it worth it. The Kung Pao Chicken and Mongolian Beef baos are great, but nothing compares to the Thai Curry Chicken bao. Yeah, I love the spicy stuff. It's the perfect balance of flavors- the tender chicken, the spicy curry, all packed in a little snowball of dough. Why doesn't more food come in bao form? Imagine how much the world would save of silverware costs! I really need to start buying the six packs of frozen baos. I'm sure they don't taste the same, but it's got to be better than most of what I eat. As a total afterthought, the homemade pomegranate ginger ale is amazing, and it's rhaspy coolness is a great compliment to the spicier baos. Ok, it's decided, I'm calling off work and running down to Wow Bao. read more

It's a delightful treat to be able to fill your belly with warm, soft, fluffy bao while shopping on Michigan Avenue or at Water Tower. I like both the savory (teriyaki chicken, BBQ pork, etc.) and the sweet baos (the coconut custard in particular is so good!). Note: Wow Bao is definitely an Americanized version of bao, so don't expect it to be as good as your favorite dim sum place, but considering its downtown location--it'll do! read more

Sooo what I didn't realize when ordering was that the rice bowl toppings are the same as the meat they put inside the buns. This means mushy, very seasoned filling-meat. I got the Mongolian beef bowl with quinoa and it felt like I was eating baby food. Everything mushy. The flavor was not terrible, but a bit on the salty side even with all the quinoa. Price is reasonable, but I would stick with the buns instead of the bowls next time! read more

This place is GENIUS!!! If you've never had bao, it's this little steamed bun stuffed with amazing goodness. The concept is amazing. You place your order at the counter, or at a digital kiosk outside the restaurant. You can order bao or dumplings and then BOOM...your order is ready. The buns are steamed fresh and the fillings are very flavorful. I have tried the mongolian beef, kung pao beef, curry...and probably all the others too. Just awesome. If you like these so much that you can't live without more in your life, you can order them frozen so you can steam them yourself at home! These places are popping up all around the Chicago metro area so keep your eyes open and give em a try. read more

It's so nice to have a place where you can grab a legitimate snack or have a full meal. Esp. if you're stuck waiting for a bus to go home... I probably go here once a week. It used to be once a month, but they recently added a whole wheat edamame bao that makes me feel healthy :) The green veggie is good too, but I'm not perfect: I almost always get a bbq pork or kung pao to go along with my veggies. For a snack, I just do one. If a meal, two-three is usually enough. Sometimes the buns are a bit doughy, but I don't really know enough about the cuisine to know what's proper or not. Each bao cost $1.29, fyi, at press time. The salad is a bit watery for me, but I love the dressing and it's another option. The rice bowls (there is a cabbage bowl also available) is good, but I checked their Web site and those babies are 500 calories. Not worth the caloric splurge, in my opinion. Finally, and this may sound strange, but they have the best fountain coke here. I don't usually drink the fountain stuff, but there is just something so right about their mix. Maybe extra syrup? read more

I think I'm in love, Wow Bao. Working off of Michigan Avenue is not easy sometimes. Especially when it comes to grabbing cheap, quick lunch. Not to mention having to drown in annoying tourists and American Girl Place psycho-children. A cheap Mag Mile alternative, the bao are only $1.39 each and come in several different flavors. My favorite are the Teriyaki Chicken and Curry Chicken. The bao are not that filling, so I would recommend getting the combo with rice bowl (Kung Pao is just my style) and two bao if you are really hungry. The only thing missing is a delicious dipping sauce- the dough in the bao can be kind of dry. Overall, very delicious and super-fast (not counting the walk down Michigan Ave to get there). If you're in even more of a hurry, use the self-checkout kiosk. Here you can create your own order so all you need to do is wait for your food, which will probably be ready by the time your credit card is finished processing! If you're looking for a cheap, quick and delicious meal off the mag mile, Wow Bao is where it's at. read more

Wow! I am all about the Bao. Not only did I rock a Red Eye secret word special, but I also got the buy one bao get one free four square deal. The cashier let me stack promos and I was a pig in shit. Literally. I proceeded to rock the six pack and throw all six down. The Bao are scrumptious warm meat filled pockets of happiness. I haven't bit into one that I didn't like. For a quick meal on the go Wow Bao has my biz... read more

Absolutely amazing. Thai Chicken Curry was the BEST. Like coconut? Go for the coconut custard. SO yummy. Pomegranate ginger ale was so delicious. Take me back!!! read more

Not bad at all! I had the spicy Kung pao chicken bowl, and for my baos I had the Kung pow bao and the Mongolian beef bao. Everything was tasty. It was my first time trying bao, and I wasn't let down. Would I go back here when I return to Chicago? Maybe...if I'm looking for a quick cheap meal. read more