Gongfu Bao
Gongfu Bao offers handcrafted steamed buns with creative fillings, catering to diverse tastes with exceptional vegan options in a cozy atmosphere.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Gongfu Bao
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Gongfu Bao offers handcrafted steamed buns with creative fillings, catering to diverse tastes with exceptional vegan options in a cozy atmosphere.
"The most incredible vegan breakfast sandwich I’ve tasted in my LIFE! The bao was so delicious."
Order extra baos if very hungry
Two baos may be small; consider ordering additional items or two per person if you're very hungry.
Outdoor seating recommended
Opt for outdoor seating during warmer weather due to potential noise levels indoors for a more pleasant experience.
Quick Facts
Cuisine
Chinese, Hong Kong, Taiwanese
Price
Mid-range
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Handcrafted Steamed Bao
Indulge in delicious, fluffy handmade bao buns with a variety of fillings, including brisket, pork, and fried chicken.
Exceptional Vegan Options
Savor creative and flavorful vegan dishes like the Vegan Brekkie Bun and Tofu Bowl, with dedicated vegan nights.
Cozy Ambiance & Great Drinks
Enjoy a warm and welcoming atmosphere with a great selection of drinks, including creative cocktails and milk tea.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Menu
Most Popular Items
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Order extra baos if very hungry
Two baos may be small; consider ordering additional items or two per person if you're very hungry.
Outdoor seating recommended
Opt for outdoor seating during warmer weather due to potential noise levels indoors for a more pleasant experience.
Follow for specials
Check their Instagram for new temporary menu items, offering variety beyond regular offerings.
Takeout ready in 15-20 min
Craving baos? Takeout can be ready within 15-20 minutes for a quick and prompt meal.
Tips
from all over the internet
Order extra baos if very hungry
Two baos may be small; consider ordering additional items or two per person if you're very hungry.
Outdoor seating recommended
Opt for outdoor seating during warmer weather due to potential noise levels indoors for a more pleasant experience.
Follow for specials
Check their Instagram for new temporary menu items, offering variety beyond regular offerings.
Takeout ready in 15-20 min
Craving baos? Takeout can be ready within 15-20 minutes for a quick and prompt meal.
Come early for seating
Seating is limited, so it's best to arrive early, especially on weekends or during popular times.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Gongfu Bao is highly praised for its incredibly flavorful and tender bao, particularly the brisket and fried chicken options. Diners also love the cozy ambiance and friendly service, with special mentions for their delicious vegan offerings. While seating can be limited and some find the portions small for the price, the overall quality and unique flavors make it a must-visit spot.
"Holy crap this is the most incredible vegan breakfast sandwich I’ve tasted in my LIFE! The bao was so delicious as well. The interior is beautiful here and the service was really friendly, we felt very comfortable. I’d been meaning to try the food here for ages and it was so worth it. Delicious vegan bun too!"
Nadia Etzinger
"Short visit to Ottawa and encountered this spot while trying to look for a spot to eat. It’s a cute spot in the corner of an intersection. Was immediately greeted and seated as I entered as well.
Decided to try the wonton chips and then for the baos, you can mix and match so I ended up getting the braised beef and fried chicken one. Bao was nice and soft for both but I must say the braised beef was probably my favourite. The hint of cilantro in there really added a nice layer of flavour to it and the beef was so juicy! I would probably get 2 of those next time.
Overall good spot for quick bite yourself or a date night. Will definitely visit again next time I’m in the city!"
kerwin parada
"Super delicious spot on Bank Street for baos! Definitely a smaller restaurant with limited seating so come early. We sat in the back so it was nice and cozy. I personally loved the fried chicken bao and taro chips! The ginger seltzer was fantastic as well. Service was nice and prompt."
Audrey T
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Many rave about the Brisket Bao and Fried Chicken Bao. The Vegan Brekkie Bun and Tofu Bowl are also highly recommended for their vegan options.
Yes, Gongfu Bao offers a variety of delicious vegan options, including the Vegan Brekkie Bun and Tofu Bowl. They also used to have a dedicated vegan night.
Yes, the restaurant is on the smaller side with limited seating. It's often recommended to come early or consider takeout.
Absolutely! Takeout is available and can often be ready within 15-20 minutes, making it a convenient option.
They offer a selection of refreshing beverages including Hong Kong milk tea, lemon tea, juices, and specialty cocktails.
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These are the best restaurant meals in Ottawa
Gongfu Bao, the rigorous and creative Asian bun shop that opened last summer in Centretown, builds better baos with fresh, fluffy buns that are made daily and filled with sumptuous proteins and well-calibrated garnishes. With the fried chicken bao, a hearty crunch gives way to moist, seasoned meat supported by pepper-salt mayo and a beguiling relish. Honourable mentions: Toro Taqueria’s multi-meat campechano taco, a saucy lunch-hour indulgence, the samosa chaat, a thrill-ride of flavours at Thanjai in the Glebe, and the feather-light chickpea puffs at Rangoon.
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Address: 365 Bank St, Ottawa Hours: Lunch: 11:30am – 2pm (Tue – Fri); dinner: 5pm – 9pm (Wed – Sun) Website: https://www.gongfu.ca/ You’ll have to forgive me for being late to the game on Gongfu Bao, but to be fair, its existence as a food cart primarily occurred before I lived in Ottawa, and since its transition to brick-and-mortar, […]
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Why You Need To Go: Gongfu Bao isn't a vegetarian or vegan restaurant entirely, but they're among the best in the city at accommodating this group. Not only do they serve vegetarian bao and other bites on an average night, but every Wednesday is Vegan Night at Gongfu. Their Vegan Night menu is extensive.
Ottawa: les 17 meilleurs restaurants pour votre road trip gourmand
Le Gongfu Bao est un restaurant chinois offrant une expérience culinaire authentique. Les plats préparés démontrent une maîtrise des saveurs, offrant un voyage culinaire pour les papilles. Essayez entre autres leur spécialité, le bao, une sorte de petit pain brioché farci et cuit à la vapeur.
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QUICK FACTSLOCATION: 365 Bank St, Ottawa, ON K2P 1Y2, Canada OPENING HOURS: Thursday-Saturday: 4pm-10pm PRICE POINT: $$ CUISINE: Hong Kong, Chinese, TaiwanesePHONE: (613) 454-5963WEBSITE: www.gongfu.caDESCRIPTION: Gongfu Bao serves handcrafted killer steamed buns...
Take Out Dishes From Ottawa Restaurants
This gua bao from Gongfu Bao that substitutes pork belly for tofu, making it a vegan-friendly take on a Taiwanese dish.
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