Now open: Bao Down, a Love Thing Between Asian Cuisine and American Cooking

Re-opening soon: Bao Down. From Vredehoek to Green Point

Last update: 21 June 2021

Having opened on 20 June 2018, after a great pre-opening on 19 June Bao Down closed its doors in Vredehoek on 19 June 2020. 

BAO DOWN RESTAURANT RELOCATES

The great news is it will re-open this July, now in Green Point. 

New Bao Down Address:

79 Main Road Green Point

first floor (former El Burro which as moved downstairs) 

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Below editorial is from their initial opening.

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ORIGINS OF BAO DOWN RESTAURANT

The name of the Bao Down is a play on bao buns, the Chinese dumplings stuffed with various fillings and steamed. Bao buns, like the pillowy pork bao with barbecue sauce and cucumber, will, obviously, be served.

The food comes with an American twist. “We will be serving Asian-American inspired cuisine,” says Phillipa Oldfield, the caterer who opened the Oranjezicht restaurant with her chef husband, Graham, the former head chef at Chef’s Warehouse & Canteen.  

A tip is the absolutely delicious prawn bao, which is deep-fried and will go down really well with a cold beer served at the cosy concave bar.

“There will be poached duck, braised brisket, and yakitori, too,” says Phillipa.

The couple has always wanted to have their own restaurant. “My wife and I work really well together. She’ll be running front of house and I‘ll do the cooking in the kitchen.”

ADD THEIR HOME MADE BARBECUE SAUCE

Tip: Try the pork bao with homemade barbecue sauce, it’s the type of dish you could eat all day, every day, says Graham.

Important: The restaurant has no liquor license yet, so bring your own – no corkage charged.

Opening Times: Tuesday to Sunday from 6pm to 11pm and on Sunday, a set menu lunch is served from 12 to 3pm.

Restaurateurs Phillipa and Graham Oldfield have moved Bao Down to Green Point.

Tell them hello from CapeTownMagazine.com.

If your love for Asian cuisine runs deep then try out a Japanese braai at Japanse Braai, sushi or dumplings at Tomo on Loop Street (10% off for CapetownMagazine readers till end of August). Alternatively, discover a different setting with Township Ramen or explore our list of 10 Indian restaurants.

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