Bao by Kaya - W52nd Introduce
In the bustling landscape of New York's food scene, finding an authentic and high-quality meal that is also fast and convenient can be a challenge. Bao by Kaya, nestled within the vibrant Vanderbilt Market, expertly meets this need, offering a modern take on classic Taiwanese street food. This isn't just another food stall; it's a destination for unique and flavorful Asian cuisine, specializing in the soft, fluffy steamed buns known as baos. From traditional Pork Belly Bao to creative options like Peking Duck Bao and Szechuan Cow Bao, Bao by Kaya offers a menu that is both exciting and comforting. The restaurant also serves a variety of delicious rice bowls, noodle dishes, and sides, ensuring there is something for every craving. The atmosphere is casual and trendy, with the communal setting of the food hall providing a lively and energetic backdrop for a quick lunch or a relaxed dinner. For those who appreciate solid, tasty food without the fuss of a formal sit-down restaurant, Bao by Kaya is a perfect fit. It's a place that captures the essence of street food culture while providing a clean and convenient dining experience in the heart of the city.
The concept of a food hall is tailored to the fast-paced life of a New Yorker, and Bao by Kaya thrives in this environment. One happy customer noted that the "whole experience feels tailored to people like me," praising the efficient service and the "great family atmosphere." The portion sizes are generous enough for a satisfying solo meal or for sharing with a friend, as highlighted by a reviewer who got the two-bao combo. This flexibility makes it a great choice for both solo diners and groups. The food is consistently described as "tasty" and "solid," with many customers expressing their satisfaction and desire to return. Bao by Kaya's presence within the Vanderbilt Market also adds to its appeal, offering diners a variety of choices in one location and creating a "fun" and dynamic dining experience. This establishment is a testament to the idea that quick food can also be high-quality and delicious. It has successfully created a niche for itself by offering authentic Taiwanese flavors in a modern, convenient setting that appeals to a wide range of palates. The commitment to fresh ingredients and flavorful combinations is evident in every dish, from the flavorful rice bowls to the perfectly crafted bao buns.
Bao by Kaya is located within the Vanderbilt Market, a popular food hall at 230 Park Ave, New York, NY 10169. This location is a major advantage, as it is situated just a short walk from Grand Central Terminal. This makes it an incredibly convenient stop for commuters, tourists, and local office workers who are looking for a quick and delicious meal. Being in a food hall, the restaurant benefits from the shared seating and amenities, creating a vibrant and communal dining atmosphere. The area around Grand Central is a major transportation hub, with easy access to numerous subway lines and bus routes, making the restaurant accessible from all parts of the city. For those with mobility needs, the Vanderbilt Market has a wheelchair accessible entrance, ensuring that all patrons can visit and enjoy the diverse food options. While finding parking in this part of Midtown is difficult and paid street parking is the only option, the cafe's proximity to public transportation makes it an easy choice for anyone navigating the city.
The location also means that Bao by Kaya is a fantastic spot for a work lunch or a quick dinner before a meeting. Its place within a food hall means that it’s a quick, efficient, and stress-free option for those on a tight schedule. It’s the kind of place where you can quickly grab your order and find a spot to sit and relax, all without the long wait times of a traditional restaurant. This balance of speed and quality is a key part of its appeal and a reason why it's a popular choice for lunch and dinner.
Bao by Kaya offers a streamlined set of services that prioritize customer convenience and a quick turnaround, which is essential in a food hall setting. The restaurant’s service model is built to be efficient and flexible, catering to the needs of a fast-paced urban clientele.
- Delivery: A convenient option for those who want to enjoy the delicious menu from the comfort of their home or office.
- Takeout: For a fast and easy way to grab a meal on the go.
- Dine-in: Enjoy the food at the communal tables within the Vanderbilt Market, soaking in the lively atmosphere.
- Caterer: The restaurant also offers catering services, making it a great option for office parties and events.
The combination of these services ensures that customers can get their food in the way that best suits their needs, whether they are in a rush or have time to sit and enjoy the food hall experience.
Bao by Kaya's menu and features are designed to delight and satisfy. A major highlight is the diverse range of baos, which are the star of the show. With options like Peking Duck Bao and Szechuan Cow Bao, there are flavors to appeal to every palate. The "tasty food" and "solid" quality are consistently praised by customers. The combos, such as "2 Baos + Sesame Noodles," are a popular and affordable way to try a variety of dishes. The restaurant also has a selection of healthy and vegetarian options, including the "Buddha Rice" and "Buddha Bao," making it an inclusive choice for different dietary preferences. The atmosphere is casual and trendy, and the restaurant is popular for both lunch and dinner, as well as for solo dining. The staff is noted for creating a "great family atmosphere" and providing "good attention," adding to the overall positive experience. The presence of Wi-Fi is an added amenity for those who need to catch up on work while they eat. The kids' menu makes it a good option for families, while the small plates and quick bite offerings cater to those who are on the go. This combination of great food, a friendly environment, and practical amenities makes Bao by Kaya a standout choice.
- Specializes in authentic Taiwanese bao buns, with a variety of fillings.
- Offers a diverse menu that includes rice bowls, noodle dishes, and sides.
- Located in a fun and lively food hall, offering a unique dining atmosphere.
- Popular for quick, delicious, and convenient lunch and dinner options.
- A variety of combo deals are available, providing great value.
- The menu includes vegetarian and healthy options.
For those looking to visit or contact Bao by Kaya, here is the essential information. The central location in the Vanderbilt Market makes it easy to find, and the provided contact information can be used for any inquiries or to place an order.
Address: Vanderbilt Market - Bars & Eateries, 230 Park Ave, New York, NY 10169
Phone: (646) 541-1047
Mobile Phone: +1 646-541-1047
What is truly worth choosing about Bao by Kaya is its ability to deliver a unique and flavorful dining experience in a convenient and casual setting. The high-quality of the food, as noted in multiple reviews, is a major selling point. The establishment's focus on authentic Taiwanese flavors, combined with a modern approach to menu creation, sets it apart. The convenience of its location within a food hall and the variety of services offered, including takeout and delivery, make it a perfect fit for the New York lifestyle. For those seeking a quick, tasty, and satisfying meal in the Midtown area, Bao by Kaya is an excellent choice. The positive feedback on its service and atmosphere further solidifies its reputation as a hidden gem in the city's diverse culinary landscape. It is a place that promises and delivers a great food experience every time.
Bao by Kaya - W52nd Vibe
Rice Bowls
- R1) Taiwanese Lu Rou $15.50
Kaya's Top Picks. Minced pork belly marinated with soy sauce
- R2) Red Curry Chicken Rice $15.50
Kaya's Top Picks. Gluten-free upon request.
- R3) Shrimp Tempura Rice $16.50
- R4) Szechuan Cow Rice $16.50
- R5) Popcorn Chicken Rice $15.50
- R6) Buddha Rice $15.50
Vegan upon request.
Baos
- B1) Pork Belly Bao $5.50
Kaya's Top Picks. Braised pork belly, scallion, cucumber, crushed peanut and hoisin sauce.
- B2) Red Curry Chicken Bao $5.50
Red curry chicken, cabbage, cilantro, pickled carrot, crispy shallot and green sauce.
- B3) Peking Duck Bao $6.00
Kaya's Top Picks. Roasted duck, scallion, cucumber, crushed peanut and hoisin sauce.
- B4) Shrimp Tempura Bao $5.50
Fried shrimp tempura, cabbage, cilantro, pickled onion, sesame seeds and spicy mayo.
- B5) Szechuan Cow Bao $5.50
Mild spicy. Braised beef shank, cabbage, cilantro, pickled carrot, crispy shallot and green sauce.
- B6) Buddha Bao $5.50
Vegetarian. Fried tofu, cabbage, cilantro, pickled onion, sesame seeds and sweet chili sauce.
Sides
- S1) Veggie Spring Rolls $7.99
Vegetarian. Vermicelli. cabbage, carrot and sweet chili sauce.
- S3) Kung Pao Chicken Dumplings $12.50
Kaya's Top Picks. Mild spicy. Handmade dumplings served with cilantro, scallions, sesame seeds, shallot and Szechuan sauce.
- S2) Sesame Noodles $8.99
Vegetarian. Cold noodles, cilantro, scallion, pickled veggie, sesame seeds and peanut sauce.
- S4) Popcorn Chicken $9.99
Kaya's Top Picks. Taiwanese style bite-sized fried chicken served with spicy mayo.
Noodle Bowls
- N2) Beef Noodle $16.49
Kaya's Top Picks. Tender beef shank braised in traditional spices, served with scallion and cilantro.
- N4) Smoked Tofu Sesame Noodles $15.99
Vegetarian. Smoked tofu, egg noodles served with sesame peanut sauce, kale, corn and pickled veggies.
- N1) Dan Dan Noodles $15.99
Kaya's Top Picks. Caramelized minced pork belly cooked with dan dan sauce, served with scallion, cilantro and crushed peanut.
- N3) Popcorn Chicken Noodles $15.99
Taiwanese fried chicken on noodles served with red curry sauce, kale, corn, pickled veggies and spicy mayo.
Combos
- C1) 2 Baos + 3 Spring Rolls $13.85
Kaya's Top Picks.
- C2) 2 Baos + Sesame Noodles $14.77
- C3) 2 Baos + Dumplings $13.95
- C4) 2 Baos + Popcorn Chicken $14.99
Kaya's Top Picks.
Drinks
- D3) Passion Fruit Green Tea $5.00
- D2) Lychee Green Tea $5.00
Kaya's Top Picks.
- D5) Diet Coke $2.50
A crisp, refreshing taste you know and love with zero calories.
- D4) Jasmine Green Tea $5.00
- D1) Classic Milk Tea $5.00
Kaya's Top Picks.
- D5) Water $2.50
- D5) Coke $2.50
The cold, refreshing, sparkling classic that America loves.
Bao by Kaya - W52nd Details
Service options
- Delivery
- Takeout
- Dine-in
Popular for
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
Offerings
- Comfort food
- Quick bite
- Small plates
Dining options
- Lunch
- Dinner
Amenities
- Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Trendy
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
- Credit cards
Children
- Good for kids
Parking
- Paid street parking
Bao by Kaya - W52nd Photos









Bao by Kaya - W52nd Location
Bao by Kaya - W52nd
Vanderbilt Market - Bars & Eateries, 230 Park Ave, New York, NY 10169, USA
Bao by Kaya - W52nd Reviews
popcorn chickenpork belly baospring rollssesame noodlesfood courtdandan noodlesbao bunscashierduckdumplings
★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1Really tasty food in a fun food hall! I could see this being a fun place to hit up for lunch during work. The service was quick and the food was really solid (we got the 2 bao combo). Would definitely come back again!
June 04 · Cam WThe whole experience feels tailored to people like me. Their portion sizing means two people can order less. The service personnel create a great family atmosphere with good attention. This place offers a unique aesthetic experience. I'm absolutely pleased with this restaurant.
August 14 · Michel NeeI couldn't believe how amazing everything tasted! This place impressed me beyond words. You can experience creative combinations that taste amazing. The service people mix humor, friendliness, and detailed care. I want to come back and sample different dishes.
September 06 · Ivan PoljakovAll items are tasty. And the cashier is very friendly.But I didn’t expect the $14 combo just to have 3 pieces of dumplings.. I was NOT filled!!Also Bao is supposed to be wrapped fully!! This open end kind makes your finger really sticky!!
May 17 · Xiaoxiao SunI was craving Bao buns after work one day without the crazy price point. I decided to order pick up, and got the curry chicken, duck and pork belly. I’m so happy I went with the quick convenient option! The buns were soft and fluffy and all the fillings were amazing. You really can’t beat what you get for $5. All of them were amazing too!
April 11 · Elizabeth T.
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