Wow Bao: Steamed Buns and Asian Street Food in South Carolina

What Wow Bao serves and where to find it

Wow Bao is a fast-casual restaurant chain specializing in steamed buns—soft, pillowy pockets of dough filled with savory or sweet ingredients. The concept started in Chicago and has expanded to multiple states, including South Carolina. The menu centers on bao (the Mandarin word for bun), along with rice bowls, noodle dishes, and Asian-inspired sides.

In South Carolina, Wow Bao operates in the Midlands area, with a location in Columbia. The restaurant occupies a casual counter-service format: you order at the counter, pay, and pick up your food when it's ready. The space is designed for quick meals, though seating is available if you want to eat in. Hours and exact location details change, so checking their website or calling ahead before your visit is wise.

Key Takeaways

• Wow Bao's signature item is steamed buns filled with proteins like pork, chicken, or tofu, plus vegetables and house-made sauces.
• The menu also includes rice bowls, noodle dishes, and sides like edamame and pot stickers, giving you options beyond bao.
• Prices are moderate for a casual restaurant—individual buns and bowls typically fall in the $8 to $12 range.
• The restaurant operates as counter-service, meaning you order and pick up your own food rather than being seated and served.

The bao menu and signature fillings

The core of Wow Bao's menu is its bao selection. Each bun is steamed fresh and arrives warm, with a slightly sweet flavor that balances savory fillings. The restaurant rotates seasonal offerings, but standard options usually include pork belly bao, chicken bao, and a vegetarian option like tofu or mushroom. Each comes topped with pickled vegetables, cilantro, and a signature sauce—often a spicy mayo, hoisin glaze, or sriracha blend.

You can order bao individually or in sets of two or three. Pairing different flavors lets you sample the menu without committing to a full meal of one type. The buns themselves are the star: they're pillowy and tender, made in-house rather than pre-made, which is why the texture matters. If you're new to bao, starting with one of the protein-forward options (pork or chicken) gives you a clear sense of how the filling, sauce, and bun work together.

Rice bowls and noodle dishes

Beyond bao, Wow Bao offers rice bowls and noodle dishes built on similar flavor profiles. Rice bowls typically feature a protein (pork, chicken, tofu, or shrimp), steamed rice, and a mix of vegetables with your choice of sauce. Noodle dishes come hot or cold depending on the season and the specific preparation—cold sesame noodles are common in warmer months, while stir-fried noodles appear year-round.

These dishes are useful if you want something more substantial than bao alone, or if you're dining with someone who prefers rice or noodles to bread. The sauces and proteins carry the same house-made quality as the bao fillings, so the flavor profile stays consistent across the menu. Portions are generous enough that a single bowl or noodle dish can serve as a complete lunch or dinner.

Sides and beverages

Wow Bao rounds out its menu with sides that work as appetizers or additions to a main order. Pot stickers (fried dumplings), edamame, and crispy spring rolls are standard offerings. These are useful if you're ordering bao and want something with a different texture, or if you're sharing a meal and want variety on the table.

Beverages include soft drinks, iced tea, and sometimes Asian sodas or bubble tea depending on the location. Bubble tea—sweetened tea with tapioca pearls—is popular at Wow Bao locations and pairs well with the savory food. Ask what's available when you order, as drink selections can vary by location and season.

Dietary considerations and customization

Wow Bao's menu includes vegetarian and vegan options, making it accessible if you avoid meat or animal products. Tofu bao and vegetable bowls are standard, and staff can usually modify dishes—removing certain toppings, swapping proteins, or adjusting sauce levels. If you have allergies or strict dietary needs, ask to speak with a manager; they can walk you through ingredients and preparation.

The restaurant does not advertise a gluten-free menu, and steamed buns contain wheat flour, so they're not suitable for a gluten-free diet. If you have a severe allergy, confirm with staff before ordering, as cross-contamination in a shared kitchen is possible.

Pricing and value

Individual bao typically cost between $5 and $7 each, while sets of two or three run $10 to $15. Rice bowls and noodle dishes fall in the $9 to $13 range. Sides like pot stickers or edamame are $4 to $6. Beverages, including bubble tea, are usually $3 to $5. These prices are moderate for a casual restaurant serving made-to-order food, and portions are substantial enough that most people leave satisfied without needing to add extra items.

Wow Bao occasionally runs promotions or combo deals, so asking about current specials when you order can save money. If you're a regular, checking their website or social media for loyalty programs or limited-time offers is worthwhile.

The Wow Bao experience in Columbia

Visiting Wow Bao fits well into a casual lunch or quick dinner outing, especially if you're downtown or in a shopping area. The counter-service model means you're in and out quickly, making it ideal for a work break or a meal between activities. The casual atmosphere and focus on fresh, made-to-order food appeal to people exploring Asian cuisines beyond traditional sit-down restaurants.

The restaurant draws a mix of regulars and first-time visitors. If you're unfamiliar with bao or Asian street food, staff are usually patient with questions and can recommend starting points. The food is approachable—not intimidating or overly exotic—which makes Wow Bao a good entry point for people curious about Asian flavors but hesitant about more formal dining.

Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly is bao?

Bao is a steamed bun made from wheat flour dough. It's soft and slightly sweet, with a texture closer to a dinner roll than bread. The bun is split and filled with meat, vegetables, and sauce, then eaten by hand. It's a popular street food across Asia and has become trendy in the United States over the past decade.

Can I order bao to go?

Yes. Wow Bao is set up for takeout and counter-service, so ordering to go is the standard. You can also eat in if you prefer. Bao travels well in a container, though it's best eaten within an hour or two of purchase while the bun is still soft.

Is Wow Bao expensive?

No. Individual bao cost $5 to $7, and a meal with a bun, side, and drink typically runs $15 to $20. That's comparable to other casual restaurants in South Carolina and reasonable for made-to-order food. If you're on a tight budget, ordering one or two bao with a side can keep the total under $15.

Do I need to make a reservation?

No. Wow Bao operates on a walk-in, counter-service basis. You order when you arrive, and food is prepared fresh. During busy lunch or dinner hours, there may be a short wait, but reservations are not part of the model.

What if I don't like spicy food?

Many Wow Bao fillings and sauces are mild or can be made mild. Ask staff to recommend options without heat, or request that spicy sauce be served on the side so you can control how much you use. Vegetable bao and milder proteins like chicken are usually good starting points if you prefer less spice.