The Ultimate 88 Bao Bao Menu Guide: 7 Must-Try Dishes & Latest 2025 Prices
Planning your next authentic dim sum adventure? As of December 2025, 88 Bao Bao continues to be a standout destination for handcrafted Chinese cuisine, particularly its famous soup dumplings and buns across its multiple locations, including Frisco, Castro Valley, and Dublin. This comprehensive guide breaks down the most current menu offerings, giving you an insider look at the fan-favorite dishes and the latest price points, ensuring your dining experience is perfectly planned and delicious.
Whether you're a first-time visitor or a seasoned dim sum enthusiast, the 88 Bao Bao menu is built around fresh, made-from-scratch ingredients, focusing on traditional Shanghai and Cantonese flavors. From the signature, delicate folds of the Xiao Long Bao to the savory crunch of the Beef Roll, this guide will navigate you through every essential category, highlighting the best sellers and hidden gems you absolutely need to order today.
The Signature Dim Sum Experience: Steamed Dumplings and Buns
The heart of 88 Bao Bao’s popularity lies in its expertly prepared steamed items. These dishes are the cornerstone of any authentic dim sum meal, offering a variety of textures and fillings that cater to every palate. The kitchen prides itself on hand-folding each dumpling and bun, a commitment to quality that shines through in every bite.
Must-Try Steamed Dumplings (蒸笼类)
The steamed dumpling section is non-negotiable, featuring the restaurant’s most celebrated creation: the soup dumpling. These items are perfect for sharing and provide a burst of savory flavor.
- Pork Xiao Long Bao (8 pcs): The undisputed star of the menu. These delicate soup dumplings are filled with seasoned pork and a rich, savory broth that bursts upon biting. It’s a classic Shanghai-style dish and a certified best seller. Expect a price point around $13.95–$14.45.
- Shrimp & Pork Shaomai (8 pcs): A close second in popularity, these open-topped dumplings feature a succulent mix of shrimp and seasoned pork. They offer a more substantial, chewy texture than the Xiao Long Bao. Price is typically in the $14.45 range.
- Chicken Dumplings (8 pcs): A tender and savory alternative, perfect for those who prefer chicken filling. These are often described as satisfying and rich in flavor.
- Wonton in Chilli Oil (10 pcs): While technically a noodle dish accompaniment, these plump wontons served in a spicy, aromatic chili oil are a highly-rated appetizer and a must-try for spice lovers.
Freshly Steamed Buns (包子类)
The buns (Baozi) at 88 Bao Bao are soft, fluffy, and generously filled, making them an excellent, quick, and satisfying bite. They are often available individually or in sets.
- Pork Bun (猪肉包): A classic, single-serving bun filled with savory seasoned ground pork. Available for around $2.88 per piece.
- Chicken Bun (鸡肉包): A delicious alternative to the pork bun, featuring tender chicken filling. Also priced at approximately $2.88 per piece.
- Char Siu Bao (3 pcs): The Cantonese-style BBQ pork bun, known for its sweet and savory filling. These are a popular choice and usually come in a set of three for about $7.49.
- Vegetable Bun (素馅包): A great vegetarian option, filled with a mix of fresh, seasoned vegetables.
Pan-Fried Delights and Hearty Main Courses
Beyond the steamed items, 88 Bao Bao offers a diverse menu that includes crispy pan-fried specialties, substantial noodle dishes, and classic Chinese American favorites, ensuring a complete and satisfying meal.
The Famous Pan-Fried Selection (鍋貼類)
This category is home to a few of the restaurant's most talked-about savory appetizers, providing a wonderful textural contrast to the steamed items.
- Beef Roll (2 pcs): A highly praised appetizer that is a standout menu entity. It consists of thin strips of hoisin-marinated beef and fresh cilantro rolled tightly in a scallion pancake. The filling is uncommonly plentiful, and the flavor is rich and savory. Price is around $13.45.
- Pan-Fried Pork Dumplings: Crispy on the bottom and tender on top, these dumplings are a hearty, satisfying option for those who prefer a crunch.
Noodles and Fried Rice (麵類/炒飯)
If you need a main course to anchor your dim sum feast, the noodle and rice dishes are excellent choices. They are prepared in the Shanghai and Cantonese styles, offering rich, comforting flavors.
- Stir-fried Chicken Lo Mein: Frequently listed as a featured and most-liked item, this classic dish features tender chicken and soft noodles tossed in a savory sauce.
- Shanghai Style Chowmein: A traditional dish known for its thick noodles and savory, dark sauce, often tossed with pork and vegetables.
- Egg Fried Rice: A simple yet perfectly executed staple, often listed for about $13.45, making it a great side dish or light main course.
- Beef Noodle Soup: A comforting and flavorful soup featuring tender beef slices and savory broth with noodles.
- Stir Fried Rice Noodle: A lighter noodle option, typically stir-fried with a mix of vegetables and protein.
Appetizers, Sides, and Other Specialties
To round out the menu, 88 Bao Bao offers a selection of appetizers and sides that complement the main dim sum dishes. These smaller plates are perfect for adding variety to your order.
- Sauteed Garlic Green Beans: A popular vegetable side, often sauteed to a perfect crisp-tender texture with plenty of garlic.
- Orange Chicken: A classic Chinese-American favorite, featuring crispy chicken pieces tossed in a sweet and tangy orange sauce. Listed at about $15.45.
- Soup (汤类): Various soup options are available, providing a warm, comforting start or end to the meal.
- Beverages: A standard selection of soft drinks and other beverages is available to pair with your meal.
How to Order the Best 88 Bao Bao Experience
To truly savor the 88 Bao Bao experience, consider ordering from different categories to get a full spectrum of flavors and textures. Start with the Xiao Long Bao and Shrimp & Pork Shaomai for your steamed fix. Add a savory crunch with the Beef Roll, and finish with a hearty main dish like the Stir-fried Chicken Lo Mein or Shanghai Style Chowmein. Don't forget the individual buns for a quick, filling treat.
With locations spanning from California (Castro Valley, Vallejo, Concord, Vacaville, Dublin, Brentwood) to Texas (Frisco) and Pennsylvania (Monaca), 88 Bao Bao has successfully brought its handcrafted dim sum to a wider audience. The commitment to authentic Chinese cuisine, fresh ingredients, and the laborious art of dumpling folding ensures that the 2025 menu remains a top choice for dim sum lovers nationwide.
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