Lucky Bao

The Verdict

These days, Gold Coasters are well acquainted with pillowy steamed Chinese bao buns, and we can thank Lucky Bao for igniting the obsession. Introducing the Coast to bao back in the early days at Miami Marketta, Lucky Bao now has a permanent home in Mermaid Waters. Come for their $16 two-bao lunch specials (Mon to Fri), or return after dark when their dining footprint doubles and spills over to the neighbouring deck.

Mix and match these clouds of deliciousness with epic bao stuffings such as confit pork belly, tempura soft shell crab with Asian slaw, or Taiwanese fried chicken, to name but a few. Though it’d be a crime to stop at the bao menu, when tempted with the likes of Kingfish sashimi, twice-cooked sticky lamb ribs, beef cheek horseradish dumplings and rotating craft beers on tap. We’re going to bold and claim these are the best damn bao on the Gold Coast. Amen.

Image credit: Hayley Williamson for The Urban List