Welcome to Xiao Bao Biscuit
Xiao Bao Biscuit, a hidden gem in Charleston, SC, offers a unique Asian fusion experience with a hipster vibe. The former gas station turned restaurant boasts a diverse menu featuring dishes like Som Tum w Chicken, Fried Dumplings, and Shrimp Bao. The Okonomiyaki with pork candy is a standout, offering a flavor unlike anything else. The spicy Green Curry Fish and Pad Kra Pow provide a kick for adventurous eaters. The relaxed atmosphere and attentive service create a welcoming dining experience. Xiao Bao Biscuit is a must-visit spot for foodies seeking a fusion of flavors in a cool setting.
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224 Rutledge Ave Charleston, SC 29403224 Rutledge Ave Charleston, SC 29403 Hotline: (843) 743-3880
Nestled in the heart of Charleston, South Carolina, Xiao Bao Biscuit is a culinary gem that beautifully marries Asian fusion with a distinctly Japanese twist. Located at 224 Rutledge Ave, this charming eatery is more than just a restaurant; it’s a dining experience rooted in creativity and warmth.
From the moment you step inside, the ambiance draws you in. The rustic charm of its former life as a gas station adds a nostalgic vibe, enhanced by the friendly, accommodating staff who greet you with genuine smiles. The eclectic decor, including murals that capture the local spirit, creates an inviting atmosphere perfect for a leisurely meal.
The menu is a thoughtfully curated selection of dishes that showcases the essence of friends and family gathering around food. For dinner, the veggie noodles bring vibrant Sichuan flavors to life, featuring a daily selection of fresh, local vegetables. At $24, each bowl offers a taste of seasonal abundance that you can’t find just anywhere. The chili cumin pork belly, also priced at $24, offers a rich and savory experience topped with crispy shallots, balancing bold flavors with a gratifying crunch.
Lunchtime unfolds with marvels like the okonomiyaki, a Japanese cabbage pancake layered with delicious textures, delivering a unique twist with toppings of furikake mayo and chili garlic sauce. For $18, it’s a delightful vegetarian option that can easily be made vegan upon request. And let’s not forget the Mapo Tofu, a classic Sichuan dish that bursts with flavor, served with short grain rice—perfect for those seeking a vegan delight that is both comforting and adventurous.
Reviewers rave about their experiences at Xiao Bao Biscuit, citing the laid-back vibe and the quality of service, which is as impressive as the food itself. Customers like 'Karyn R.' appreciate the off-the-beaten-path charm that the restaurant exudes, while 'Stephanie M.' recalls her delightful encounter with the okonomiyaki, noting the importance of arriving early due to limited parking—a small price to pay for a culinary journey that awaits. Others, like 'Teddy W.', highlight the generous portions and the must-try dishes that keep them coming back for more.
In essence, Xiao Bao Biscuit stands out not just for its flavorful offerings but also for the sense of community it fosters through its dishes. Whether you’re craving bold and spicy flavors or a comforting bowl of noodles, this spot promises a unique dining experience that celebrates the artistry of Asian cuisine. Don’t miss the chance to indulge in the flavors of Xiao Bao Biscuit—your taste buds will thank you for the adventure!
Excellent food off the beaten path of the French Quarter where our hotel was. We were looking for something different than what everyone had in the area and this filled every box. The waitress was excellent and gave us suggestions. We enjoyed sitting outside and relaxing in the laid back atmosphere.
Came here for lunch to try the Japanese pancake. I added the egg and pork candy. It didn't disappoint. Definitely a unique experience! The service was great, the restaurant is small as it used to be an old gas station. There's not a lot of parking so get here early! Also they don't accept cash.
I will say the service here rocks. Got 4 dishes and left full - forgot to get the oko (cabbage pancake) so will be back for that! Great spot in our neighborhood.
The staff is friendly and very accommodating. You're greeted with a smile. The divey restaurant vibe is very chill. The rustic feel of an old gas station is very cool. The nostalgic chairs or years past remind you of grade school. The environmental design is amazing including a mural on the side of the building. The food is very spicy but delicious simultaneously! The food tasted excellent. The interior and exterior decor is really nifty. The dumplings are gluten free and make your taste buds dance.
This place came highly recommended from a friend so it was our first stop on our trip to Charleston. It has a really cool, hip vibe. The menu is focused but offered a good variety. Our server was friendly and answered our many questions about the menu. We ordered the gong bao stir fry, bao buns, dumplings, and a "happy meal" that was off menu but offered for kids (nice touch!) The bao buns came out first and were some of the best I've ever had! The pork belly was perfectly cooked and the pear balanced out the flavor nicely. The gong bao stir fry was good but I was expecting there to be a bit more spice, it needed a sharper note to cut through the sweetness. The dumplings were good - spicy! - and I enjoyed the black vinegar flavor but my 9 year old dumpling lover did not. She did really love her happy meal though and ate every bite. A tiny gripe because it wasn't a substantial difference but I was charged a different price for my beer than was listed on the menu. Overall, I felt this place was pretty good and has the potential to be great but isn't quite there yet.
The Okonomiyaki is a MUST try. Definitely get the pork candy on top - it's unlike anything I've ever tasted! We also got some type of fried chicken dish with rice and papaya salad. It was delicious! The papaya salad was very spicy, just a heads up. I was extremely impressed by the portion sizes. Family style is the way to go, as our two dishes could've fed three people! Service was excellent and the flavor the the dishes was just so unique! Still thinking about this meal.