“… and the winner of South Australia’s Best Asian Restaurant for 2024 is BOBIBAO!”
What? Did Emma just hear the name of her modern Taiwanese restaurant, Bobibao, being announced as the winner of the 2024 R&CA Hostplus Awards for Excellence award for “Best Asian Restaurant”? Looking at the equally shocked face of Alley, Bobibao’s manager, she realised she had.
Emma explained, “We didn’t think we’d get the award. Really! We were genuinely shocked. We’re still so new, and the other restaurants in our category are excellent. Winning the award was such a beautiful surprise, and we’re incredibly honoured and humbled to have received it!
“This recognition means a lot to us and speaks to our team’s passion, skill, and authenticity. Our goal has always been to bring the flavours and memories of Taiwanese cuisine to life, sharing the vibrant culture and stories behind every meal we serve.”
Given the steady flow of relaxed and happy guests on the day Glam Adelaide visited Bobibao, it’s clear that the locals agree with the “exceptional food and outstanding service” accolade awarded to Bobibao’s humble and hard-working team.
If you’re curious to discover or reminisce upon Taiwan’s iconic, bustling night market flavours, then Bobibao is the place to go.
Taiwan’s world-famous, Michelin-starred night markets attract thousands of flavour hounds nightly. The vendors’ tangible love and dedication to perfecting each delectable bite, as well as the vibrant energy and communal spirit of sharing food, have inspired the essence of Bobibao’s dishes and service.
Bobibao’s team uses fresh, seasonal ingredients to ensure a dynamic selection of colours and tastes throughout the year. Regular favourites are served alongside seasonal and occasional menus for special events, such as a recent food and wine pairing dinner with Chalk Hill and their current festive Holly Jolly Feasts (see the information and booking link below).
Among the favourites is Bobibao’s signature dish, the Bao, paired with decadent fillings such as Braised Pork Belly, Katsu Chicken, Crumbed Tofu, and BBQ Bean Curd.
While many of Bobibao’s dishes receive rave reviews, the Bao has taken the lead, with respected SA food critic Simon Wilkinson listing their Pork Belly Bao among his top 23 dishes of 2023.
Bobibao’s Bao buns are made using the recipe Emma learned from her grandmother during her childhood in Taiwan’s oldest city, Tainan, saying, “When I was little, my grandma would always hand-make Bao buns for the new year. It was our family tradition. They were always really fluffy. I had no idea back then that one day I’d make them for my community in Australia!
‘We hand-make our plant-based Bao buns fresh every day. It takes about 40 minutes to an hour to proof them. We then shape and proof them for another hour before steaming them. Yes, it takes a long time, but it also results in the incredibly fresh and uniquely cloud-like buns many customers haven’t experienced before.”
It’s not just the flavour and texture of Bobibao’s food that keeps customers returning for more. It’s also the tangible love and attention invested in creating a sublime moment for all our senses.
Is your mouth watering already? Head in and enjoy a light bite, or go for a virtual taste trip around Taiwan’s night markets with a bespoke dietary-friendly shared banquet designed to encourage exploration and engagement with the food and each other.
It’s the power of food to bring people together that Emma attributes much of Bobibao’s success, saying, “We’re beyond appreciative of our wonderful customers and community. Their love, support, and encouragement make what we do so meaningful. We look forward to welcoming everyone, creating new memories together, and continuing to serve. And we look forward to many more positive dining experiences shared together!”
All you need to know about Bobibao
Where: Bobibao, 7 Second St, Bowden, SA 5007
(on the corner of Second Street and Park Terrace, next to the Bowden Train Station).
Website: Bobibao | Bobibao Online Ordering | Bobibao’s Holly Jolly Feast (25 Nov – 31 Jan)
Phone: 0451 108 110
Email: [email protected]
Socials: Instagram | Facebook
Hours:
Monday to Friday – 11am to 8pm
Saturday – 10am to 9pm
Sunday – 10am to 4pm
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