Bao Space: Fresh, Handmade Bao and More for Ann Arbor Foodies
Discover the story behind Bao Space, Ann Arbor’s go-to spot for fresh, handmade bao and authentic Asian flavors, and learn what makes their dishes a must-try.
If you’re looking for fresh, handmade bao buns crafted with care, look no further than Bao Space in Ann Arbor. Since opening in early 2023, the restaurant has quickly become a go-to spot for fresh, affordable, and delicious bao. We sat down with founder and owner, Rongrong to learn about what makes Bao Space unique, her go-to menu items, and more.
Rongrong and Raphael's journey to opening Bao Space began when they moved to the U.S. from China in 2018. They found themselves searching for the kind of authentic Chinese food they loved but struggled to find it. This challenge inspired them to start their own restaurant, with a focus on bao—a traditional dish they were passionate about sharing with their new community.
“We wanted to bring a taste of home to Ann Arbor, and bao felt like the perfect way to do that,” says Rongrong.
Handmade Bao, Fresh Every Day
Bao Space’s specialty is its handmade bao buns—soft, fluffy buns filled with savory or sweet ingredients and steamed to perfection. On most weekdays, the team makes around 200 bao buns each morning and evening. On weekends, that number rises to over 700 buns.
“We’re dedicated to making everything from scratch and using simple ingredients to keep it as fresh as possible,” Rongrong explains, emphasizing their dedication to quality and freshness.
The restaurant offers a diverse range of bao flavors, from savory to sweet. Top sellers include the Premium Berkshire Pork Bao, packed with pork and subtle spices, and the Shrimp Triple Delight, a customer favorite filled with perfectly cooked shrimp and vegetables. For those with a sweet tooth, the Black Sesame Bao, made with rich, nutty sesame paste, is a must-try.
A Simple, Authentic Approach to Cooking
The simplicity of the ingredients used at Bao Space is part of what makes the food stand out. Rongrong explains that the buns are made from a mix of basic ingredients—just yeast, water, and milk for the dough—without any artificial additives. This commitment to traditional methods and clean ingredients ensures that the flavors are pure, allowing the quality of the fillings to shine.
"We want to keep things simple and let the food speak for itself," says Rongrong. "There’s something special about handmade food—when you know every ingredient that goes into it, it just tastes better."
Looking Ahead
Since opening, Bao Space has become a favorite spot not only for students but for local foodies in Ann Arbor. Despite their success, the Yues remain committed to keeping things personal, with their focus remaining on producing handmade food with high quality ingredients.
"We’re still a small team, but we take pride in the food we serve," says Rongrong. "We’ve had such great support from the community, and that’s what keeps us going."
Visit Bao Space
Bao Space is open for lunch and dinner Tuesday through Sunday, offering a fast-casual dining experience with food that’s anything but ordinary. Whether you’re stopping in for a quick bite or exploring the variety of flavors on the menu, Bao Space promises a fresh, authentic taste of Chinese cuisine that keeps the Ann Arbor community coming back for more.