Just when you think you’ve seen it all when it comes to street-food in Brussels, a little nugget out of the woodwork reminds you that the best addresses aren’t always the ones that make the most noise. In the Ixelles district, Sunny Bao has established itself as an ultra-accessible spot for fans of Asian cuisine – and especially for lovers of bao, those fluffy steamed buns that melt the palate of any Brussels resident in search of a culinary escape.
Why Sunny Bao attracts discerning gourmets… without emptying their wallets
At Sunny Bao, the simple things are the best. Run by a passionate couple, they aim to restore Asian cuisine to its rightful place in all humility, without exaggerating (at all!) on price. In fact, the plain bao is only €1.80, and it’s already a killer. For the garnished baos (they’re generously filled), you’re looking at around €7.50 to €8.50 , with a choice of chicken satay, shrimp tempura, glazed pork, tofu, beef or the bao of the moment.
For a convenient full meal, the bao menu includes a bao of your choice + a soup of the day + coleslaw for a total price of €14, the perfect option for a balanced meal on the go at a more than affordable price. The restaurant also offers other Asian specialties such as dim sum or mochi, Korean kimchi or Oolong tea to vary the pleasures, always at very reasonable prices. To put it plainly: for what you’d often pay for a quick sandwich elsewhere, here you’ll leave feeling satisfied and having enjoyed your meal.
The charm (and success) of Sunny Bao
- Authenticity: the baos are homemade, steamed and soft, and the fillings (satay chicken, glazed pork, tofu, shrimp, etc.) are reminiscent of Asian flavors, far removed from conventional fast-food fusion.
- Unbeatable value for money: a complete meal without breaking the €15 barrier, hard to beat in Brussels.
- Its simple, friendly atmosphere: far from the flashy restaurants, this is a discreet, no-fuss neighborhood canteen, perfect for a quiet lunch or dinner.
- Positive reviews: according to Tripadvisor, Sunny Bao has a rating of 4.7/5 (user reviews), a guarantee of a generally warm welcome and a cuisine that lives up to its promises.
What we (really) recommend to try
Here are a few sure-fire favourites to give you a good idea of what Sunny Bao does best. We’d definitely recommend the Bao shrimp tempura, a generous filling, a classic appreciated for the soft texture of the bread and the crispiness of the shrimp. The Bao chicken satay, tasty and a little exotic, ideal if you like gourmet sauces, just perfectly spiced. Bao beef 5 sesame flavors, for meat lovers with spicier flavors. Dim sum (Ha Kao, Siu Mai) because they simply melt in your mouth.
And no Asian meal is complete without wakame or edamame seaweed, to be enjoyed without moderation.
In short, Sunny Bao is the kind of place you whisper about to your friends: a modest, no-frills eatery with really good baos, amazing value for money and a relaxed atmosphere. Whether you’re a student, a gourmand, curious or just in a hurry, this is the ideal address for a tasty lunch or dinner without breaking the bank.
Practical information
📍Address: 157, Chaussée de Vleurgat, Ixelles (1050 Brussels)
🕑Typical opening times: weekdays from 11:00 to 19:00, Saturdays from midday
💸Price guide: around €10 – €20 per person for a full meal