BAO Borough

You're in the thick of Borough Market's chaos, but slip into BAO and it's a different energy entirely. This is serious Taiwanese street food done properly—think perfectly steamed bao with crispy pork belly, braised beef cheek, and excellent fish options, all served at tables crammed cheek-by-jowl with locals who know what they're doing. The room's deliberately minimal: concrete, high ceilings, a counter vibe—all focus on what matters. Prices sit around £8-12 per bao, so you're not breaking the bank, but everything's executed with real care.