Bao Asia is a restaurant in Consett serving a wide range of dishes inspired by East Asian cuisines. Open for lunch and dinner, it offers all-day dining in a lively, contemporary setting, making it a good choice for everything from casual meals and group dining to date nights, celebrations and special occasions.
Led by chef Pavin Kumar, the restaurant brings together influences from Vietnamese, Korean and Indo-Chinese cooking, alongside dishes inspired by regions such as Nepal, Bhutan and Tibet. The result is a varied menu that blends street food-style dishes with more substantial plates.
Inside, the space is bright and full of character, with pale green walls, dark green booth seating and wooden tables and chairs. A living wall runs through sections of the restaurant, while floral installations line the ceiling, adding colour and texture. Large-scale artwork and bold prints give the room a strong visual identity, while mirrors and green neon signage reflect light and create a lively, market-style feel.
The menu moves between smaller plates and larger dishes. Starters include popcorn cauliflower, spicy Asian fries, Bang Bang prawns, lollipop chicken and Darjeeling chilli duck. Bao buns are a central feature, with fillings such as Korean fried chicken, sticky pork belly, wild mushroom and firecracker prawns. Larger dishes include vegetable Hakka noodles, chilli chicken, katsu curry, laksa tiger prawn curry and a selection of burgers, alongside salads and soups.
Desserts include baked rasgulla with caramelised milk and nuts, Lady Kenny, which is a traditional Bengali sweet and burnt milk ice cream. The drinks list includes wines, beers, lagers, ciders and spirits, alongside cocktails such as Strawberry Daiquiris and Espresso Martinis, alongside a range of alcohol-free options.