The story
Located on Via Scribonio Curione, Babao is quickly establishing itself as a standout destination for dumpling lovers in Rome. With a stellar 4.8-star rating, this neighborhood haunt offers a fun, friendly atmosphere that feels distinct from the typical chain experience. Creator Pratt highlights the venue’s potential to surpass other local dumpling spots, awarding it a solid 7 out of 10 for its reasonable pricing and welcoming vibe.
The menu features a variety of expertly crafted options, including vegetable ravioli with soy vermicelli, steamed pork with ginger and cabbage, and delicate chicken ravioli made with whole wheat flour. Diners should be sure to try their signature Xiaolongbao, which features Chinese cabbage, scallions, and a savory chicken and pork broth. While Pratt noted the signature dumplings could use a bit more broth, the restaurant remains a promising choice for a casual, high-quality bite.
Synthesised by AI from every creator’s review. First reviewed 2024.
Most-loved dishes
AI summary of what 4 dish mentions say about the food
Babao’s standout Pollo con farina integrale earns raves for its rustic, deeply savory comfort, with reviewers praising the restaurant’s warm, unpretentious vibe that makes every meal feel like a homecoming.
“These chicken dumplings with whole wheat flour, chives, mixed mushrooms, and ginger cost €4.50 for four pieces. The mushroom might be a bit too acidic, but how cute! I really like them. I can taste the chopped mushroom. For €4.50 for four pieces, that's 8 or 7.5 — I'm a bit dirty, I'd like a bit more filling and a better mushroom, but nice.”
What creators say
1 creator has covered Babao. Most active: Pratt
Babao is a promising dumpling spot in Rome with potential to surpass the other chains — I'd give it a 7 out of 10, with reasonable prices (€4.50-€5.50 for most dishes) and friendly staff, though the xiaolongbao could use more broth.
Dishes mentioned
Ravioli Vegetali con Vermicelli di Soia, Spinaci, Carote e Pac Choy
These vegetable dumplings with soy vermicelli, spinach, carrots, and pak choi cost €4.50 for four pieces. The filling seems cheerful. They're quite floury — not that the dough overpowers the flavor, but you can feel it. There's a certain joy to them.
Maiale al Vapore con Polpa di Coscia di Maiale, Cipollotto, Zenzero e Verza
These steamed pork dumplings with pork thigh, scallion, ginger, and savoy cabbage cost €4.50 for four pieces. The ones at Bao Bao were more stuffed, plumper, more flavorful — but compared to Sacco Segreto, these take the silver. The dough is very present, but the pork and ginger put a nice smile on my face. I could fill up on these.
Pollo con Farina Integrale, Erba Cipollina, Funghi Misti e Zenzero
These chicken dumplings with whole wheat flour, chives, mixed mushrooms, and ginger cost €4.50 for four pieces. The mushroom might be a bit too acidic, but how cute! I really like them. I can taste the chopped mushroom. For €4.50 for four pieces, that's 8 or 7.5 — I'm a bit dirty, I'd like a bit more filling and a better mushroom, but nice.
- Ravioli di Cavolo Cinese, Cipollotto, Brodo di Pollo e Maiale (Xiaolongbao)
