Stand-Alone Restaurant With Ghost Kitchen Roots Opens In MoCo

ROCKVILLE, MD — What began as a "ghost kitchen" in 2022 will debut as a full-scale restaurant when Bao Bei opens at Montrose Crossing in Rockville on Wednesday, Aug. 27.

The 1,903 square-foot restaurant at 12015-E Rockville Pike, next to Kosmo Nail Bar, features a variety of Taiwanese street food dishes from baos to hearty bowls, side dishes and more. Chef Kevin Hsieh curates a dining experience that preserves tradition and offers authentic Taiwanese flavors, according to a news release.

“Bao Bei,” a term of endearment in Taiwanese, describes someone or something treasured deeply.
“Rockville is home to me and any time I wanted authentic Asian food growing up, Rockville was where my family and I would dine," Hsieh said. "Whether Taiwanese, Chinese, Japanese and western cuisines, Montgomery County offers culture, community, and flavor all in one place.

“Our ghost kitchen is just a mile down the road from our new brick-and-mortar location, so it made sense to stay close to the community we first built Bao Bei. Now we’ll have room to grow, no longer confined by a shared kitchen, but rather with a full space where our food, identity, and vision can truly thrive. I have always admired the restaurants in Rockville, and I’m hoping Bao Bei will grow to become a new landmark for the local community — or for anyone visiting our area.” Hsieh added.

The restaurant will be open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily.

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Bao Bei was a finalist in the 17th season of Food Network’s "The Great Food Truck Race."

From the restaurant's website: "Drawing inspiration from his family heritage, Chef Kevin Hsieh has curated an irresistible dining experience that encompasses a wide range of dishes, from delectable baos to hearty bowls and everything in between. The heart of the restaurant lies in its meticulously handcrafted baos, prepared with utmost dedication and love. Bao Bei not only promises incredible and decadent flavors of comfort food but also guarantees an unforgettable dining experience that pays tribute to Taiwanese culinary traditions."