Lil Bao

The story

Lil Bao: Taiwanese Vegan Street Food in Brussels

The founders and a clear mission

Located in Brussels, Lil Bao operates as a plant-based counterpart to the founders’ earlier venue Liu Lin. Hsuan Lin and Michal Mitkowski built this spot around a simple premise: make accessible Taiwanese-inspired meals that convince even dedicated meat eaters. The kitchen treats vegan cooking as a practical choice for animal welfare and planetary health rather than a dietary restriction. You will find the same straightforward ethos across every plate they pull from the steamers.

Handcrafted buns and familiar flavors

Steamed dough forms the base for their handcrafted menu, drawing heavily from local street food customs. The Hot Chick bun layers a chicken substitute glazed in samourai sauce alongside crisp cucumber and roasted peanuts. A slower burn defines the Jacko Wacko, where marinated jackfruit and smoked cucumber build a gradual spice. Guests often pair these mains with vegetable gyoza served hot with hoisin sauce.

A cheerful space backed by guide acclaim

Bright yellow paint covers the exterior walls and continues onto the interior furniture, setting off a steady stream of pop tracks. This cheerful setup recently earned a spot on the Le Fooding guide for 2026. The recognition highlights how the team translates classic Taiwanese cooking into fully plant-based formats without sacrificing substance. You can order takeaway in biodegradable containers or grab a sweet sesame mochi to finish.