Federal Realty has announced that Rockville’s Bao Bei will open at Montrose Crossing in Rockville. What began as a “ghost kitchen” (a restaurant without dining space and no visible storefront, where food is typically sold through third party delivery apps) in 2022, Bao Bei features a variety of Taiwanese street food dishes from baos to hearty bowls, side dishes and more. Chef Kevin Hsieh, a 2013 graduate of Gaithersburg High School, curates a dining experience that preserves tradition and offers authentic Taiwanese flavors.
“Bao Bei,” a term of endearment in Taiwanese, describes someone or something you treasure deeply,” said Chef Kevin Hsieh. “A tribute to my family, I will share my culture with the community through Bao Bei’s dishes.” The 1,903 square-foot restaurant will be located at 12055 Rockville Pike, next to Honey Pig and Kosmo Nail Bar and is projected to open in winter 2025. The current location, at 11910 Parklawn Dr. will likely close a few weeks prior to the new space’s opening, Hsieh tells us.
“We welcome Chef Kevin and Bao Bei to Montrose Crossing,” said Joseph Byrnes, Vice President, Regional Leasing, Federal Realty. “Bao Bei will be a savory addition to our merchant lineup offering another premium, innovative restaurant to this shopping and dining destination.”
Bao Bei recently made waves as a finalist in the 17th season of Food Network’s The Great Food Truck Race. This high-stakes competition brings together nine aspiring chefs from across the United States, challenging them in an intense, elimination-style race for the ultimate prize of $50,000. With its signature Taiwanese flavors, Bao Bei fought fiercely and captivated viewers nationwide, ready to bring this cuisine to our local community.
About Bao Bei: Bao Bei, a brand created by owner and chef Kevin Hsieh, is a venture in the restaurant industry that aims to preserve tradition and provide authentic Taiwanese flavors. Originally starting as a ghost kitchen in 2022, Bao Bei has garnered widespread support from both national and local food publications, including the Food Network, Washingtonian, The Washington Post, and Bethesda Magazine. 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.