Secret Bao 1201 Anacapa Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101

"Went here on Christmas Eve and everything was great. I forgot the name of the purple drink but I think it had Ube and coconut Lychee martini KFC bao. Also had the pork belly and it was good. Pumpkin dumplings"

"First, the garlic noodles: These were the worst garlic noodles I’ve had and it was essentially elevated-looking ramen without the elevated taste and flavors of good ramen or garlic noodles. Not sure why they were ramen-ish soupey. The KFC and shrimp baos were good but at about $8ish each for a Bao are very over-priced. The japche was OK but also very ramen-style soupey that didn’t work too well, though the flavoring and fresh mushrooms were good. It’s a counter-service restaurant so you order and pay up front and is overall not worth the value, our bill without even any drinks was $75 for three and the portions were small and left much to be desired"

"Great little Pan-Pacific Asian restaurant. Nice variety of dishes on the menu from small bites to filling meals. I tried the pork belly fried rice and it did not disappoint. If you’re looking for a typical Chinese restaurant, this is not the place (it’s better IMO). The dining area is casual and unassuming, yet clean, bright, and open. I’ll definitely be back to try the garlic noodles with Korean fried chicken!"

"Secret Bao in Santa Barbara offers a unique and exciting dining experience with a fusion of Asian flavors that can satisfy a variety of palates. During our visit, we had the opportunity to sample a diverse selection of dishes, including the Kfc and Pork Belly Bao's, dumplings, Wonton Tacos, Garlic Noodles, and Asian-inspired Paella. Here's a review of our experience: Kfc and Pork Belly Bao's: The Kfc (Korean Fried Chicken) Bao was a delightful surprise, with perfectly crispy and flavorful chicken complemented by soft and pillowy bao buns. The Pork Belly Bao offered a rich and savory contrast, featuring tender pork belly that melted in your mouth. Both were exceptional and showcased the skillful execution of bao creations. Dumplings: The dumplings were a standout with their delicate wrappers and flavorful fillings. The balance of textures and flavors was spot-on, making them a must-try for dumpling enthusiasts. Hamachi wonton Tacos: These fusion tacos were a unique addition to the menu, offering a creative twist on traditional tacos. The crispy wonton shells paired well with the fillings, creating an interesting fusion of textures and flavors. Garlic Noodles: The garlic noodles were aromatic and had a wonderful balance of garlic flavor without being overwhelming. They served as a great side dish to complement the other items on the menu. Asian-inspired Paella: (secret menu) The Asian-inspired paella was a bold and creative offering, combining traditional paella elements with Asian ingredients and flavors. The dish was visually appealing and showcased the restaurant's commitment to innovation. In addition to the food, the ambiance and service at Secret Bao contribute to a pleasant dining experience. The restaurant's modern and inviting decor, along with attentive and friendly staff, create a welcoming atmosphere. Overall, Secret Bao in Santa Barbara offers a compelling culinary journey with its fusion of Asian flavors. The innovative menu items, such as the Kfc and Pork Belly Bao's and Asian-inspired Paella, showcase the restaurant's creativity and dedication to pushing culinary boundaries. Whether you're looking for traditional favorites or adventurous dishes, Secret Bao is worth a visit for an enjoyable dining experience."

"Very nice food, tasty and abundant. I recommend trying the 5 Spice Duck Noodles and the Pho Dumplings. I really enjoyed them. The menu between lunch and dinner seems to change a bit and I found that the dinner menu has very few vegetarian options. I would have appreciated a bit more. The dessert was also very good, we got a Ube Creme Brulé and it was delicious. Organization wise I suggest to book in advance, either online or calling them as it can get very busy especially on the weekend. The patio outside is nice, and is heated but the garden chairs are quite uncomfortable."