Little Bao Boy set to open in Newcastle this week: Q&A with founder James Ooi

Attention all foodies! Independent street food vendor Little Bao Boy is making its official debut in Newcastle this week and we couldn’t be more excited! Known for its traditional Asian cuisine with a contemporary twist, Little Bao Boy offers mouth-watering dishes such as homemade bao buns, noodles, and loaded fries. Hailing from Leeds, and with residencies across the UK, Newcastle is set to be their second permanent location. Get ready, Newcastle – these guys are ready to take the North East food scene by storm. Ahead of their opening, Kate Hewison chatted to founder James Ooi to get a sneak peek of what’s in store.

July 25, 2024

Kate Hewison

Lifestyle

Welcome to the North East! What excites you the most about bringing Little Bao Boy to Newcastle?

The North East holds dear to my heart. Being from Middlesbrough, we did a lot of events in Newcastle at the start of our street food journey, so it’s class to be able to come back up to where it all started for us.

What can the people of Newcastle expect from Little Bao Boy?

We want quantity and quality; expect big flavours and fun food, which is meant to be eaten with your hands. If it isn’t all over your face, you’ve eaten it wrong. Plus, when you team up with local legends like Kocktail, you know the drinks are going to banging.

Are there any special menu items that we can look out for?

100 per cent, which we aren’t going to share with you. Also, look out for collaborations with a couple of burger legends in the area.

Take us back to 2016, what inspired you to start Little Bao Boy and how has the journey been from your kitchen to where you are today?

Food has always been the heart of our family and friends. I grew up in a restaurant and my business partner has over 15 years in the industry. We started Little Bao Boy with the focus on bringing class food in a relaxed atmosphere, and we still stick to that to this day.

What keeps you motivated?

My family, my desire to build a successful company in a sector which is incredibly hard to work in right now, and seeing the look on people’s faces when they bite into a little fluffy pillow of deliciousness.