Xiao Bao Biscuit

Where authentic Asian street food meets Southern hospitality, Xiao Bao Biscuit Charleston transforms a converted 1940s gas station into the city's most beloved destination for bold, uncompromising flavors. This intimate Cannonborough-Elliotborough gem has redefined Charleston fine dining by stripping away pretension and focusing intensely on the soulful dishes that co-founders Duolan Li and Josh Walker discovered during their transformative seven-month honeymoon across Asia.

The husband-and-wife team behind this culinary phenomenon left their New York corporate careers in 2012 to bring authentic Asian home cooking to Charleston's vibrant food scene. Named after Duolan's nickname "Xiao Bao," the restaurant embodies their philosophy of heartfelt cooking and cultural authenticity. What began as a passionate project has evolved into a Charleston institution, earning recognition from Eater, Thrillist, and discerning locals who queue for tables at this no-reservations haven.

The cuisine spans Southeast and East Asian traditions, with Chef Josh Walker crafting dishes that honor their origins while incorporating locally-sourced Charleston ingredients. The legendary Okonomiyaki—a savory Japanese cabbage pancake elevated with pork candy and house-made sauce—remains the restaurant's signature masterpiece. Equally compelling are the hand-pulled Taiwanese pork and chive noodles, fiery Sichuan chicken with numbing peppercorns, and delicate fried dumplings filled with caramel pork. The seasonal menu rotates regularly, featuring everything from traditional Som Tum green papaya salad to innovative Yu Xiang Brussels sprouts in fragrant Sichuan sauce.

The dining experience embraces authentic Asian family-style service, with small plates designed for sharing among friends. The converted gas station's rustic charm creates an intimate atmosphere where covered outdoor picnic tables complement the narrow interior space. This is decidedly casual fine dining—no modifications, no children's menu, and no compromises on the bold, sometimes challenging flavors that define real Asian street food culture.

Xiao Bao Biscuit's beverage program thoughtfully complements the menu's intense flavors, with cocktails and wines selected to enhance rather than compete with dishes that can range from subtly aromatic to intensely spicy. The open interaction between kitchen and bar creates a dynamic energy that transforms dinner into a communal celebration.

For the best restaurants Charleston experience, arrive early for walk-in seating at this perpetually busy destination. Xiao Bao Biscuit reservations aren't accepted for regular dining, making each visit feel spontaneous and authentic—exactly as the founders intended when they set out to recreate the vibrant, unpretentious spirit of Asia's greatest food cultures in the heart of the American South.