Tommy heads to the effervescent Leeds to catch up with the OG’s of the UK bao game, James and JB of ‘Little Bao Boy’. We talk about the Leeds foodie community, take stock of their relentless business appetite and chow down on a fish finger sandwich.
We first met James and JB in 2021, when we stumbled across their delicious bao buns.
These boys have grafted from slinging buns out of a van to now feeding a nationwide craving. It’s no surprise with big flavour hitters like pulled beef brisket and vegan panko cauliflower baos headlining the menu. Amongst a delicious offering they’ve also hand-crafted a wonderful network of independent foodies around them. Our chef talk takes on a more serious tone with the joys and challenges of hospitality as they take stock whilst open a new spot in London’s legendary Camden Roundhouse, as they both say “we’re incredibly lucky to being doing this with my best friend”.
Now to the food and settings, Leeds is absolutely fizzing with great independent offerings but the Tom of “Things In Bread” fish finger sandwich is what caught our fancy, after all doorstop bread is elite. James and JB are so proud of their city and with lots of exciting collabs and openings lined up for the rest of the year it looks like Leeds should be proud of them, too.
