Federal Realty has announced that Rockville’s Bao Bei will soon open at Montrose Crossing in Rockville. Originally launched in 2022 as a “ghost kitchen”—a restaurant operating without a physical dining space, primarily selling food through third-party delivery apps—Bao Bei specializes in a variety of Taiwanese street food, from baos to hearty bowls and side dishes. The restaurant is helmed by Chef Kevin Hsieh, a 2013 graduate of Gaithersburg High School, who aims to deliver an authentic Taiwanese dining experience that honors tradition.
“‘Bao Bei,’ a term of endearment in Taiwanese, represents someone or something you treasure deeply,” explained Chef Kevin Hsieh. “This restaurant is a tribute to my family, and through Bao Bei’s dishes, I will share my culture with the community.” The new 1,903-square-foot restaurant will be located at 12055 Rockville Pike, next to Honey Pig and Kosmo Nail Bar, and is expected to open in winter 2025. Chef Hsieh mentioned that the current location at 11910 Parklawn Dr. will likely close a few weeks before the new space opens.
“We are excited to welcome Chef Kevin and Bao Bei to Montrose Crossing,” said Joseph Byrnes, Vice President of Regional Leasing at Federal Realty. “Bao Bei will be a savory addition to our merchant lineup, offering another premium, innovative dining option at this shopping destination.”
Bao Bei recently gained national attention as a finalist in the 17th season of Food Network’s The Great Food Truck Race, a competition that pits nine aspiring chefs against each other in an intense, elimination-style race for a $50,000 prize. Bao Bei’s signature Taiwanese flavors impressed viewers nationwide, setting the stage for its arrival in the local community.
About Bao Bei: Created by Chef Kevin Hsieh, Bao Bei began as a ghost kitchen in 2022 with a mission to preserve traditional Taiwanese flavors. The restaurant has received widespread acclaim from both national and local food publications, including the Food Network, Washingtonian, The Washington Post, and Bethesda Magazine. Inspired by his family heritage, Chef Hsieh has crafted a dining experience that features a wide array of dishes, with a special focus on meticulously handcrafted baos. Bao Bei not only offers comforting, decadent flavors but also ensures an unforgettable experience that pays homage to Taiwanese culinary traditions.
