Bao Bao

I came here after reading that this is one of the only places in town that freely offers out their authentic chinese menu to its patrons who are not Chinese. As can be seen from previous reviews, I like to be adventurous with my chinese food, and if I saw another review from a place in town--or a signage attesting to this notion--to try the cashew chicken, I think I may have thrown in the towel with any expectations of decent chinese food in Springfield. Then, I found an article about Bao Bao, one which referred to a non-English menu, one which boasted tripe and other tasty Chinese dishes. So, I came. I ate. And, well I ate some more. And let me tell you, it* wasl pretty good.

*It (collectively speaking) = sauteed beef and green beans, brown sugar soy marinated pork belly, potstickers, and crab rangoon. Both entrees were outstanding. I could eat green beans like that (honestly, the beef isn't even necessary in them) every day. Really. The pork belly was fatty and sweet and savory. So very delicious.

The appetizers, although ok, were nothing too special though. The crab rangoon were of the type common in Springfield, overly sweet and dessert-like. I'm so tired of overly sweet crab rangoons. And then there were the potstickers, which I would say were pretty run of the mill.

In any case--despite my relative disappointment with the appetizers--this place was certainly delightful and worthy of a return visit on my behalf.

What a wonderful place to eat!  We were looking for some great stir fry and we definitely found it.  Some of us ate from the chinese menu and others from the regular menu.  All of our meals were terrific.  We voted it a definite do over.

Have been bringing friends over here so many times (Chinese and Americans); Everyone loves this place. This is the most authentic Chinese cooking in town.

 Oder from its Chinese menu (With English translation).
Few suggestions:  the green beans with beef is a safe bet.
Meat eaters may want to try lion's head (Chinese meatballs. There are about 10) served on Chinese napa.  Salt-pepper pork (fried) on a bed of onion and chili pepper is meaty, peppery. ( there are three other salt-pepper dishes -- tofu, fish and shrimps). Then  there are stir-fried chicken and soy-sauce duck.
For veggie lovers : eggplant dishes ( two) are excellent; they are Chinese long eggplants, tender and flavorful.  There are at least four tofu dishes to choose from if you love tofu as I do.
Whenever you can,  try their shanghai-style wonton soup; the meaty wonton, with shrimp, is delicious and satisfying (it can be a meal if you have small appetite). Then, try their homemade dumplings, boiled; they are 10 (or 12? ) an order!  the best in town!

Try their pot stickers too if you prefer fried dumplings.

Recently the owner added more dishes to the Chinese menu! Ask for it and try few new dishes each time.

This is a simple, no-frill place.  I wish they would have real chopsticks and offer alcohol.  I bring my own chopsticks ( those disposal ones are darn awful for multiple reasons); but I don't think I can bring my own bottle.