BAO's Chinese Restaurant

When you walk into BAO’s Chinese Restaurant no doubt you’ll be greeted by owner, May Tan. She’s the petite woman with the big smile, positive attitude, and boundless energy. Look in the dictionary for “hard working” and likely you’ll see May Tan’s picture. May really loves what she does.

Most successful restaurants need an intangible and in this case it’s May’s love of people. Customers become friends. Friends share their lives with May. Conversations over dinner can become celebrations. 66 - 100 people can celebrate Christenings, Sweet 16 Birthdays, and weddings at BAO’s and May says, “since I have to work anyway, I find myself enjoying the party as much as the guests.”

May’s story is one of hard work and perseverance. May learned her craft working twenty years in restaurants throughout the Tri-State area until finally buying BOA’s from her employers in May 2005. She has since expanded her business enterprises with a partnership with Seasons Japanese Bistro on Mamaroneck Avenue.

Recently May, who grew up in Malaysia, began missing some of her favorite, spicy Malaysian foods. But why cook for one when you can please a whole crowd with something new? Foods with a Malaysian twist are now
on the menu. One favorite is Malaysian Fried Rice...that's Fried Rice combined with Jumbo Shrimp, and special Malaysian spices. The rare spices make this dish a new taste sensation. May says, "Most Fried Rice dishes costs about $8.00 but Americans love this dish so much despite the $14.00 charge." BAO’s famous Mai Tai Cocktail and China Doll Martini (the secret recipe contains: leeche juice, Mandarin-flavored vodka, Triple Sec and lime juice) are crowd pleasers. In fact, for one wedding the guests were ordering so many China Doll Martinis that BAO’s ran out martini glasses!

News of BAO’s food extends beyond White Plains. Hospitals in the Bronx, Yonkers and Ossining regularly request 25-50 meals prepared for the in-house staff conferences. For five years, one corporation in Connecticut has a standing order for catering from BAO’s: one week from BAO's and the next week from Seasons.

Ever the businesswoman, May is always one of our first restaurateurs to participate in "A Taste of White Plains". Once sampler at this event liked May's cooking so much that they decided to have their wedding reception with BAO's. No need to wait for "A Taste" or a Sweet 16 to enjoy BAO's, since they also deliver.