posted
Ok, so I haven't actually eaten there yet, but let me enlighten you with my two experiences thus far: 1- Menu states Small/Large - not Lunch/Dinner; my wife & I decided that since it is a new restaurant we would 'sample' by ordering a few 'small' entrees. That is apparently not allowed after 3pm. 2- Ok, let's try lunch on Saturday - oops, no lunch on weekends ; only Larges are allowed to be ordered - we walked out.
Two strikes- will there be a 3rd? Not sure - a neighbor noted that delivery takes a minimum of 45-60 mins; if you go into the place - could be longer since you are already seated there. Overheard from another table when attempting #2 above, "That is a large size? I expected more." Uh-Oh !!
Posts: 6 | From: Urbana, MD | Registered: Aug 2007
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posted
I've been to a lot of Chinese restaurants and the "small/large" for lunch and dinner is not uncommon on a menu. Very few restaurants, Chinese or otherwise, offer lunch on the weekends.
As far as the 45-60 minute delivery times, I'd give them a pass. A small restaurant like that probably only has one or two delivery people. I've ordered carry-out from there and only waited about 10 minutes.
Regarding the food, We found it to be very good. My wife, who happens to be Chinese, usually judges a restaurant by its hot and sour soup, which she enjoyed. We also like the "fusion" aspect of the Babao. The Thai dishes we tried were very good.
Posts: 25 | From: Urbana Highlands | Registered: Jun 2003
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My family and I did carry out the first or second weekend they opened. We had to wait a long time for the food to be ready and we were not at all impressed. Don't order the Mango Sticky Rice, it was awful...the rice was like mush and not in rice form even though they supposedly were making it while we waited... The General Tsao's chicken was not good either. We did order the "chef's special" mango chicken and that was okay but we are in no hurry to go back.
Posts: 3 | Registered: Sep 2007
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I have ordered out from them twice. The first time everyone i worked with one day ordered food from them. We had a very large order and were impressed with how quickly they had it together for us. Everything was delicious. The second time I ordered carry-out through them I only had to wait ten minutes, again, the food was very good. The prices are a little high but other then that.. no complaints.
Posts: 7 | Registered: Oct 2007
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We've tried it twice and I personally thought the food was better than other Asian places I've tried in Frederick.
I recently had the Larb Gai salad from the Thai menu and it was extra spicey and fresh. Probably the best I've had next to this place in Bethesda that I like. The beef chow foon and pork fried rice are also good. There's a good shrimp appetizer from the Thai menu that is crispy and comes with a great sauce. That being said, my husband wasn't as impressed. Said the wonton soup and pad thai were both bland. He thought the pork fried rice had a mushy consistency, but I liked it.
Posts: 1 | From: Urbana | Registered: Oct 2007
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I have been there twice and have been impressed. I little higher priced but better quality. I will be a regular - have not tried delivery as yet. Nice addition to the area.
posted
We went there for take-out in November. I was very disappointed with my Thai menu order. I ordered cashew chicken and chicken satay. They have no idea how to make a peanut sauce. The sauce tasted nothing like peanut sauce. Also, the cashew chicken was extremely spicy, even though there was no marking on the menu indicating that this was a spicy dish.
-------------------- Lori Posts: 3 | Registered: Dec 2006
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This restaurant is absolutely awful! We ordered chicken with bamboo sprouts and snowpeas, 2 fried rices (chicken and pork) and egg rolls. Once our order arrived we got chicken with cashew nuts instead of the one we ordered. It was burnt, unedible and there was no white rice delivered with it. The fried rice was mushy and I'm not even sure that the meat in one was really chicken. It looked so gross, nobody would even try it. The egg rolls were the only thing even remotely salvagable from this meal and even they were terribly greasy! After calling back to report the complaint, it took four seperate phone conversations with at least three differant people, none of which understood enough english to comprehend what I was telling them. It is yet to be seen whether our money will actually ever be refunded! The food AND customer service were a total disgrace! Hopefully this place doesnt stay in business long! They'll certainly never get our business again!
Posts: 1 | Registered: Dec 2007
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I have only been to Babao for carry out. When I arrived home with our food, we found it to be an improvement from others we have frequented in our radius. Our favorite chinese restaurant was sold and could not find any comparables, until now. I can think of one other, in Germantown, that even compares, quality-wise.
So, maybe they are improving or have hired a new chef!
In any case, worth a try for some good carryout!!!
Posts: 2 | From: Green Valley | Registered: Jun 2008
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I've gotten take-out or eaten in Babao at least 15 times since they opened. Their food is excellent, great quality and generous portions. I've never had a problem with an order and the Babao family is kind and helpful always. Remember that complainers are the most likely to post on sites like this so consider that when deciding whether to give this place a try.
Delivery always takes too long wherever you go, so get off your duff and pick it up if you want it faster than 45 min. It's worth it!
Posts: 2 | Registered: Jan 2009
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I agree. I get carry out lunch from Babao at least once a week. Lena is trememdously friendly, the food is good, I like the sushi, and I rarely have to wait for my order longer than 15 minutes. Support our local merchants - give Babao a try.
Posts: 2 | From: Highlands | Registered: Jan 2009
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LOVE Babao...best asian food in the area. We have been there for both lunch and dinner. Found prices to be fair and quality to be superior or comparable to other restaurants in area. We have only ever dined in, so have not yet experienced timeliness of carry out. Staff very welcoming and friendly.
Posts: 8 | From: Highlands | Registered: May 2009
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We ordered there four times in 2008. It was great. Except for the last time which was July 4, 2008 (gotta love Quicken). There was a problem with the food. It's unfortunate because I really loved the selection, especially the sushi. We're back to using Peking Gourmet now. It's a little farther out, but they do deliver.
![[Roll Eyes]](rolleyes.gif)
![[Confused]](confused.gif)
; only Larges are allowed to be ordered - we walked out.![[Frown]](frown.gif)
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