Rice Error, a home delivery and click and collect service created by Bao, will bring its Taiwanese inspired Chishang Biandang rice boxes, DIY Bao Meals, Taiwanese Fried Chicken and legendary Horlicks Ice Cream to the residents of Fitzrovia and Hackney this month.
Currently operating in Borough and Fitzrovia, Rice Error will be branching out to Hackney on the 25 May. The expansion comes ahead of the launch of an international guest rice box series, which will begin in June.
Rice Error aims to minimise the effects and changes to its community’s usual ways of life, by creating a new normality. A restaurant with rice as its key offering is something that BAO founders, Shing Tat Chung, Erchen Chang and Wai Ting Chung, had always imagined, and as the effects of the recent pandemic unfolded they decided to grow that seed into a brand new concept.
As well as offering local residents home delivery and click and collect, Rice Error will provide free meals for those working for the NHS. Each week, 100-150 boxes are prepared for those in need, the cost of which has been supported by the funds raised through BAO’s GoFundMe at the beginning of the pandemic.
Fans of BAO will be familiar with the Chi Shang rice that forms the base for all Rice Error boxes, a highly distinguished and award winning grain of rice from the Chi Shang Township in Taiwan that has starred on the menus of all BAO restaurants.
Taking style inspiration from Chishang Biandang, the beloved lunch boxes commonly found throughout Taiwan, Rice Error’s dishes come in the form of 100% biodegradable bamboo boxes, filled with Chi Shang rice, topped with favourite flavours from BAO restaurant menus.
Dishes across each location will vary, with each location serving a selection of rice boxes, BAO Meals (complete with all the elements needed to build your own BAO at home , a collection of ‘Side Errors’ including the Taiwanese Fried Chicken bucket with hot sauce.
Desserts include Pineapple Cake and classically BAO flavoured Ice Cream Tubs - Horlicks, Milk Tea and Peanut.
From June, Rice Error will launch a series of guest rice boxes, featuring collaborations from some of BAO’s international chef friends.
The series will begin with a box from Japanese chef Junya Yamasaki, previously head chef of Koya. Launching in mid June, Junya’s BLT Chirashi Rice Box will put an innovative Japanese twist on the classic ‘BLT’. Victor Liong, chef and founder of Lee Ho Fook in Melbourne, will follow later that month with his Twice Cooked Duck with Taro and Caramelised Onion Soy Rice Box.
For Hackney residents eager for a slice of BAO at home before the 25 May, a cocktail home delivery service will launch in the area from 22 May.
Cocktail Rescue, part of Rice Error’s ongoing mission to bring the restaurant experience into the homes of Londoners, is a collaboration with long term drinks partner, House of Suntory.
Its menu, featuring a selection of BAO whisky favourites, and will be delivered by BAO team members on bicycles to the Hackney area only, with plans for expansion once enough funds are raised to buy an electric scooter. Further details on Cocktail Rescue to follow.