Today we’d like to introduce you to Nathalie Wu.
Hi Nathalie, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Wicked BAO was established in 2017 & we will be celebrating our 8th anniversary on 12/20/2025. Our family came to Amelia Island with husband Thomas’s job (Executive Chef at The Ritz-Carlton Amelia Island) in 2001. I have been Chef’s wife & stayhome mom to our 2 sons Philipp & Martin. We lost Thomas in 2014 & I opened Wicked BAO in 2017.
I grew up in Taiwan, went to Hotel Management School in Switzerland after college. Upon graduation, I returned to Taiwan, worked for Shangri-La Hotel Taipei & later joined The Ritz-Carlton in Singapore.
Wicked BAO offers Asian Street Food in a fast-causal style setting. We are in downtown Fernandina Beach, housed in a 1902 building right by the Port of Fernandina Beach.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Wicked BAO opened in December 2017 & the world tuned upside down in March 2020 with COVID pandemic. We face similar challenges as all the small businesses, shutdowns, limited seating, loss of tourists etc. It was a faster recovery in Florida compared to the rest of country.
Food cost went up the last couple of years. Labor cost has always been a big challenge. We worked hard to offer reasonably priced dishes to our customers & to stay financially stable.
As a tourist town, we see seasons & fluctuations of visitor numbers. To fill the restaurant during shoulder seasons is super crucial to us.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Wicked BAO?
1. Wicked BAO offers dine-in & take-out Asian Street Food in Fernandina Beach, Florida. We are open 4-8pm Tuesday-Thursday & 4-9pm Friday-Saturday.
2. Funky location (downtown, by the working Port of Fernandina Beach), charming historic building (1902), unique flavors ( Asian street food) & a great young team.
3. Menu offerings: Small Plates, Noodle + Rice & Baos. Potsticker, spring roll, rice tots are all made in house. Most popular dishes include Crispy Porkchop Rice, Singapore Chili Shrimp & Braised Porkbelly Rice. BAO Trio is a great sampler. Our signature Sake Sangria flavor changes every month. For December 2025, we have Pomegranate Mint Sake Sangria.
4. Our customer base is about 1/2 locals & 1/2 visitors. Family friendly, service animal welcomed. Indoor sitting & covered deck sitting.
5. BAO Donuts & Vietnamese coffee are a great way to end the meal.
6. We also offer Gift certificates & merchandises. Check offering at wickedbao.com
7. Pick-up catering for larger gatherings. Wings, chicken satay, spring roll & Baos are great for parties.
Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
I was big sister to 2 younger brothers. Growing up in Taiwan, girls are expected to help with housework & cooking. Many dishes I learned from helping mom in the kitchen. Mom Doris still travels to Amelia Island all the time & supervises.
I love food & travel. Going to Hotel Management School in Switzerland really opened my eyes. I have lived in Taiwan, Switzerland, Singapore & now in Fernandina Beach, Florida. I travel domestically & internationally when Wicked BAO closes one week in January & one week in September. Past January I was in Thailand & September in Denver. I am always looking at the trends & always learning. Staying curious is a great way for personal & professional growth.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://wickedbao.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wickedbao/
- Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/WickedBAO/
