German brings 'must-eat' burgers to Shekou

For burger lovers, BAIA is a must-visit in the heart of Sea World, Shekou. This restaurant, established in 2015, has quickly become a local favorite, offering some of the most delicious burgers in Shenzhen.

Jérôme Wertz

Jérôme Wertz, the owner from Germany, embarked on his venture after working for Four Seasons Hotels for 10 years across different countries. Drawn to Shenzhen’s dynamic energy, he saw its business potential. “In Europe,” he explains, “places like Shekou would be bustling with cafes and restaurants, with people enjoying food and conversation by the water.”

This vision inspired the name BAIA, meaning “bay” in Italian, which was chosen for easy pronunciation. The restaurant’s name is also displayed in Chinese characters (巴亚) alongside the English.

A corner of Wertz's BAIA.

What truly sets BAIA apart is its commitment to freshness, according to Wertz. “We make everything from scratch,” said Wertz. “The bread, the patty, the sauce — everything.” Each morning, the kitchen bakes fresh bread. The Australian beef patties are hand-pressed daily, ensuring they’re never frozen before hitting the grill.

Diners can choose between cozy indoor seating or al fresco dining with stunning ship views. Parties are held Saturday nights, attracting young crowds who come to chill, mingle, and enjoy delicious food and drinks.

BAIA has steadily gained a loyal following since its opening in 2015. “People are now more willing to pay for quality and understand difference,” Wertz observes. The menu has also evolved to cater to diverse preferences and now features Italian classics such as pizzas, pasta, and appetizers alongside the star attraction – the burgers.

BAIA’s dedication to quality has garnered impressive recognition. In 2022, they received the title “Five-star Business of the Year” on Dianping, followed by inclusion on the “must-eat” list in 2023. “We don’t pay for influencer promotions,” he emphasizes. “Our focus is on long-term success, not quick trends. We listen to our customers’ feedback and continuously strive to improve.”

Discussing the previous name “BAIA Burger Concept” still adorning the wall, Wertz explained that BAIA (2013-2020) was first the Italian restaurant next door he and his Italian business partner opened. Fascinated by the burger culture they experienced overseas, they had the idea of opening a version of BAIA that focuses on burgers only.