5 places in Singapore to find Bolo Bao!

What is Bolo Bun 菠蘿包?

A pineapple bun is a type of sweet bun that is popular in Hong Kong and is also found in Chinatowns around the world. 

Where to find Bolo Bun 菠蘿包?

There are a few shops in Singapore that sell mostly Hong Kong food and also cafes like Champion bolo and Singapore restaurants like Crystal Jade.

Why is it called Bolo Bun 菠蘿包?

Despite the name, it does not traditionally include pineapple; rather, the name refers to the appearance of the typical topping. The name comes from the fact that its sugary top crust is cooked to a golden brown color, and its checkered top resembles the epicarp of a pineapple.

Here's a compilation of 5 places in Singapore that sells bolo bun 菠蘿包.

1) Tai Cheong Bakery

Tai Cheong Bakery is a famous and traditional bakery of Hong Kong that is most well-known for its egg tarts (蛋撻) in Singapore. Bolo bun is also sold at their shop in Singapore. Of coz, I couldn't go home without the Bolo Bun from Tai Cheong Bakery when I was at Takashimaya. The bun is fluffy and sweet and it's topped with a golden crunchy, crumbly crust that melts as I munch on this. They have the classic bolo bun that I ordered and also the char siew bolo bun.

Go here for their outlets.

2) Joyluck Teahouse

Recently been into Hong Kong food so I wanted to get the bolo bun from Joyluck Teahouse to try! Gotten the original and luncheon meat one. The buns were soft with a crunchy and crumbly exterior. TBH, the crust for this wasn't v sweet and I like the savoriness of the luncheon meat but the portion could be bigger and thicker. hahaha

Apart from the ones that I ordered, they have the butter, and also local flavors like Kaya and Golden Salted egg.

In June 2014, the Hong Kong government listed with UNESCO the Pineapple Bun, as an item included in the city’s “living cultural heritage”.

Go here for their outlets.

3) Honolulu cafe

Honolulu Cafe is also one of the cafes in Hong Kong that is also well known for its egg tarts. I ordered the original butter bolo bun from Honolulu cafe at The Centre Point when I was nearby at mui kee porridge. The bolo bun was slightly sweet but omg so fluffy and had a golden crumbly exterior. Comes apart v easily too. I like the one with the thick slab of butter so good!

Besides the one that I ordered, they have Char siew, red bean, and coffee flavor too.

Address: Honolulu Cafe - The Centrepoint
#01-33, Orchard Rd, Singapore 238843
Opening Hours: Sun -Thurs 11am - 9pm
Fri - Sat 11am -10pm

Address: Honolulu Café Westgate
3 #02-06 Gateway Dr, Westgate, Singapore 608532
Opening Hours: Mon - Thurs 11am - 9pm
Fri 11am - 10pm
Sat-Sun 8am - 10pm

4) Crystal jade

Also tried the original and charsiew bolo bun from Crystal jade. The crust for these buns was so flaky. Just breaking the bread apart and already falling everywhere. The bun was also not that fluffier but the one with the charsiew was nice coz the savouriness makes it better and balanced the sweetness well.

They also have the Lava salted egg yolk and honey BBQ pork flavor.

Go here for their outlets.

5) Champion Bolo bao

I ordered the Handmade Classic Butter and Curry Bolo Bun. To be honest, bread and butter is a winning combination! I have no complaints when paired with their soft and fluffy bread. Their curry bolo bun is quite unique, with spicy and aromatic curry that reminds me of curry puff fillings.

Address: 92 Tanjong Pagar Road, Singapore 088513

Opening Hours: Tues - Sun 11pm - 4pm

Closed on Monday