On a recent visit to Tai Cheong Bakery at Square 2 @ Novena, I was feeling generous and treated my colleagues to their famous egg tarts.

As we sat down to enjoy the delicious egg tarts, the conversation strayed from Hong Kong egg tarts to Hong Kong bolo bao (pineapple buns). 

Bolo bao, otherwise known as pineapple buns, are named so because their checkered top that resembles the skin of a pineapple. 

Bolo bao is not as famous as Hong Kong egg tarts, but it can actually be found in every chaa chan teng in Hong Kong. 

I present to you: 5 Places for Bolo Bao in Singapore (in order of my personal preference). 

 

Tai Cheong Bakery (Holland Village) 

I place Tai Cheong Bakery (Holland Village) first not only because it was the first place I had bolo bao in Singapore, it is also the only Tai Cheong Bakery outlet with seating. 

Bolo Bao is best served hot with a slab of cold butter that melts into the bun. It is best eaten on the spot so having a dining area is a huge plus. 

You can read my full review on Tai Cheong Bakery (Holland Village) here.

 

Honolulu Cafe

Honolulu Cafe is another famous Hong Kong pastries shop that has franchise in Singapore. 

Besides being famous for their egg tarts, their Honolulu Pineapple Bun with Butter [S$2] is another signature.

You can read my full review on Honolulu Cafe (Centrepoint Mall) and Honolulu Cafe (Westgate) by clicking on the links.

 

BreadTalk 

I am not sure if it is available at all BreadTalk outlets, but the outlet at Velocity @ Novena Square has bolo bao.

You can get them at either the Thick Butter Slice BLB [S$1.80 per piece/S$6 for 3] or Xtra Thick Butter Slice BLB [S$2.40 per piece/S$7 for 3], the difference lies in the thickness of the butter.

However, the bolo buns are not heated up so you will have to heat them up by yourself. If only they served the buns heated up …

 

Leung Sang Hong Kong Pastries

Leung Sang Hong Pastries is well-known for its custard egg tarts, but we are here for their bolo bun.

The Hong Kong Po-Lo Bun (Plain) [S$1.60] does not come with butter but you can always get the other variations: Custard Po-Lo Bun, Chicken Curry Po-Lo Bun, Roasted Chicken Po-Lo Bun.

 

If you know of any other place that sells Hong Kong bolo bun, please let me know in the comments below.