Bao Bao has handmade buns at ION Orchard
Image credit: Mae Ng
If you frequent the Orchard area, you may have come across Bao Bao, ION Orchard’s latest opening. This new kiosk, started by Surrey Hills Grocer founder Pang Gek Teng, specialises in handmade buns priced from just $1.20 a pop.
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The inspiration behind the new brand? A retiring local bao maker who’s been selling handmade buns for close to 50 years. At this new kiosk, the bao dough is said to be handmade on-site daily, under the unnamed bao maker’s guidance. A natural yeast starter is used, along with a slow fermentation process that takes up to 14 hours, resulting in a light and fluffy texture that’s slightly chewy.
Image credit: @baobaodian.sg
There are over 10 flavours to choose from, with staples such as the Big Pork Bao ($2.90)Â and Braised Pork Belly Bao ($2.90)Â being the priciest items.
Image credit: @baobaodian.sg
You’ll also find five items affordably priced at $1.20 each, namely Coffee Bao, Lotus Seed Bao, Bean Paste Bao, Longevity Peach Bao, and Rabbit Bao.
Image credit: @baobaodian.sg
Those who love yam desserts will be happy to know that there’s an Orh Nee Bao ($1.60), which stars a creamy taro paste spiked with fragrant shallot oil.
Image credit: @baobaodian.sg
Another must-try is the Azuki Red Bean Mochi Bao ($1.60), which blends azuki red bean paste that’s cooked with pandan leaves and a QQ mochi middle. Otherwise, the French Chocolate Lava Bao ($2)Â is equally noteworthy, featuring a molten dark chocolate filling.
Do note that the yam, red bean mochi, and chocolate buns will roll out in stores on 8 February 2025.
Bao Bao is located at Basement 4 of ION Orchard. We’ll update this article once we get our hands on their bao!
For more affordable food recommendations in the area, check out our Orchard cheap food guide. Alternatively, for something at the other end of the price spectrum, visit the world’s first AP Cafe at Raffles Hotel.
Address: 2 Orchard Turn, #B4-34, ION Orchard, Singapore 238801
Opening hours: Daily 10am to 10pm
Website
Bao Bao is not a halal-certified eatery.
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Featured image adapted from @baobaodian.sg and Mae Ng
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