Handmade bao is a rarity these days due to its labour-intensive nature, with most kopitiams and food courts now relying on factory-made versions from centralised suppliers. One stall that has has refused to compromise on its traditions is Bao Zai, located in ABC Brickworks Food Centre.Â
The stall is run by Uncle Leong, who has been tirelessly making handmade bao for over 40 years. It has built up a following of regulars who keep coming back for their fresh, affordable bao and dim sum favourites.
All the bao here are made fresh daily and steamed in-house, using traditional bamboo trays. The bao are also not kept for more than eight hours, ensuring the freshness and quality in everything the customers get.Â
With their Char Siew Bao going for only $0.90, there’s no wonder that customers keep coming back, especially since their char siew is roasted in-house.Â
The Small Bao ($0.90) is also a popular favourite, and despite its miniature size, it’s filled with a generous amount of pork and eggs.Â
For a bigger breakfast to start the day, go for the Big Bao ($1.80), which is stuffed with a steaming chunk of chicken, pork, and egg.Â
Other meatless variations are the Red Bean Bao and Lotus Paste Bao, each also going for $0.90.Â
Bao Zai also has familiar dim sum favourites: the Lor Mai Kai ($2) AKA chicken glutinous rice, and Fan Choy ($2), a steamed char siew rice dish. You can also get Sieu Mai for $0.80 each.Â
Bao Zai is located within the popular ABC Brickworks Food Centre, a 20-minute walk from Queenstown MRT Station.Â
For more eats in the hawker centre, check out our ABC Brickworks Food Centre guide. You might also be interested in SL II Muffin, a hawker bakery renowned for muffins and bakes.Â
Address: 6 Jalan Bukit Merah, #01-135, ABC Brickworks Market & Food Centre, Singapore 150006
Opening hours: Fri-Tue 11am to 7pm
Website
Bao Zai is not a halal-certified eatery.Â
Feature image adapted from Nathaniel L via Google Maps and Jade Lee via Google Maps
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