Is The Famous Champion Bolo Bun In Tanjong Pagar Still Worth The Hype?

Champion Bolo Bun is a famous bolo bun cafe in Tanjong Pagar

When you think of bolo bun AKA Hong Kong-style pineapple buns in Singapore, Champion Bolo Bun is likely the first name that comes to mind. Since opening its flagship three-storey outlet in the bustling Tanjong Pagar in 2021, the brand has consistently attracted fanfare for its freshly baked Hong Kong-style bolo buns and signature beverages. 

For baked goods lovers, freshness is often the top priority—and that’s exactly what Champion Bolo Bun delivers. Every bun is baked fresh on-site in small batches throughout the day, ensuring optimal quality.

To underscore its commitment to freshness, the brand also allows customers to exchange their bun for a freshly baked replacement on a one-for-one basis if it is not enjoyed within 20 minutes of purchase. 

Food at Champion Bolo Bun

We went straight for the Classic with Butter ($5.55+). Despite its name, a bolo bun doesn’t actually contain any pineapple. Instead, the pastry gets its name from its signature golden-brown topping, which bakes into a crackly, crosshatched crust resembling a pineapple’s skin. 

A rich, buttery aroma came through immediately with the first bite, setting the tone for the bolo bun. Its cloud-like interior was exceptionally soft and airy, while the top layer provided a crisp, sugary contrast. The slab of butter melted almost instantly in the warm bun, enriching it with extra creamy depth. 

That same crisp exterior was also present in the Curry Potato ($6.50+), which was rounder and noticeably larger than the bolo bun, largely thanks to its generous curry filling, which packed a subtle spicy kick. 

Inside, generous chunks of potato and tender pieces of meat added substance and textural contrast to every bite. Together, the flavourful curry and fluffy bun made for a hearty pairing, though it does lean towards the heavier side. 

Surprisingly, the standout item was the French Cold Tarte ($7+). Unlike a traditional egg tart, this version featured a biscuit-like crust that is finely baked and very delicate, offering a firmer bite that set it apart from the typical flaky version. 

This perfectly complemented the smooth and luscious egg custard filling, which was exceptionally creamy. It boasted a dense yet velvety texture that melts effortlessly on the palate, while the lightly caramelised top lends a subtle toasty sweetness that further elevated the tart’s flavours. 

Unlike your usual teh bing, their Champions Milk Tea ($5.50+) was brewed with Sri Lankan tea leaves, giving it a pronounced tea fragrance alongside the creamy richness of evaporated milk. However, it was overly sweet: while the first few sips were enjoyable, the sweetness quickly became overwhelming, making the drink difficult to finish.

Ambience at Champion Bolo Bun

The aesthetic at Champion Bolo Bun is warm and inviting, blending industrial grey tones with rattan and wooden fixtures lined with potted greenery. There are three storeys in this cafe, with the largest seating capacity on the second floor. It does get quite packed during afternoon tea hours, but tables tend to turn over fairly quickly. 

Champion Bolo Bun is a five-minute walk from Tanjong Pagar MRT. 

Champion Bolo Bun – Eatbook review

Although the items at Champion Bolo Bun come at a premium, that is justified by the quality of the ingredients and execution across the board. Since most cafes today are rather expensive, the prices here are not unreasonable for what you are getting. Not everyone has the opportunity to fly to Hong Kong for an authentic bolo bun experience, and Champion Bolo Bun does a commendable job of bringing a taste of it much closer to home. 

For more cafe recommendations, check out our guide to the best cafes in Singapore, or read our guide to the best JB cafes for solo trips.

Address: 92 Tanjong Pagar Road, Singapore 088513
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 10am to 7pm, Sat-Sun 8:30am to 7pm
Website
Champion Bolo Bun is not halal-certified.

Photos taken by Nathania Tay.
This was an independent visit by Eatbook.sg