Hong Ji Handmade Dim Sum Bao seems to be a well-kept secret of the Central North—while it remains relatively unknown to most, its affordable menu of freshly handmade items regularly attracts crowds of hungry customers to their two outlets in Ang Mo Kio and Bishan.
It’s said that the staff start preparing the day’s supply of bao and dim sum as early as 3am each day. Given the time and energy that goes into making their food from scratch, it’s a wonder that prices start from as low as $1 and peak at just $4.50.
Enjoy a good old Red Bean or Lotus Paste Bao, lovingly crafted with house-made filling and hand-kneaded dough, for just $1. For $0.10 more, you can also get flavours such as Coffee or Yam.
If you want something heartier, have the Char Siew or Chicken Bao for the same price at $1.10. Big eaters can order a palm-sized Big Chicken Bao ($2) instead, which is an upsized version of the regular Chicken Bao!
Alternatively, opt for the Braised Meat Bao ($1.80), AKA kong bak bao, for tender pork belly sandwiched in a steamed bun.
You wouldn’t want to miss Hong Ji Handmade Dim Sum Bao’s rendition of Egg Custard Bao ($3.60 for three pieces) either: with its runny custard and soft, fluffy bun, the Egg Custard Bao makes for a satisfying, indulgent snack.
Those not big on bao can try their other dim sum instead. While the fried dim sum here costs $1.20 a piece, steamed dim sum is priced at $2.60 each. Other classic offerings include Siew Mai, Har Gao, Carrot Cake, and Beancurd Skin Rolls.Â
Many also rave about their Char Siew ($3.30) and Prawn Chee Cheong Fun ($3.50), which feature house-made cheong fun that are said to be really smooth and soft.Â
For more bao and dim sum recommendations, read our guide to the best handmade bao stalls in Singapore. Otherwise, check out Milan Shokudo at the nearby Junction 8 for cheap Japanese-Italian fusion food!
Ang Mo Kio
Address: 159 Ang Mo Kio Avenue 4, Singapore 560159
Opening hours: Daily 6am to 4pm
Telephone: 9354 0364
Bishan
Address: 150A Bishan Street 11, Singapore 570150
Opening hours: Daily 5:30am to 2:30pm
Telephone: 8358 4590
Hong Ji Handmade Dim Sum Bao is not a halal-certified eatery.
Feature image adapted from Jun Tao and Angela Tong
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