Tanjong Rhu Pau: Famous Handmade Bao And Siew Mai Since The 1960s

Tanjong Rhu Pau sells handmade bao and dim sum

There’s a plethora of heritage food stalls and eateries around the Katong and Mountbatten hood. One such is Tanjong Rhu Pau, a popular family-run shop that has been around since the 1960s, their OG outlet tucked in the sleepy estate of Jalan Batu.

Image credit: Crosby Ong

The business is now run by third-generation owners and everything is handmade in-house. I’ve walked past the back of the shop many times and noticed them quietly kneading the dough, filling the bao, and then sending each batch into the steamer.

Image credit: @maiyaa__shop

A must-try is their signature Char Siew Pau ($0.90): a bite-sized bao filled with a sweet and sticky barbecued pork filling.

Image credit: @slowfoodsg

My personal favourite, however, is the Big Pork Pau ($1.80), generously stuffed with a savoury meat filling. The bao skin is soft and light, with just the right amount of sweetness, pairing well with the meat.

Image credit: @tamjiakpenguin

The quintessential Siew Mai is not to be missed, too. It’s a single-bite snack, but at just $0.50 a pop, no one’s complaining. If you want to fill up on the carbs, order a portion of Char Siew Rice ($2.20) AKA fan choy, and Glutinous Chicken Rice ($2).

Tanjong Rhu Pau’s Jalan Batu stall sits in Chin Sin Huan Eating House, a coffeeshop that’s an 11-minute walk from Mountbatten MRT Station. Do note that they often sell out early, so the best time to drop by is between 10am to 3pm.

The brand also has two other outlets: Balestier Road and Guillemard Road. The latter branch has a wider menu that includes deep-fried snacks such as spring roll and sesame ball.

After satisfying your bao craving, head over to Feng Ji Kway Chap in Blk 4A Jalan Batu Hawker Centre for cheap and delicious kway chap that opens from 6am! This stall is highly raved about, so be prepared to queue.

Otherwise, venture a little further to Katong Mei Wei Boneless Chicken Rice for famous chicken rice with free soup and achar.

Address: 7 Jalan Batu, #01-113, Singapore 431007
Opening hours: Mon-Sat 10am to 8pm
Tel: 6348 3817
Website
Tanjong Rhu Pau is not a halal-certified eatery.

Featured image adapted from @hkg_in_kiwiland and @maiyaa__shop

Anthia Chng

As the Associate Editor of Eatbook, Anthia survives on a steady diet of cake and coffee. With a decade of writing experience in food, fashion, and beauty—including six years at Expat Living Singapore—she’s passionate about sharing stories that excite and inspire, whether it’s discovering the latest restaurant opening or shining a light on a heritage hawker stall.