This Aljunied Stall Sells Handmade Bao From Just $1—And They Taste Great

Zhen Zheng Handmade Pau has bao from $1

With most coffeeshops and food courts typically selling frozen bao, it’s always a treat to find handmade ones. That’s why discovering Zhen Zheng Handmade Pau, a humble stall selling bao made from scratch for just $1, felt like spotting a rare Pokémon in a sea of eateries dishing out factory-made buns at unreasonable prices.

But with prices this low, how does the taste of the bao actually fare? I headed down to find out.

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Food at Zhen Zheng Handmade Pau

The first thing I noticed upon arrival was the chefs lined up in a neat row behind the counter, each taking on a specific role in the bao-making process. One chopped the dough into uniform pieces, while another expertly flattened each piece using a wooden rolling pin. 

The dough was then passed down the line to the next chef, who cupped it in their palm and spooned a generous dollop of filling into the centre. Finally, the last pair of hands pleated the sides with swift precision, sealing the bao before placing it into the steamer. It was almost hypnotic to watch—like a well-oiled machine that’s been running seamlessly for the past decade.

FYI, all bao here are made with the same dough recipe, which boasts a dense, chewy texture that made us feel full quickly.

I started with the cheapest items. A peek into the large steamer revealed an adorable Rabbit Pau ($1) that instantly caught my eye. 

Shaped like a tiny bunny, it was a tad smaller than the rest and filled with the same lotus paste as the Lotus Pau ($2.20).

Taste-wise, it wasn’t anything out of the ordinary—perhaps my expectations were too high given its cute appearance. Still, it’s a fun option for kids or anyone looking for something IG-worthy.

Here’s one for the coffee lovers: the Coffee Pau ($1) boasted a rich, roasted coffee aroma that hit me the moment I tore it open. 

Texture-wise, the coffee paste was thick and smooth, quite similar to the one in the Lotus Pau. Don’t be fooled by its petite size though, as each piece was generously loaded with the rich, bitter-sweet paste.

Orh nee lovers might want to check out the Pumpkin Yam Pau ($1.40), which sees a medium-sized bao loaded with pumpkin and orh nee paste. My taro-loving colleague well enjoyed the natural flavours of the yam paste, though I found it a little too mild and not quite as sweet as expected.

Sweet bao aside, I tried their signature Braised Pork Pau ($2.20). Unlike the usual round bao that fully encloses its filling, this version features dough wrapped around a thick slab of pork belly, leaving both ends of the meat exposed.

At first glance, the pork looked a tad dry and tough, but one bite in quickly proved me wrong. 

The pork belly was incredibly tender, with a melt-in-your-mouth layer of fat accompanying each piece of meat. Compared to the version I tried at Bao Bao, a bao kiosk at Ion Orchard, this one had more distinct layers of fat and lean meat, with each slice boasting a caramelised crust and a subtle smokiness that I couldn’t get enough of.

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Don’t miss the Char Siew Pau ($1.10), which comes loaded with a sweet-savoury, addictive char siew filling. 

The pork was finely chopped, unlike other versions I had where the char siew came in big chunks. The highlight for us though, was the thick, smoky sauce that generously coated every piece of meat, adding a rich, charred taste to each bite.

For those feeling extra peckish, the Black Pepper Chicken Pau ($2.20) is worth a try. 

One bite in and I was greeted with juicy chicken chunks doused in a fragrant black pepper sauce that delivered a solid, peppery kick that didn’t overpower the palate. It’s a satisfying option if you prefer something with more punch.

Similarly, the Big Pau ($2.20) is also twice the size of a regular bao. 

It’s packed generously with all kinds of delicious ingredients: tender pork, a half-boiled egg, radish and more, all tucked into a soft, fluffy bun that’s sure to satisfy any hunger pangs.

Complete your meal with the Braised Pork Rice ($2.80), which features the same tender pork belly used in their Braised Pork Pau, served atop plain white rice. 

Think simplified lor mai kai—minus the glutinous rice, but still just as comforting. For under $3, this dish delivers solid value, especially with its generous portion of meat.

Ambience at Zhen Zheng Handmade Pau

I visited Zhen Zheng Handmade Pau’s outlet that’s located in a coffee shop behind Sims Vista Market and Food Centre. For easy access, it’s a short 10-minute walk from Aljunied MRT Station. 

The space was well-ventilated, with ceiling fans keeping things cool even during midday. I recommend heading down before the lunch crowd kicks in though, as it can get pretty hard to find a seat during peak hours.

Zhen Zheng Handmade Pau – Eatbook verdict

For the effort that goes into handcrafting each bao, Zhen Zheng Handmade Pau delivers solid value for money. From generously loaded $1 options to their signature items, there’s something for every bao lover. 

While not every bao I tried blew me away, the variety, pricing, and labour that goes into this humble stall make it worth a stop if you’re in the area. Perhaps I’ll pay a return visit the next time I’m craving some good braised pork bao.

Just next door at Sims Vista Market and Food Centre is Hung Huat Cakes & Pastries, a 49-year-old bakery that’s run by a couple and their parents. Alternatively, Teochew Handmade Pau offers more handmade bao options at wallet-friendly prices.

Website | Full list of outlets
Zhen Zheng Handmade Pau is not a halal-certified eatery.

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Photos taken by Tan Tao Zhi.
This was an independent visit by Eatbook.sg