Paus you can’t let go of whatever the weather
We’ve seen the news: 2 days ago, a major typhoon hit the coast of Taiwan. But we’ve also seen the meme: A determined Taiwanese auntie clutching her char siew pau for dear life as she braves one of Taiwan’s worst storms. And let’s face it – she is every Singaporean’s spirit animal because we can’t let go of our food cravings either, no matter the weather.
To whet your appetite, we’ve curated a list of 10 acclaimed paus in Singapore illustrious enough to warrant their own meme. Typhoon or not, Singaporean-auntie-approved fosho.
1. Tanjong Rhu Pau & Confectionery
Source: @bibikgourmand
If you’re a fan of morsel-sized paus and avoid having your stomach full to the brim, you’ll be delighted to hear about Tanjong Rhu’s miniature paus. They are small in size, but these babies pack a punch with flavour.
Source: @wcn_ni
The ambrosial filling of their mini Char Siew Paus (70 cents) are a clear winner with just the right amount of sinful pork fat and hoisin sauce. Their specialty, however, is the Yin Yang Pau ($1) – a smooth medley of salted egg yolk, red bean and sweet lotus paste to trick yourself into thinking these are healthy-ish.
Address: Blk 7, Jalan Batu, #01-113, S(431007)
Tel: 6348 3817
Opening Hours: 12.30pm – 8pm (Closed on Sundays)
2. Teochew Handmade Pau Toa Payoh
Run by 2nd generation hawker, Richard, this stall aims to continue its traditional way of pau making since the 90s. While new-age companies outsource their buns’ production to machines, Teochew Handmade Pau retains its original handmade methods with style.
Source: @fundamentally_flawed
Caster sugar is used on the pau’s surface to prevent dimpling, and only lard oil is used to give a bit more kick to their pastries. Such dedication has resulted in the scrumptious product of tender kong ba pork for their Char Siew Paus, which sells out so quickly the shop gets to close at 2pm daily.
Address: 127 Lorong 1 Toa Payoh, #02-02, S(310127)
Tel: 6254 2053
Opening Hours: 6am – 2pm (Closed on Mondays)
3. Shang Kee Handmade Bao
If you’re at Shang Kee, it is imperative you try out their Amy Yip Pau ($3.50). This pau takes the cake for the most creative name. An ode to the famous Hong Kong sex symbol’s big bust, this pau is bursting with explosive goodness. Fillings include generous chunks of pork, chicken, egg, mushroom… yes, you get why they’re that huge.
While you’re at it, feel free to try out other local delicacies such as their robust and glutinous Char Siew Fan Chai ($2) and variety of dimsum that include our fave chicken feet.
Address: Blk 16, Teck Whye Lane, #01-101, Singapore 680016 Tiong Wah Restaurant
Tel: 8513 6849
Opening Hours: 7.30am – 10pm
4. Tiong Bahru Pau
Source: @happylilbelly
Tiong Bahru Pau is a pioneer in the SG pau scene. With cooking methods hailing from the Chinese province of Guangdong, TBP still retains the same method from its origins. Many 80s kids will fondly remember the legendary Char Siew Pau, a gooey concoction at the centre which included sweet oyster seasoning and fatty hunks of BBQ pork tenderloin.
Other favourites also include their sweet Red Bean Paus, that when bitten into, ooze a creamy candied bean paste. Some claim that standards have gone down with changing times, but pay this heritage stall a visit and let us know what the verdict is.
Address:30 Seng Poh Street, #02-18/19, Tiong Bahru Market and Food Centre, S(168898)
Tel: 6438 1663
Opening Hours:1.30pm – 9.30pm (Closed on Mondays)
5. Man Ji Pao
Touted as ‘the juiciest pau in Singapore’, Man Ji Pau’s Big Pau is a worthy contender in the pau arena. This big baby is filled with morsels of crunchy turnips and a sweetened meat filling, with the bite from the turnips adding an extra oomph to the bun.
Despite not being as well established as Tanglin Pau or Tiong Bahru Pau, one needs to watch out for this hidden gem on the block. Bite into their most famous pau and you run the risk of having its juices flow down your arms. You have been warned.
Address: Blk 327, Hougang Ave 5, S(530327)
Tel: 9835 9221
Opening Hours: 6am – 1pm
6. Ho Kee Pau
Source: @swimruncycle
This 24 hour dimsum supper spot is a perfect place for night owls far and wide to gather for some delectable nosh. Serving more than just paus, their Ho Kee’s menu also includes Beancurd Skin Rolls ($3.60) and unorthodox dishes such as Thai Tofu ($4.50).
Source: @arckyboi23
But since this article surrounds our favourite fluffy snack, let’s get right down to their specs. The molten core of their char siew paus – sticky and lean pork meat – is framed by an airy and fluffy exterior of white bun. The meat utilised is less fatty than usual, perfect for those wanting to indulge mindfully. (Big Pau: $1.80 each, Small Pau: $0.90 each)
Address: 43 Geylang Lorong 27, S(388176)
Tel: 6742 1468
Opening Hours: 24 Hours
7. Teck Kee Tanglin Pau
We’ve all seen the ubiquitous Teck Kee Fatty Pau’s logo plastered around kopitiams and even our school cafeterias, but it’s time you get acquainted with its pioneer pau stall that dates back to 1948. Many debate if they’ve started the trend of offering handmade paus in accessible stalls at a time when dimsum could only be eaten in atas restaurants.
To adjust to the changing times, Teck Kee has made their paus slightly thicker to be more visually appealing, and cut down on fatty meat. Whether you’re a health-conscious junkie or a glutton like me, we both can’t deny that Teck Kee is the seasoned expert in the field when it comes to the art of pau.
Address: 83 Killiney Road Singapore
Tel: 6734 9253
Opening Hours: 9am – 10.30pm
8. Joo Huat Pau
Joo Huat is the hipster of the Singapore pau scene. Its most distinct feature is the moist skin encasing their gorgeous fillings, adapted from a Hainanese recipe which employs chewy and yeasty dough. Unlike the bread-like consistency of most paus, Joo Huat’s are done with a bite, making them a fun treat to munch on.
Notable favourites at Joo Huat include their Big Pau and Siew Mai. The former consists of chunky pork meat, egg and generous amounts of crunchy turnip and onion. Their nosh have been known for a homely and familiar taste to many, contrary to the quality of factory-made mounds.
Address: 79A Circuit Road Food Centre, #01-62, S(370079)
Tel: 6734 9253
Opening Hours: 9am – 10.30am
9. Nam Kee Traditional Handmade JB Pau
Nam Kee Paus sell a combination of my two favourite things: pau and mee hoon kuay. In particular, their handmade pau comes from an authentic Malaysian recipe and are handmade in house – no factory machinery thank you very much. Their menu also includes the Amy Yip Pau ($4) – because Malaysians really love their big buns – and the quintessential Char Siew Pau.
While you’re at it, you need to have a go at their Mee Hoon Kuay or Ke Kou Mian (Both $3.50). Their broth consists of an aromatic ikan billis kick, seasoned with minced pork and Malaysian sweet soy sauce. The Mee Hoon Kuay noodles are freshly made and slightly thicker than the usual for a better bite.
Address: 200 Turf Club Road, #01-09, S(287994)
Opening Hours: 10am – 8pm
10. D’bun
#1 tip when you visit D’bun: Go at 10am for the freshest and most succulent paus, straight from the steamer. D’bun hits the skin of the pau – a make-it-or-break-it aspect of any pau – at the right spot. It is kept as thin as possible, yet thick enough not to break from its juicy fillings.
D’bun prides themselves in their Tua Pau, which consists of a tender pork filling and our favourite boiled egg in the centre. All their paus are made from a mother dough which has been pre-fermented for maximum punch and flavour.
If you’re looking for more D’elicious eats, D’bun also offers a selection of classic tapioca kueh and smooth-as-milk egg tarts.
Address: 358 Joo Chiat Road, S(427603)
Tel: 6345 8220
Opening Hours: 10am – 8pm
21st century buns for the old soul
With many hip cafes popping up offering fancy and innovative pastries (Re: the cronut), it’s easy for our local food heritage to get lost amidst the hype. Something as intricate as pau-making is now hardly appreciated by us millennials who merely see meat-filled dough.
But these buns are part of our food history, and it’s something us, our parents and grandparents grew up munching on. They’re not as “instagrammable” as your overpriced rainbow cakes and lava tarts, but each pau has its own story. One just needs time to discover it, mouthful by mouthful.