The Chinese people are big on symbolism. Take the longevity bun, for example. It is nothing more than a steamed bun filled with lotus paste, but because it is meant for a joyous birthday celebration, the shape has been morphed into a peach. Why a peach? The peach shape is likened to the mythical peaches of immortality in Chinese folklore. Those who know the fantasy novel Journey to the West will remember that Sun Wukong got punished for eating this sacred, life-extending fruit. It is no wonder, then, that these peach-shaped longevity buns are used to mark age milestones, especially among the elderly. Ahead, we round up 10 restaurants and bakeries that offer longevity buns in Singapore.
Peony Jade offers two sets of longevity buns made with low-sugar white lotus paste. The $68+ set comes with 18 pieces of mini longevity buns. The $128+ with 28 mini buns, a big character bun, and symbolic handcrafted marzipan animal characters. The longevity buns are also available for self-pickup and delivery, with a delivery fee of $35 per location. Order via the website or call 6276 9138 at least two days in advance
Peony Jade is at 165 Tanjong Pagar Rd, #2F Amara Singapore, Singapore 088539. Visit its website for more information.
Besides the traditional lotus paste longevity buns, Hua Ting also offers them with yam paste or char siew. Each bun is sold at $2 each or in a set of eight or more. Hua Ting can also customise the presentation with special designs and elements for the latter, only for dine-in orders. The longevity buns are available for take-away and dine-in and you must order them at least two days in advance.
Hua Ting is at 442 Orchard Rd, Level 2 Orchard Hotel Singapore, 238879. Visit its website for more information.
Paradise Group has various brands under its umbrella. But if you want longevity buns filled with lotus paste, head over to either Taste Paradise, Paradise Teochew, or Seafood Paradise. Three sets are available: $48 for 18 regular pieces, $88 for 28 regular and six medium pieces, and $168 for 38 regular and 12 medium. Order at least three days in advance and collect via pick-up only.
Paradise Group has multiple locations in Singapore. Visit its website for more information.
Set in a basket, there are 28 pieces of longevity buns in Crystal Jade’s offering. Priced at $45.80, each bun is filled with lotus seed paste. They are chilled upon collection and must be reheated via steaming before consumption. Self-collection at Crystal Jade only.
Crystal Jade has multiple locations in Singapore. Visit its website for more information.
For big celebrations, consider getting Jade’s Auspicious Celebration. The $168 set consists of one large and 10 small longevity buns made with lotus paste, an 800g roasted pork belly, six traditional oblong-shaped miku, and two turtle-shaped miku. Otherwise, each small longevity bun retails for $2++ per piece. The set has to be ordered three days in advance, while the small buns can be ordered before or during the meal. There is an e-shop where you can order too.
Jade is at 1 Fullerton Square, The Fullerton Hotel Singapore, Singapore 049178. Visit its website for more information.
Hai Tien Lo offers both mini and big longevity buns. The former is sold at $2+ each while the latter, which has one big and 28 minis, is priced at $78+. You need to order at least one day in advance and they are available for dine-in or takeaway.
Hai Tien Lo is at 7 Raffles Blvd, Pan Pacific Singapore, Singapore 039595. Visit its website for more information.
More is more at Peach Garden. Longevity buns come in two designs – with or without leaf – and in sets of 38 pieces ($115.97 or $91.13), 68 pieces ($207.53 or $163.07), and 88 pieces ($268.57 or $211.03). Order them via their website.
Peach Garden has multiple locations in Singapore. Visit its website for more information.
East Ocean’s longevity buns comprise a large bun and multiple smaller iterations totalling 20 pieces. Do note that the longevity bun is unavailable for delivery and must be picked up from the restaurant. You can also have the bun pre-heated, though that service is unavailable between 245pm and 6pm. Order via their website.
East Ocean is at 391 Orchard Rd, #05-08/09 Takashimaya Shopping Centre, Singapore 238872. Visit its website for more information.
Petite and simple, Imperial Treasure’s website only offers mini longevity buns. They are sold for $36 for 18 pieces. Order via their website. You can order individual minis for $2 each at select stores or a big and 18 mini longevity buns for $55. Order them one day ahead for dine-in and takeaway. Contact the respective restaurant to enquire prior.
Imperial Treasure has multiple locations in Singapore. Visit its website for more information.
Lisse Cakes offers a range of longevity-themed cakes (from $68) for those looking for a playful alternative to traditional longevity buns. Pictured is the Dragon Prosperous Longevity Cake, which incorporates the mythical animal. Other design elements include cranes, florals, and roses. Cupcakes are also available. Order via their website.
Lisse Cakes is at 28 Cavan Rd, Singapore 209855. Visit its website for more information.