Food trends on Instagram seem to be constantly changing, but recently our food feeds have been flooded with custard-filled lava buns and doughnuts! They’re like the next-generation liu sha baos (salted egg yolk custard buns), but with fillings like matcha and nutella. If you’re curious about them, continue reading to find out how to get them – we’ve included some delivery options as well.
Korfe is a bakery cafe selling fresh bakes housed within the Korean noodle restaurant Huluruk Myeon House. Their lava buns might look unassuming at first glance but they were an overnight success, quickly attracted snaking crowds. That is because after a quick 10 seconds in the microwave, you can tear apart the buns to release a melted pool of flavourful lava that is both gratifying and yummy. In our experience, 10 seconds is enough while 15 seconds will make the filling too liquid. Each bun costs $2, which isn’t overpriced in our opinion.
For chocolate lovers, the bestseller Nutella Cookie Bun is a must-try, while people who love savoury food will enjoy the aromatic Korean Garlic Bun. The Injeolmi Red Bean Bun is also a crowd-favourite, as it isn’t too sweet and has an enjoyable chewy texture with the added mochi.
9 Bishan Pl, #01-40 Junction 8, Singapore 579837
Missing the flavours of Japanese food after not being able to travel for so long? Then you have to try the matcha lava buns from Donq Boulangerie in Takashimaya. The soft, fluffy exterior encapsulates the matcha lava filling, and is generously dusted with matcha powder. Each bite might be messy but it’s worth it. Every batch yields 45 buns, so grab them when you can. Each bun costs $3.
391 Orchard Rd, Ngee Ann City, Singapore 238873
You will be spoilt for choice for flavours of lava buns here at Mr Baguette. Besides the classics Chocolate, Cheese, Hazelnut and Matcha, there are also unique flavours such as Blueberry, Tiramisu and Cookies and Cream. February also saw new additions to the menu: Peach Aloe Vera, Cherry Cranberry, Salted Caramel and Orange Pomelo. If you’re hosting a small gathering, you could get all the flavours, heat them up in the microwave and taste them all with your guests. A box of six costs $11.
102 Hougang Ave 1, #01-1195, Singapore 530102 and 505 Beach Rd, #B1-51 Golden Mile Food Centre, Singapore 199583
While the previous buns are recommended to be heated before consumption, the signature cream buns from time-honoured Japanese brand Hattendo are to be chilled before consumption. This makes them perfect for a pick-me-up when the weather gets overbearing.
Besides their usual soft cream buns, Hattendo also has cream puffs with crisp shells, if you prefer more bite. They also release limited-edition seasonal flavours, with the current one being made with mangoes from Japan.
331 New Bridge Rd, #01-02 Dorsett Residences, Singapore 088764
To be precise, these Burnt Ends Bakery creations are actually “lava doughnuts” with flavours such as Milo Dinosaur, Pandan, Passionfruit Curd, Nutella and Vanilla.
Due to their popularity, you might not be able to get your hands on these stuffed doughnuts at the store. For better chances of snagging them, order from the online store instead. Among the flavours, the Milo Dinosaur, Nutella and Vanilla can be microwaved to boost its taste before consuming. Six doughnuts are priced at $18.
20 Teck Lim Rd, Singapore 088391
For lovers of sourdough bread, you can’t miss out on Sourbombe Bakery, which claims to be the first bakery in Singapore to combine the traditional baking technique with Italian bombolonis doughnuts to create these stuffed doughnuts.
The online bakery was founded by MasterChef Singapore 2018 finalist Genevieve Lee, and became a hot topic since its founding in August last year. The bakery releases limited-edition flavours frequently, such as the recent matcha flavour done in collaboration with Magnum ice cream. The brand also occasionally polls its Instagram followers on the flavours they would like to try next.
Sold in a box of three, six or nine, each flavour of doughnuts is priced differently. Classic flavours include Peanut Butter & Jam ($5.60), Passionfruit & Caramelised Banana ($5.60), Blueberry & Lemon Thyme ($4.80) and Cinnabombe ($3.60).
Note that the online bakery is unable to take orders between March and May but will sell them islandwide, pop-up style. For more information, head to their website or Instagram (@sourbombebakery).
Text: Chua Shi Min and Ho Gui Xiong/NUYOU, HerWorld