To enjoy one of Singapore’s top bolo buns in a minimalist-chic setting, make your way to Champion Bolo Bun in Tanjong Pagar, which opened in 2021. The tightly curated menu features three choices. You can get the classic bolo bun with an optional wedge of butter, or go for the curry potato bun that’s packed with a hearty helping of spicy minced chicken and potato cubes. Complement your snack with one of their signature drinks. We recommend the creamy Champion’s Milk Tea – perfect for cooling off on a hot day.

92 Tanjong Pagar Road, Singapore 088513

With multiple outlets scattered around the downtown area, Joy Luck Teahouse is a convenient option for office workers in need of a mid-afternoon snack. Their bolo bun, which is made with premium flour, comes with a wonderfully thick crust that covers the entire top surface of the confection. In terms of fillings, you can opt for the traditional butter, or go for a slice of luncheon meat or a generous swipe of kaya if you’re feeling adventurous. They also make some mean egg tarts.

Multiple outlets in Singapore.

This old-school bakery – which is known for its egg tarts – also dishes out seriously scrumptious bolo buns. While their original Tiong Bahru outlet is still operational, they opened a swanky new flagship store in Bugis Village in 2021. The handmade confections are made fresh daily, and boast a pillowy interior and a crunchy, golden-brown crust that isn’t too sweet. Other than a plain version, you can choose to get your bolo bun with one of two fillings that they offer: a delectable char siew mix, or a dollop of creamy custard.

18 Jalan Membina, #01-06, Singapore 164018, +65 6271 6056

247 Victoria Street, Singapore 188033, +65 8161 7211

48 Smith Street, Singapore 058957, +65 9487 2089

Leisure travel to Hong Kong may be on hold for the time being, but you can still feast on signature treats from the Fragrant Harbour at the beloved Tai Cheong Bakery. Besides the establishment’s world-famous egg tarts, another hot commodity is their bolo buns, which are crafted with pure butter. The regular offering is a fluffy, crackly delight, and sports a crispy exterior that shatters slightly when you bite into it. For a heartier choice, there’s a char siew version, which provides a salty contrast to balance out the sweetness of the crust.

Multiple outlets in Singapore.

As the bakery arm of the popular So Good Char Chan Teng – which serves homey Hong Kong dishes – you can bet that the bolo buns you’ll find here are worth your money (and your stomach space). The standard bolo bun comes with a sugary crust that has a satisfying crunch to it, and the dough includes many little air pockets that give it a soft and spongy consistency. While you’re here, be sure to try some of their other pastries, such as Hong Kong-style cupcakes, egg tarts and walnut cake. 

111 Somerset Road, #01-17, Singapore 238164, +65 6493 0336

100 Tras Street, #01-10 & 14A, Singapore 079027, +65 6636 1661

9 Raffles Place, #01-12, Singapore 048619, +65 6909 8834

Honolulu Café serves Hong Kong-style dishes with a modern twist, including yummy bolo buns in an assortment of flavours (they even offered a limited-edition range of ice cream bolo buns in late 2021). Other than the traditional version, there’s butter, char siew, red bean and coffee. We love the latter for its generous crust with fragrant coffee notes and light interior that isn’t too dense. If you’re feeling particularly hungry, there’s also the Hawaiian Polo Bun, which includes luncheon meat, a pineapple ring and cheese.

176 Orchard Road, #01-33F/G, Singapore 238843, +65 6734 6609

3 Gateway Drive, #02-06, Singapore 608532, +65 6250 3858

Ever tried a bolo bun with a Taiwanese twist? If not, you can get them at Kazo, which boasts a clutch of stores throughout Singapore. And while these may not exactly be the most authentic bolo buns around, they’re still a treat for those in the mood for something different. The bakes have a crispy exterior and a croissant-like interior, and come in a myriad of flavours. There’s the Golden Lava that’s filled with oozy salted-egg custard; the Hokkaido, which has a luscious cream stuffing; and the Chicken Floss if you want some meat.

Multiple outlets in Singapore.

The next time those cravings hit, consider heading to Crystal Jade My Bread. The evergreen bakery has outlets at Holland Village, Takashimaya and Suntec City, and serves delicious, no-frills bolo buns. There’s the standard choice, which has a flaky sugar crust and soft interior. But we prefer the honey char siew bolo bun – it boasts a moist mouthfeel with flavourful, tender chunks of sweet-salty, well-marinated meat. There’s also the salted egg option that’s piped with a glorious liquid filling.

2 Lorong Mambong, Singapore 277671, +65 6762 5372

391 Orchard Road, #B2-38, Singapore 238872, +65 6733 3323

3 Temasek Boulevard, #B1-114, Singapore 038983, +65 6835 7363

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